What a pleasant surprise!

Rating: 7/10 (5 November 2004)

Pixar has quite a good record when it comes to producing quality animated features. From it's pioneering 'Toy Story' to the fabulous 'Monsters Inc.' and the very funny 'Finding Nemo'. Now comes The Incredibles. This film explores the life of superheroes that all of a sudden are forced into a premature retirement, much to their dismay. However soon they are forced back into an action to counter an unlikely enemy.
Well because Pixar's last two efforts were comedies and based on the trailer of this one I was expecting this to also be a comedy. To my surprise their were only a few funny moments in the film. So guys don't expect to be laughing all through the movie. It was a little annoying at first but eventually I got used to it and was able to appreciate the movie more.
As expected the production team did a great job in creating beautiful characters and a realistic world around them. Even up to now I still can't help but admire computer made animation. I guess it has something to do with growing up and getting used to seeing animation done by hand and this one seems so different and unique to what I am used to.
My impression on the cast initially was not that positive. Seeing how past films would pack their rosters with A List actors to do the voicing, this one really didn't live up to that 'standard'. Plus the fact that I felt that Craig T. Nelson didn't really fit the role (as I had expected this to be a pure comedy). After the film I'm still not that convinced with Nelson but I thought Holly Hunter did a great job. You go just feel that Elasti-Girl's character fits Hunter's personality to a T.
I really cannot comment much on the plot line. Normally I wouldn't like this type of story which seemed a little predictable but this is after all a movie intended for the younger set and perhaps this can be excused.
In the final reckoning, it may not be as good as perhaps Monsters Inc. or Finding Nemo but it was still a credible effort. Overall quite a solid movie which many will enjoy.