Truly outstanding superhero homage from Pixar

Rating: 9/10 (31 October 2013)

The Incredibles is another classic computer-animated film from Pixar. Riding high from past successes Pixar decided to do a film different to the norm by featuring all human characters for the first time and giving Brad Bird free reign over the whole project, and it pays off no end with one of their strongest efforts.
The story starts off with superheroes Mr Incredible and Elastigirl keeping Metroville safe from crime and getting married. This all stops when people begin suing the 'Supers' as they are forced to quit and go into a relocation programme. Fifteen years pass and they try to live a normal life with their children, but Mr Incredible misses the glory days. He gets his chance via a mysterious call to a secret mission. However he quickly discovers his past is back to haunt him and a plot to kill off all Supers. The plot is excellent as it holds up in so many ways as an actioner and drama with comedic elements. The similarities to other Superhero media, especially Watchmen, are done perfectly too.
The cast and characters are brilliant. Mr Incredible is everything a lead needs, he's charismatic and 'super' but he's humane and caring, it makes a very three dimensional character backed wonderfully by Craig T. Nelson's strong voice. Elastigirl is also great being a dominant and getting in on the action, the unique voice of Holly Hunter works a charm. Dash and Violet are also a lot of fun. They don't become annoying like many children do, they have good personalities and their powers are well worked in. Jason Lee was great as Syndrome, who's a superb villain being so unlikable and evil. Samuel L. Jackson is a lot of fun as the cool Frozone and Brad Bird is hilarious as obsessed Superhero costume designer Edna Mode.
The Incredibles is almost perfect is every way you could imagine. The action is superb from the many battles on the island to the explosive climax. The pacing is excellently managed, it takes time to develop the characters and lets events pan out with care. The vast amount of homages to Superheroes is wonderful. The way the film builds an array of Supers and has fun with them is a joy to behold. The nods to The Fantastic Four and Watchmen were very impressive. The music from Michael Giacchino is just marvellous moving from heroic to Bond like, the main theme and 'Kronos Unveiled' are just magnificent. The animation is brilliant, all the Supers look unique and are all memorably designed, and everything looks fantastic wherever it takes place. It's also refreshing that The Incredibles is much more older children/adult oriented than anything Pixar has done before or since. It doesn't shy away from the violence and how much the entire family has their lives put on the line. Plus the film must be commended for being much more serious and intense, there are still some great jokes, but its great how it uses the subject matter in a thoughtful way.
Overall The Incredibles is both really funny and really well made, it's certainly one of Pixar's best due to how good everything really is.