Most over-rated film of the year

Rating: 6/10 (12 November 2004)

This really isn't a very good movie. It's just that simple. The story line is weak, character development all but non-existent (the most interesting character is the costume designer who is clearly based in part on Edith Head), and most important it just plain drags. This is not to say that the movie doesn't have its moments. It's in fact a perfectly OK "flick" but it is nothing special and it is a big disappointment coming from Pixar whose previous work has been so good.
We aren't told why Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl were attracted to each other and we don't see much of their relationship. I guess we're just supposed to accept that all superheroes eventually get together, or something like that. Their children are introduced and then sort of float until the plot needs their help. The motivation of Buddy is too easy, not very interesting.
The notion that Mr. Incredible is driven from crime-fighting by law suits is inventive and funny. That the government would pay the judgments is -- well, incredible. Comic book superheros do not work for the government or even accept pay from the government. They generally exist more or less in a netherworld between government power and the world of crime. But the Incredibles end up in the superhero equivalent of the witness protection program. To coin a phrase, what's with that?
So, overrated and disappointing. Wait for the DVD. I wish I had.