Well-Told and Well-Animated

Rating: 9/10 (18 March 2005)

With "The Incredibles" and the under-viewed masterpiece "The Iron Giant", as well as some fine Simpsons episodes under his belt, Brad Bird has shown himself to be one of the finest writer/directors in animated films. "The Incredibles" is simply a beautiful and well-done movie, with an exciting storyline, well-developed themes, and breathtaking animation.
In short, the movie tells the story of Mr. Incredible (played by Craig T. Nelson, who they picked after realizing they shouldn't use John Goodman again, I'm sure) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), two superheroes who are shown getting married at the beginning of the movie. After a bungled rescue attempt (foiled by an incompetent fan named Buddy, who calls himself Incrediboy), would-be victims file civil suits against Mr. Incredible and other superheroes. After a developing public outcry, the government puts the superheroes in hiding, and asks that they refrain from publicly using their powers, even if it's for the greater good.
Cut to fifteen years later, and we see that Mr. Incredible (now Bob Parr) and Elastigirl (who goes by Helen Parr) are now raising children (Dash and Violet, who have superpowers as well, but aren't allowed to use them for fear of being found out) and Bob works at an insurance company that makes its business by screwing its clients in their hour of need. Unsatisfied with his job and stuck in the past of his glory days, Bob leaps at the opportunity to go on a secret mission and utilize his powers of super-strength. Of course, things aren't exactly as they seem, and the entire family ends up getting caught up in an adventure that allows them to utilize their strengths, rather than be ashamed of them. Their escapade changes the lives of superheroes all over the world from then after.
The film has strong themes of family, restraint, and individuality, the latter being the most well-defined. There is one line that is used at least twice in the movie: "If everyone is special, that means that no one really is." A lot of people have looked at the individuality theme and thought that Bird wants to make a statement about all people not actually being equal. I believe the statement is true, not all people can do the same things (although they should be given the same opportunities), but is an incorrect interpretation. Actually, Mr. Bird seems to be saying that people should be allowed to use and develop their strengths to the best of their abilities, and always in the best interest of the general public. (The movie's villain develops his talents, but for evil, and we see that he isn't rewarded for it.) After all, they're all much happier when they're allowed to be all that they can be (watch Dash's eyes light up when his mother directs him to run as fast as he can if he gets into trouble).
The animation is unbelievable in this movie. As it ended, I thought to myself that if this is the future of animation, then live-action has a lot to live up to. Of course, live-action will never be eliminated, there's too much to offer in the medium. However, there are some scenes that took place in The Incredibles that couldn't have happened without great cost, and likely with a loss to the scene. This is Pixar's first film in which all the characters were human, and I would be interested to see what it would be like if they took animation just a few steps (or less) further into other genres.
9.75/10.00 for The Incredibles.