Go to the (Edith) Head of the class

Rating: 8/10 (28 November 2004)

There's not an original moment in THE INCREDIBLES (it's gleefully cribbed from everything from classic James Bond and Matt Helm movies for the action to episodes of MAD ABOUT YOU and SEINFELD for the personal relationships - even a veiled reference to the "Tar Baby" trap in Disney's SONG OF THE SOUTH sneaks in!), but that doesn't stop it from being rattling good fun and intellectually satisfying on many, many levels.
The absolute pinnacle of wit and imagination comes with the couple scenes which reincarnate famed Hollywood costume designer Edith Head (here dubbed Edna Mode) and make her the most interesting caricature in the film - SHE should have a spin-off if she weren't such a perfect supporting character.
THE INCREDIBLES is not unreservedly incredible (its unimaginative "handling" of a fine villain near the end is unfortunate, and the fact that with a body count higher than the most gory mob movie "moral," "family values" Middle America finds it *perfect* for the kiddies raises cynical hackles), but it is easily the best (or at least most enjoyable) cartoon feature since MONSTERS, INC.. It isn't as self consciously pretentious as SHREK or as cloying as FINDING NEMO (as much fun as both of those were anyway).
It promises to be well worth more than one viewing for any sophisticated viewer (in fact, the later issued DVD with its Jack Attack "bonus" cartoon showing what happened with the baby sitter while she called the parents in the main movie and some fanciful "secret" files on other super heroes, is a delight even after repeated viewings) ...and all those Middle American/"Red State" kiddies who will clearly love "Syndrome" as a role model.