MOVIE REVIEW: THE INCREDIBLES (9 OUT OF 10)
In 1995, Pixar Animation Studios burst into the public consciousness with the release of their first feature film, Toy Story. From the day it hit theaters, the movie was a smash hit, garnering both critical and commercial success, and establishing the Pixar trademark as a sure sign of innovation and high-quality craftsmanship in the burgeoning field of digital animation. Nine years and six motion pictures later, Pixar is still on top of their game, and their radiant new movie, The Incredibles, is just as breathtakingly original and engrossing as any of their releases to date.
The Incredibles follows the story of the Parrs, an average suburban family made up of the movieland requisite wallflower daughter, mischievous son, cute baby, soccer mom, and of course, the ennui suffering father whose work life is unfulfilling and dull. The family fits the archetype of the typical American film family in every way – except for the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Parr are retired superheroes, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, respectively. They were compelled some years ago, along with all of the other “supers” in the film’s universe, to give up their heroic pursuits due to a public backlash that forced them into government relocation programs and lives of mundane suburban mediocrity. Their children, the rambunctious Dash who is able to run at an exceedingly high velocity, and Violet whose shy and meek personality compliments her ability to form force fields and render herself invisible, are well aware of their parents’ past exploits, but have been taught all of their lives to hide their special abilities. The cast is rounded out by the wannabe superhero and evil genius, Buddy (the underrated Jason Lee), his helper with a conscience, Mirage, and of course, the token black man and former superhero, Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson).
The plot of The Incredibles is inconsequential however, as it follows the tried and true superhero formulas that have existed for over half a century now. Rest assured that by the end of the film, the children are no longer taught to shun their powers, and that the public is no longer so ungrateful of heroes. What truly makes the film great is the warmth and depth of its characters, and the surprisingly mature humor that inhabits the movie.
As with previous Pixar pictures, each of the characters has their own painstakingly created personality, and a visible range of emotion broader than any human actor. They dwell within an amazingly vivid and detailed world that recalls contemporary landscapes with a touch of ‘50s comic book nostalgia. The animation and habitats are not as lush and magical as those of last year’s stunning Finding Nemo, but they are nonetheless works of art.
Writer/director Brad Bird’s target audience is obviously of the younger persuasion for The Incredibles, but his movie is still chock full of funny asides and sexual innuendo that keep viewers of all ages engrossed in its humorous plot. Throughout, the animators address the fact that Elastigirl has an… ahem… ass that would make Sir Mixalot proud.
Even though it fails to surpass its predecessor, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles is a great movie and a standout in the Pixar library. Whether you’re a cynical old bastard or a young at heart 20-something looking to regain the nostalgia of your youth, it has the visual charm, sharp wit, and warmth to appeal to you.
