"The Incredibles" is a fine example of the future of animated films; a future where animation is not bound by childishness. It is a future that Pixar has been striving for since "Toy Story," but have finally fully succeeded with here. If I could compare "The Incredibles" to any film, it would not be "Shrek," or a Pixar counterpart. No, it would be "Raiders of the Lost Ark," it would be "Back to the Future"...it would be films that not only managed to be brilliant and wonderfully entertaining, but to have an impact due to their creativity and energy. "The Incredibles" has action that is supremely better than most other action films you will ever see. The humor is more controlled and clever than any film you may ever see. It manages to remain completely original, but at the same time, homage those films and characters that inspired it.

Taking place in a retro-futuristic 1960s world filled with geometric buildings and bright colors, "The Incredibles" opens with the adventures of the well-named Mr. Incredible (voice of Craig Nelson). Our protagonist is a beloved superhero who, in the space of a single evening, saves what appears to be hundreds of lives, including a suicide jumper, who then turns around and sues Mr. Incredible for saving him without his consent. Soon, superheroes everywhere are being brought to trial by those they saved for the most frivolous reasons, and soon all superheroes have to have to relinquish their powers and secretly join civilian life. So Bob Parr (for that is the name of Mr. Incredible) joins suburbia with his wife, Helen (Holly Hunter), formerly the super-stretching Elastagirl and they raise three children who gain superpowers: Violet is a shy teen who can turn invisible and create force fields; Dash can run at what seems to be the speed of sound; and baby Jack seems to do, well, nothing. The story really begins to move forward when Bob, going through a mid-life crisis of sorts, is called upon to perform a secret assignment. I've already spoiled too much, but I will say what follows is some of the most original filmmaking you will see all year.

First off, a note to parents: This film is rated PG. Please take it seriously. While it is by no means horrifically violent, it is a serious departure from previous Pixar works. It is similar to content as "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Violent, but forgivably so. Please take note and leave the very young kids home.

There are so many reasons to love "The Incredibles" and only enough space to mention about half of them. First, the voice acting. Unlike previous Pixar efforts, the cast is almost entirely no-names. This works not only because they perfectly embody their characters, but we this way they can become fully realized people without the constant reminder that a celebrity is making them talk. Nelson and Hunter are wonderful and the same for the kids. Jason Lee is great as a surprisingly interesting and evil villain, and Samuel L. Jackson is hilarious as Frozone, a hero with the power of freezing.

At this time, I will applaud Brad Bird. Without him, this never would have happened. As a writer, he creates the remarkable story, and as a director he more than brings it to life: he wraps us in a fictional world. The design of the characters and settings is certainly unrealistic, but it's a creative decision that pays off in spades. As an actor, Godspeed. He has the scene stealing role of Edna, a superhero costume designer. Quite an odd choice of casting, but it also pays off.  Numerous subtle homages to superhero lore and other films are clever and hilarious (much more so than the contrived and irritating satiric banter of "Shark Tale"). The superheroes playfully borrow from other comics (namely "The Fantastic Four") and it comes off a loving gesture, not a rip-off. Oh, yeah, and the animation is flat-out gorgeous.

There are a few problems that keep this from the honored A+. There a several moments in the course of the film that simply didn't work. They're too small to mention here, but they felt forced and unfunny (you'll probably know it when you see it).

What really makes "The Incredibles" special for me, though, is that Bird takes risks. This is the first Pixar film to technically be an action/adventure film and the first to have truly evil villains doing truly evil and unspeakable things. Although it is not as heavy as most films (Like I said, compare it to Indiana Jones), "The Incredibles" is a dark, often scary film. Bird pulls no punches. When they are forced into battle, the mother tells her children the honest truth that someone is trying to kill them. Mr. Incredible learns shocking and unnerving secrets about the fate of his former friends. And yes, there IS a body count (no on-screen bloody deaths, though). This darkness is redeemed by some truly special themes about family and compassion. Any child who is mature enough to handle the content can benefit from the morals subtly taught here. Perhaps adults will, too. After all, Mr. Incredible's mid-life crisis is not far-fetched; everyone wants to be important. Much is shown in this film.

And that's what Pixar does best and will hopefully continue to do: teach an important lesson, but keep it from the viewer until the film is over. While watching the movie, it's splendid entertainment. Once it's over, you may very well be a better person. "The Incredibles" is one of the best films of the year and certainly the best animated one. This is certainly worthy of best picture.

© Written by Jacob Hall

How We Rated This Film TC Candler -     Richard Propes - B+ Jacob Hall - A

TC Candler's Comment

n/a

Richard Propes' Comment

I am always troubled when a film places children in danger. I am even more troubled by this happening when it is done in what is advertised as a children's film that is basically a comedy. While the children in this film ultimately triumphed and discovered their strength, I question the wisdom of showing children being attacked by adults and other objects. It felt wreckless and unnecessary. I am undoubtedly particularly sensitive to violence against children, however, in a children's film such as this even the message that the family sticks together is lost in the rather serious risks and violence these kids experience. It still bothers me.

That said, the film ended and there was applause in the audience. Clearly, those attending enjoyed this film and it is quite enjoyable. I wouldn't be surprised to see this film end up as one of the three Oscar nominees this year for "Best Animated Film." This film, for me, is one of the best "superhero" films I've seen. It's entertaining, inspiring and yet another triumph for Disney/Pixar. With a mild warning for those with small children, I highly recommend "The Incredibles."