I have been looking forward to this movie for the past year, ever since I saw the first teaser. Pixar taking on superheroes, not only that, but superheroes trying to have normal lives. The idea is just great. Tell me you never thought about superheroes blending in with the rest of us. Imagine, wondering if your neighbor could fly, if that weird guy down the street could pick up your car, any of that. Anyway, the day has arrived, The Incredibles has arrived at your local cineplex, and the result is well, not to repeat just about every other critic out there but it's incredible.
Our tale begins with tales of heroes saving people, all is well. Then, in true American fashion, our nation of litigation mentality kicks in and heroes get sued, forcing them all to retire. This is where it gets interesting, all of the heroes have to blend in with the rest of society. They now face their toughest challenge yet, the family dynamic and the 9-5 job.
We focus on Mr. Incredible, now known as Robert Parr, and his wife Elasti-girl, sorry Helen. They live in a nice suburban town with their three kids. Bob works for an insurance company, and longs for more, for the old days. Then one day, he gets a mysterious letter inviting him to become a hero again. I don't really want to go too far into the plot, there is a lot to discover in this movie.
The story is great, it has a lot for everybody, age is no object. The one thing that struck me while watching, was the more adult elements. It has upped the ratio of kids versus adult material. It jumped off the screen at me. I have loved all of Pixar's films, but this is the first one that seems to target grown ups as much as it does children. It only makes me wonder more what they could do once they are out from under the Disney banner.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - LKL
Great review. I agree, "The Incredibles" was just... incredible. I especially liked how creatively the superheroes used their powers.
2 - Natalie Davis
Yes, the animation was superb and the performances were fine. But ...
SKIP THIS POSTING IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE SPOILERS!
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
Yet again we get the man in the forefront; Elastigirl giving up her identity to wear a bastardization of hubby's super-suit while being left to deal with the kids; a "minority" superfriend who appears for no other purpuse but to show how appreciative the filmmakers are of diversity (never mind that the token negro, played by Mace Windu, um, Sam Jackson, is some stereotypical new-millennium minstrel show -- "Woman, where is my super-suit?!?"); women with zero percent body fat (way to fuck up young girls' self perceptions, Pixar); and a tired retread of Ally Sheedy's Breakfast Club subplot (girls, get your hair out of your eyes and you'll get a guy, which is all that matters in life). Whoopee. Can't wait for the inevitable sequel. Maybe Frozone will get to use a purple light sabre -- or, better yet, find a meaningful raison d'etre. Perhaps Helen will get it together and tell Bob to screw off -- she's Elastigirl, not "Mrs. Incredible," dammit.
I'll give The Incredibles this much: At least it's the girl who saves the family. And the baby bursting into flames was wicked.
R
E
L
I
O
P
S
*** SAFE TO READ AGAIN *** SAFE TO READ AGAIN *** SAFE TO READ AGAIN ***
What an exciting tale of derring-do... The Incredibles is Pix-tastic.