Combining a
family-oriented superhero adventure with the brilliant
animation of Disney's Pixar (the creators of MONSTERS INC. and
FINDING NEMO), THE INCREDIBLES charts new territory in the
technical wizardry of computer-generated cartoons. Using
complex angles and a filmic sensibility, the animation feels
like live action, and smart techniques such as cuts to "grainy
film stock" give this movie instant sophistication.
Writer-director Brad Bird, with his creative storytelling and
well-paced character development, does the rest. This tale is
set in a slightly futuristic society where superheroes are no
longer appreciated (Read: But I didn't want to be saved!) and
are forced to assume a very low profile. So, for Mr.
Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), his wife Elastigirl (Holly
Hunter), and his three fledgling superhero kids, maintaining a
lifestyle of mediocrity in order to appear normal causes
constant friction. When the opportunity suddenly arises for
the Incredibles to use their powers to fight evil, it's
trial-by-fire to learn to work as a superteam. Together they
must stop the maniacal Syndrome (Jason Lee) from unleashing a
murderous robot in a big city. Fast action and violence
involving large explosions make this a film that is better
suited for older children rather than the very little ones.
Yet family themes and comic episodes prevail, with eclectic
characters like Edna the fashion designer (voiced by Bird
himself) and the iceman Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) adding
extra moments of fun. |