The Incredibles [PG]

Bob Parr and his wife Helen were once among the city’s most beloved superheroes, saving lives and battling evil on a daily basis. But in a bizarre turn of events, the city has decided that the supers cause and cost more damage then they’re worth and for fifteen years Bob and Helen have been forced to adopt civilian identities and lead “normal” lives with their children Dash, Violet, and Jack-Jack. However, Bob is having difficulty adapting to normal life and wishes for nothing more than to relive the glory days. And when he is sought out and offered an assignment by a mysterious woman named Mirage, he leaps at the chance to be super again. But Bob’s assignment soon turns into a nightmare, one where his family becomes entangled. Has the former Mr Incredible finally met his match? 

The genius that is Pixar has done it again with this wonderfully funny, emotionally engaging, and refreshingly original animated film. With an original story as its backbone, a clever and funny script as its central nervous system, and memorable characters as the organs that keep it functioning, The Incredibles is a fantastic family film that packs a punch. 

Bob Parr and his wife Helen were once amongst the city’s most beloved superheroes, saving lives and battling evil on a daily basis. But in a bizarre turn of events, the city has decided that the supers cause and cost more damage than they’re worth and for fifteen years, Bob and Helen have been forced to adopt civilian identities and lead “normal” lives with their gifted children Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack. While Helen is trying to keep the family’s talents under control, Bob is distracted and having great difficulty adapting to normal life. All he wants to do is relive the glory days and when he is sought out and offered a special assignment by a mysterious woman named Mirage, he leaps at the chance to be super again. But Bob’s “assignment” soon turns into a super’s nightmare as a new super villain emerges and threatens the city, first ridding it of all its beloved superheroes. And when his family are brought into the plot, things go from bad to worse. Has Mr. Incredible finally met his match? 

I’ve mentioned that the story is wonderfully original and that the script is very enjoyable, but what really sets the film on fire is the visual gags and the characters. 

Firstly, it’s always awesome seeing people with powers. It makes you bubble with excitement, but also feel a little envy. The Incredible family have a range of exciting and effective powers: Bob, formerly named Mr. Incredible has super strength. Helen, formerly named Elastigirl, can stretch her body to great lengths without injuring herself. Violet, their eldest child and only daughter, can become invisible and create indestructible force fields. Dash, their first son, can run extremely fast, even on water. How cool are those powers? And when you see them in action, you just can’t help but quiver with excitement. 

Some of the visual jokes are very clever too. One particular one that stands out for me is when Dash is running through the jungle, being chased by two bad guys. The scene is exactly the jungle chase scene out of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Quite a few movies are sampled in this one, adding another layer of subtle humour to the piece. 

Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly, Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Wallace Shawn, and Jason Lee, The Incredibles is the perfect family movie filled with action, romance, superpowers, volcanoes, giant robots, and great battles. A knockout every time.