The Incredibles

Released 2004
Animated
Voices Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Wallace Shawn, Spencer Fox, Lou Romano, Sarah Vowell, Elizabeth Peña
Directed by Brad Bird

The Incredibles confronts the midlife crisis of a once-popular superhero. In his prime, Mr. Incredible (voice of Craig T. Nelson) was beloved by millions. Saving the world wasn't just his job; it was his passion. ("No matter how many times you save the world, it always gets in jeopardy again.") But things changed. People began filing lawsuits against the superheroes (starting with a suicide victim irate that his life was saved), driving them underground courtesy of the "Superhero Relocation Program," which offered a new life in return for a promise never to act as a superhero again. At first, Mr. Incredible and his beloved wife, Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), were happy to live as Bob and Helen Parr, and raise their children, speedy Dash (Spencer Fox); shy, shrinking Violet (Sarah Vowell); and baby Jack-Jack. But, as his job at an insurance company becomes increasingly abrasive, Mr. Incredible yearns for the old days. Some nights, he and his old buddy, Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), listen to the police scanner, then give the cops a little unexpected aid. But it's not enough. Then along comes a mysterious woman (Elizabeth Peña) with a job offer, and Mr. Incredible sees a chance to regain his self-confidence and convince himself that he can once again make a difference.

Summary by James Berardinelli

I absolutely loved this movie, and I think it's my favorite of the Pixar flicks. It's probably partly because I love superheroes, but it's also because the movie is more than just a comedy. It actually made me verklempt in a few places with Mr. Incredible's mid-life crisis and some of the touching family moments. It also made me laugh out loud with everything from the lawsuits to the soul-sucking, office jobs. I think my biggest laugh was Bob's comment about Dash's 4th grade graduation ceremony as part of the normal people's drive to celebrate mediocrity. Then everything moved to the island where the kids had their first opportunity to use their superpowers, and I thought this part of the movie soared. It made me want to hug my own family as I watched this family come together and learn to work as a unit. Honestly, I can't wait to see it again. --Bill Alward, November 14, 2004