Ever since Pixar has been producing full-length films, many people have been proclaiming how Pixar somehow started to out-Disney Disney. They have developed story-driven, character-rich films that hearken to some of Disney Animation’s classic movies. Starting with Toy Story and moving through Finding Nemo, Pixar has had a string of hits that just keep getting better and better. The Incredibles takes a sharp turn into a darker, more ominous world for Pixar.
And they just keep getting better and better.
Fifteen years ago, after a string of expensive lawsuits, super-heroes have been forced into hiding and must maintain normal, mundane lives. This has caused Bob Parr, the former Mr. Incredible, to sink into a pit of overwhelming average-ness. He longs for the past, despite the wishes of his wife, Helen (formerly Elasti-girl) and best friend Luscious (formerly, Frozone). However, after being fired from his job, a mysterious job surfaces that sends him a jungle island owned and controlled by his new arch-nemesis, Syndrome. When Helen realizes not all is well, she heads off towards the island to save her husband, and is joined by her two eldest children; brooding teenager, Violet, and eager prankster, Dash. What follows is an exhilarating romp filled with action, excitement, truly jaw-dropping visuals, and enough tongue-in-cheek humor to keep even the most sullen adult smiling.
That is probably the greatest aspect of this film. Syndrome puts it best when talking to Mr. Incredible, who is threatening to crush his assistant, coyly smiles and says, “That sounds kind of dark for you.” It is dark. Explosions and violence abound in this film, but it comes across as feeling gratuitous. It’s a super-hero movie, and as a result some face-less bad guys are bound to get the tar beat out of them. It happens in this film, and I think it is very refreshing to see a different type of attitude emerge out of Steve Jobs’ studio.
Despite the violence and fights, the family and its relationships provide the heart and soul of the film. More so for parents, the characters are more real than talking toys or missing fish. They represent fears and ideas that ever adult faces. The frustration of feeling like you’re stuck going nowhere, while your dreams have you doing so much more; the fear of your children being hurt while still allowing them to grow up; the consequences of destroying dreams. All of these things are dealt with in The Incredibles, and to see Pixar do such an adult movie is such a testament to how good these guys really are.
Children may not like this movie as much as Finding Nemo. Young boys will like it for the action, but I don’t expect it to have the universal appeal of Pixar’s previous releases. However, I feel almost as if this movie is a reward for the parents who may not have completely enjoyed A Bug’s Life but still had to see it numerous times. The Incredibles is just that; incredible. I honestly think it’s the best thing Pixar has ever done. But I’m a twenty-one year old male. I like dark movies.
3 ½ OUT OF FOUR STARS
Overall Summary- It gets bumped a bit for not being universally appealing, but it gets accolades for not being a kiddy-flick. It’s very adult for Pixar, which make it that much better.
And they just keep getting better and better.
Fifteen years ago, after a string of expensive lawsuits, super-heroes have been forced into hiding and must maintain normal, mundane lives. This has caused Bob Parr, the former Mr. Incredible, to sink into a pit of overwhelming average-ness. He longs for the past, despite the wishes of his wife, Helen (formerly Elasti-girl) and best friend Luscious (formerly, Frozone). However, after being fired from his job, a mysterious job surfaces that sends him a jungle island owned and controlled by his new arch-nemesis, Syndrome. When Helen realizes not all is well, she heads off towards the island to save her husband, and is joined by her two eldest children; brooding teenager, Violet, and eager prankster, Dash. What follows is an exhilarating romp filled with action, excitement, truly jaw-dropping visuals, and enough tongue-in-cheek humor to keep even the most sullen adult smiling.
That is probably the greatest aspect of this film. Syndrome puts it best when talking to Mr. Incredible, who is threatening to crush his assistant, coyly smiles and says, “That sounds kind of dark for you.” It is dark. Explosions and violence abound in this film, but it comes across as feeling gratuitous. It’s a super-hero movie, and as a result some face-less bad guys are bound to get the tar beat out of them. It happens in this film, and I think it is very refreshing to see a different type of attitude emerge out of Steve Jobs’ studio.
Despite the violence and fights, the family and its relationships provide the heart and soul of the film. More so for parents, the characters are more real than talking toys or missing fish. They represent fears and ideas that ever adult faces. The frustration of feeling like you’re stuck going nowhere, while your dreams have you doing so much more; the fear of your children being hurt while still allowing them to grow up; the consequences of destroying dreams. All of these things are dealt with in The Incredibles, and to see Pixar do such an adult movie is such a testament to how good these guys really are.
Children may not like this movie as much as Finding Nemo. Young boys will like it for the action, but I don’t expect it to have the universal appeal of Pixar’s previous releases. However, I feel almost as if this movie is a reward for the parents who may not have completely enjoyed A Bug’s Life but still had to see it numerous times. The Incredibles is just that; incredible. I honestly think it’s the best thing Pixar has ever done. But I’m a twenty-one year old male. I like dark movies.
3 ½ OUT OF FOUR STARS
Overall Summary- It gets bumped a bit for not being universally appealing, but it gets accolades for not being a kiddy-flick. It’s very adult for Pixar, which make it that much better.
