Using actors who up to this point I thought were either dead or long out of the acting business, "The Incredibles" stomps out the competition for clever kids' movies, including "The Polar Express."
In this animated adventure, Pixar creates a family flick that even us mature people could appreciate. Actors like Craig T. Nelson from the old TV series "Coach," Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson and Jason Lee help create this superhero hit that will be among Pixar's top films.
In the beginning, we are introduced to the family. Unlike the rest of the families in the neighborhood, this family has super powers. Mr. Incredible (Nelson, or should I say "Coach") heads the family alongside his wife, Elastic Girl (Hunter). Along with their two kids Dash (his name gives away that he runs fast or something to that nature) and Violet (no connection between name and powers), who can turn invisible, the super family lives like ordinary people among other ordinary people. The only thing that sets them apart from every other family, besides their super powers, is Mr. Incredible's giant upper body leading into his smaller-than-normal lower half, and the daughter's striking resemblance to the ghastly girl from "The Grudge."
The family is forced to conceal their secret identities and powers from their suburban neighbors because the city doesn't take kindly to superheroes. After some crime fell through the cracks, the people of the city banned any heroes from protecting the city.
Mr. Incredible is stuck in an insurance claims job that he hates, when he is offered a mysterious mission -- a la "Mission Impossible," complete with a self-destructing video.
It seems like the usual good guy/bad guy situation, but there is something going on deep within the island fortress. Super villain Syndrome (Jason Lee) is behind the mysterious mission, motivated by a hatred of superheroes (and a desire to become a superhero himself). Mr. Incredible finds himself in a tough situation, and his family must jump back into their superhero garb -- literally.
"The Incredibles" is excellent, even for college students and adults. The movie blends kid-friendly themes with adult-level wit. Although the ending is somewhat predictable -- the good guys have to win -- the movie is still fun to watch.
It kept me laughing and satisfied my need for animated movies for a while. Overall, I would give "The Incredibles" four pitchforks out of five.
Reach the reporter at brian.kirshman@asu.edu.