The Incredibles

Family values: Pixar is at its peak with The Incredibles

By Mike Prevatt

One of these days, Pixar is going to see an end to its streak of lauded computer-animated blockbusters. However, it's safe to say it won't happen with The Incredibles, a dynamic and immensely entertaining adventure comedy as inspired as it is inspiring.

But we can't give Pixar all the credit this go-round. For the first time, the company imported talent for one of its features: animator Brad Bird, a former director/consultant for "The Simpsons," and the visionary behind 1999's much-beloved yet criminally underpromoted The Iron Giant. Bird, who has a history of getting sacked for prioritizing aesthetics and narrative over cutesy mainstream accessibility, was given full creative control for The Incredibles, and his knack for imaginative, witty and nuanced work shines throughout the film. Though it's Pixar's first PG-rated effort, there isn't a single member of the family it doesn't appeal to.

Which is fitting, given that it's about a family. The Parrs are a quintet living like any other household, except that each of them was born with powers they must keep suppressed. Fifteen years ago, society grew weary of the superhero efforts of father Bob (aka Mr. Incredible, voiced by Craig T. Nelson), mother Helen (Elastigirl, by Holly Hunter) and their peers. Since then, Bob--now a depressed insurance adjuster trying the patience of his bottom-line-vigilant boss--has been saving humankind undercover with pal Lucien (Frozone, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson).

Then there's former fan Buddy (Jason Lee), who has become the villainous Syndrome and is slowly trying to eliminate all the former superheroes. When he captures Mr. Incredible on his secret island, and sets out to unleash his indestructible robots onto the civilized world, it is Helen who must save both her husband and the world. Complicating things is her two kids, Violet (Sarah Vowell) and Dash (Spencer Fox), stowaways on her jet who now must use their unrefined abilities for the first time.

Pixar has outdone itself in virtually every aspect of the film, especially when it comes to the visuals. This is the first time its animators have used extended adventure scenes, and the ones here are jawdropping in terms of both excitement level and realistic imagery. If that weren't enough, the human characters--given lead roles for the first time in a Pixar flick--exhibit astonishing detail, from the wrinkles in their clothes to the way their hair blows in the wind. Furthermore, the entire film exudes late '50s/early '60s style, evidenced in the grainy-newsreel feel of the opening sequence and the overall art deco motif.

However, so much is happening at any given time that you literally don't have time to stop and gawk at the animation. Like Shrek 2, gags and puns nearly stack atop each other; it's easy to miss one moment of hilarity because you're still laughing at the last one. Film buffs won't be able to count all the cinematic references, most of them rooted in various spy, science fiction and superhero flicks, and used for both spoof and homage purposes.

And the characters are fantastically developed. Most memorable--and hammy--are the supporting characters, such as Jackson's smooth-talking Frozone and Bird's outrageously funny costume designer, Edna. Then there are the family members, whose superpowers bear a direct correlation to what stage of life they occupy. Teenage Violet is a shy misfit who can accordingly make herself invisible or create a force field around her. Dash is a hyperactive, precocious 10-year-old who can run faster than Forrest Gump. As for the parents, Helen's Elastigirl act allows her to be expandable as mothers need to be, and Bob's strength seems analogous to his efforts to carry and protect his clan.

The Incredibles is more than just a cartoon about a family--it's about how and why a family becomes a unit, shown with equal parts deference and irreverence. It's also another example of substance balanced with style from Pixar, which itself wields extraordinary cinematic powers.