Superhero stories and animation are a match made in heaven, and director/writer/genius Brad Bird has crafted one of the best superhero films of all-time, certainly rivaling the best products from Marvel Studios and DC Comics (and from me, that is saying something considering I am one of the biggest fans of Marvel and DC). Bird's script is so clever and ingenious that I catch a new joke or discover a new nuance in the story every time I watch it. Every scene is flawlessly detailed with rich animation, impeccable action sequences, and tender familial moments. Like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Incredibles is a film for adults more so than for children, in my opinion. When I first saw it, I was nine, and while I was certainly impressed with the superhero aspect of it with the action, I was never able to fully grasp the complexity of the story and characters. Now, I cannot get enough of The Incredibles. I am downright obsessed with the film, and I attribute all of that to Brad Bird.
As I have stated before, with Pixar, character is key, and The Incredibles stars some of the studio's finest characters to date. Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible (expertly voiced by Craig T. Nelson) is a bonafide legend. Nelson does such a great job of delivering Bird's witty dialogue and balancing it with the emotion of each situation. It is plain to see that Bob has not adjusted well to life without saving the world as he longs to return to action as Mr. Incredible. We can all relate to that sentiment on some level, I do believe, because our lives can become mundane at times while we wait for something better to come around the bend. When Bob finally accepts his new superhero duty from Mirage (another phenomenal character), we find ourselves wholeheartedly cheering for him to succeed so he can relive the glory days. Helen Parr/Elastigirl is equally as fantastic. Yet again, the voice acting here is absurdly amazing as Holly Hunter provides the perfect voice for the supermom. While Bob is craving the glory days, Helen is content with her relatively normal life of raising her three superkids, but when Bob reignites the heroic flame, it comes to a point where she cannot resist joining him. I'll discuss Helen's character in more depth below, but she is one of Pixar's most complex and fascinating characters to date.
The children of Bob and Helen are absolute scene-stealers. Dash and Violet are simply wanting to blend in with society. They understand that they are different than everyone else due to the presence of their powers, but at the end of the day, Dash just wants to compete in sports and Violet wants to catch the eye of her crush, Tony. However, when the Incredibles are forced into action, Dash and Violet unleash their powers, and it is a wonder to behold. The scene in which these two are first in their classic red suits by themselves is one of my favorites scenes in the entire film. Their youngest brother, Jack-Jack, does not get a bunch of screentime, but he certainly makes his presence felt (just ask Syndrome). Then, of course, we do have the excellent villain for The Incredibles: Syndrome. Pixar continues its early success of creating great bad guys following Hopper in A Bug's Life and Randall/Waternoose in Monsters Inc. Syndrome is a complicated character as he definitely reveres Mr. Incredible and everything he stands for, but at the same time, he feels slighted by Mr. Incredible's disrespect. Therefore, he takes matters into his own hands and attempts to exalt himself as the ultimate superhero for all humanity. Jason Lee provides an exquisite voice for Syndrome, delivering quotable line after quotable line ("You sly dog! You had me monologuing!/"And when everyone's super, no one will be."). Also, how could I not mention Frozone? Samuel L. Jackson as a Pixar superhero? Enough said. Finally, can someone be more incredible than Edna Mode? Every word she utters is hilariously profound, especially when she goes on her tirade about the dangers of capes.
Predictably with Pixar, the animation is utterly breathtaking, especially in the action sequences. These action sequences rival the best live action sequences around as Bird and his crew have expertly crafted these scenes to break new ground in the animation industry. The final climatic battle sequence, in particular, is so beautiful that I simply just watch in sheer awe. Additionally, Michael Giacchino's score is spellbinding. Of all the Pixar's soundtracks, this may be my personal favorite (although Giacchino's Up score might have something to say about that later). From the theme song to the subtle music played during Mr. Incredible's investigation into Syndrome's plan, the score is one of the many highlights found in The Incredibles.
There will truly never be another film like The Incredibles (well, until the film's sequel is released in 2019, but I digress). In the debate for Pixar's best, The Incredibles belongs firmly in the top spot or, at worst, in the top three. There is absolutely nothing flawed about this film. If there is such a thing as a perfect film, The Incredibles is it.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: Brad Bird had always been on Pixar's map. In fact, John Lasseter first recruited Bird to join Pixar in 1995 during production of A Bug's Life and in the aftermath of Toy Story. Bird declined, but Lasseter asked him again a few years later. Unfortunately, Bird was already contracted to direct an animated film for 20th Century Fox: the classic known as The Iron Giant. Bird and 20th Century Fox had a falling out of sorts after The Iron Giant as the studio failed to properly promote the film as was expected by Bird. In response, Bird finally joined Pixar. Lasseter informed him that he could join on one condition: Bird had to make the film he was dying to make. Luckily, Bird had come up with the idea for The Incredibles in the early nineties and had been working on it ever since. Naturally, Bird decided to direct the animated masterpiece as his Pixar debut. Interestingly enough, the story for the film is semi-autobiographical as Bird claims the idea was conceived by noticing his personal methods of balancing work and family.
Behind the Scenes: Apparently, Brad Bird wanted to top Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo) not only in directing, but in voice acting as well. As Stanton did for Crush, Bird voiced Edna Mode in the recording sessions and rough cut of the film with no intentions of being the final voice for the character. He initially recruited Lily Tomlin to portray the iconic spitfire, and Tomlin even came in for a meeting with the filmmakers. They showed her the rough cut to give her an idea of the character they were envisioning, but when the meeting was finished, Tomlin asked in regard to Bird's voice for Mode, "What do you need me for? You've got it already." Bird would go on to expertly voice Mode in the film's final cut. Furthermore, Jason Lee, the voice of Syndrome, recorded his lines over the span of four days whereas Craig T. Nelson took close to two years to record his dialogue. Samuel L. Jackson was cast as Frozone because Bird wanted the coolest voice for the classic character.
Favorite Character: I could honestly pick any character from this entire ensemble and make a compelling case as to why they are the film's best and my personal favorite. Every single one of them isjust so exquisitely brought to life in their animation and characterization. However, I am going to choose Helen Parr/Elastigirl as my favorite character in The Incredibles. Helen is perfectly content to accept her new role in society as a mother of three upon the institution of the superhero ban. Unlike her husband at the time, Helen understands that saving the world isn't all that life has to offer, but when she grows suspicious of Bob's whereabouts and actions with Mirage, she slowly realizes that the world needs Elastigirl now more than ever. This is a decision that is made with some reluctance, however, as Helen continually cares for the well-being of her children, which could be endangered if she becomes the hero again. That is what makes Helen such a fascinating character. You can visibly see the inner battle being waged within her spirit as duty faces off against family protection. We come to find out, though, that because she is such a phenomenal character, Helen Parr/Elastigirl saves the world and protects her family in the process. What a character!
Favorite Scene: Once again, I could honestly pick any scene from this entire film and make a compelling case as to why it is the film's highlight and my personal favorite. From the battle sequences to the family focused scenes, Brad Bird's amazing attention to detail in each shot is awe-inspiring. I am going to choose Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible's first encounter with Syndrome as my favorite scene, though. Up to this point, we've been clamoring for the big reveal to occur and the film's villain to finally take center stage. When it turns out that it is Syndrome, or the mastermind formerly known as Buddy/Incrediboy, it is truly a mind-blowing twist (at least upon my first viewing). Then, the following interaction in which Syndrome famously states, "You sly dog! You had me monologuing," is easily one of Pixar's greatest scenes to date. Additionally, the action that transpires in the aftermath of these events is spectacular, leading Mr. Incredible to unveil Syndrome's grand plan after all. It is the turning point in the film, and boy, does it deliver with some incredible characterization, gorgeous animation, and endlessly quotable dialogue.Updated Ranking: We have a new leader atop the Pixar rankings, folks! The question now is how long will it stay there.
- The Incredibles
- Toy Story
- Finding Nemo
- Monsters Inc.
- Toy Story 2
- A Bug's Life
Beware because tomorrow, the sky just might be falling when Chicken Little invades the Summer of Magic!
-Cody Fleenor
-Cody Fleenor
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