Disney/Pixar's most recent animated feature, unlike Shark Tale, does not boast a star-studded cast of marquee names to voice its characters. In fact, the only familiar name on its voice-over list would have to be one-time Oscar winner Holly Hunter; yet it can be said that The Incredibles is a whole lot more enjoyable to watch than its bloated (and pretentious) Dreamworks counterpart.
Running at slightly under two hours, The Incredibles is Disney/Pixar's first PG-rated animated feature and no wonder, because it lacks the overwhelming sugary sweetness and the laugh-a-minute humor of Finding Nemo; even the action sequences seem to be a little more violent than what we've come to expect from a Disney cartoon. Moreover, the first half of the film is pretty heavy on dialogue with minimal action, thus allowing for proper character development and story build-up. Thankfully, the pace picks up soon after and then it becomes a marvellous joyride til the finish.
Neither the storyline nor the characters in the film are entirely original; you would have probably come across either in one form or another in some other cartoon or comic book. Yet, while The Incredibles is a goof on superhero comics on the surface, beneath its shiny veneer is a critique on society's culture of idolisation and conformity to perceived "norms". Perhaps these easily identifiable social issues are the thematic elements which its director, Brad Bird, intended to explore, but those familiar with his earlier work (i.e 1999's The Iron Giant) will come to realise that The Incredibles also possesses a certain unique charm and human flavor which is quite difficult to ignore.
Although the script is not as abundant in gags and funny slapstick as Finding Nemo was, the stunning visuals and wonderful voice-over work more than makes up for it. All in all, The Incredibles is one half James Bond, one half the X-Men, with a whole lot of fun thrown in-between. This is definitely one movie where the adults will get to enjoy to watch as much as (or probably even more than) the kids.
my ratings ---- 4.2/5 stars!!!
