4/4 ESSENTIALThe Incredibles feels as if it goes out of it's way to go against every superhero movie stereotype in the books. It's a completely original world with great characters, dialogue, and animated action. It stands out against so many other family films because it is one of the few that actually appeals to the whole family. It won't leave little kids bored half-way through, but it's smart enough to keep the teens and adults satisfied.The movie centers around the Parr family. The common love or dismissal of superheroes is replaced with a society that hates their guts. After an attempted suicide was foiled by Mr. Incredible, superheroes were outlawed. Then it cuts to him as a family man. His kids and wife (former super "Elasta-Girl) have superpowers, and after 15 years of leading a "normal life", he has a compulsive need to sneak out at night to preform heroics.Instead of studying only one superhero, it gives adequate screen time and attention to each member of the Parr family. Each member of the family has their own powers and balances each other out in the action. The chemistry between the characters alternates between trying to preform heroics, and well... typical family squabbling. The way The Incredibles depicts the ultimate family super-team side as well as the typical American family side is very clever.Pixar made a movie that will shake the foundations of its rival studios. Their keaner eye for quality and tried-and-true conflict style has carried them for more than 20 years. They have had their downs, and they have had their greats, but The Incredibles is one for the ages.

Before The Incredibles, Pixar made films like Toy Story, A Bugs Life and Monsters Inc. They've always avoided human focused storylines because of the lack of the technology. But they have got the animation down to perfection here from the facial expressions and character movements. The textures of hair and muscle movements are also a great achievement. Looking back today the animation still looks impressive. There are so many films it pays homage to but to great effect. It's more of a satire of films than a spoof. It mostly deals with comic book films like Fantastic 4 but it actually works as its own movie. It also has a 60s Bond espionage feel to it. These heroes do their work in the shadows like secret agents, our lead character is cool and charismatic and the villain lives in a Volcano. Like every Pixar film before it, it's a cleverly written film because it's not just aimed at kids. It deals with subjects like political commentary, the mundane restraints of work life and letting yourself go. It's a film about family, redemption, rejection and consequences. Some films feel forced whenever they tackle social subjects but the writers manage to balance all of these subjects that work well within the story. The action scenes are really exciting and inventive. There are so many subtle comedic moments and there are some heartfelt ones too. It takes so many risks and it's a surprise to see some of the darker scenes make it into the film. Voice actors Craig T Nelson, Brad Bird, Holly Hunter and Samuel L Jackson each give memorable performances and the exciting music score by Michael Giacchino elevates the action scenes to another level. Stan Lee once said it was the best superhero film he's ever seen, and he wasn't wrong. It puts a lot of superhero films to shame.

Brad Bird's classic superhero film still continues to shine today, with its groundbreaking animation, beautiful character design, original script, and an accomplished score from Michael Giacchino. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Jason Lee's resounding performances also help the film stand out. No matter how big superhero movies continue to become. It's nice to know The Incredibles will always find it's way on everyone's list.

I don't know why people love this movie. There is really nothing special about it. The plot is predictable, the jokes fall flat and ultimately I was bored throughout the entire film.