The Incredibles (2004) Review

The Incredibles (2004)

The Incredibles follows Bob Parr, who, after the outlawing of superheroes, is still finding it hard adjusting to life as a family man. When an opportunity arises to become a hero again however, he jumps at the chance, putting his super-powered family in jeopardy in the process. 

I’d argue that with the first Incredibles, we got a superhero movie far ahead of its time, that easily stands toe-to-toe against anything coming out of the modern superhero landscape, even today. Instead of using an established IP, The Incredibles took the route of being wholly original, focusing on a family of supers in a transition period where they are all but powerless, though seeking to have power over their own lives. And I like that, from scene one, it’s never really about the powers, relying more on the tropes of a traditional family to tell it’s story. Bob is the man of the house, hence super strength; Helen, the mother, constantly pulled in a million different directions; Violet, the shy, awkward teenager who doesn’t wish to be seen; Dash, the epitome of young boys, always moving at a thousand miles per hour; and Jack Jack, unpredictable, as all babies are. 

It takes these tropes and puts them up against Syndrome, a kid who wished to be listened to, who grew up to make people listen, in the process bringing the Parr’s together to discover their true purpose as a family and as individuals. There’s always genuine stakes (still quite shocking for a kids movie) and a very retro feel that plays on the golden age of superheroes and espionage thrillers, with a lovely dose of heart and humor to boot, thus allowing The Incredibles to not only stand out for its originality, but also it’s fun-for-the-whole-family story. 

We get a super talented vocal cast, starring Brad Bird, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Holly Hunter, and Craig T. Nelson. Hunter and Nelson are just dynamite together, and I was amazed at how much chemistry they shared with Fox and Vowell, who round this dysfunctional super family out with heart, humor, and plenty of familial bickering as they discover their powers and purpose along the way. 

The Incredibles, directed by Brad Bird, will always hold a special place for me, for as a kid, it finally gave me someone, and family, I could identify with in Dash and the dysfunctional Parr family, in a memorable and fun medium such as the animated superhero feature. 

8.5/10