Incredibles, The (2004)

4 out of 4

Starring: voices of Craig T Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Jason Lee, Samuel L Jackson

Director: Brad Bird

Time: 115 mins

Viewed: Loews Menlo Park 12, Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey

Can Pixar do no wrong? Their 6th computer animated feature is as different from their previous successes (the main characters are human this time, and the maturity of the action warrants a PG13 rating) as it is familiar (the inimitable Pixar quality, themes, and plot). Story about a retired family of superheroes who are called upon to do battle with a past nemesis is a rollicking, visual delight, with equal parts comedy and social commentary on such weighty issues as mid-life crises, the desire to break out of regimented conformity, the evils of insurance companies and the stupidity of lawsuits. And this is a family film? Actually, it is a film about family, first and foremost, and that is its strength. Don't worry, though - even at a relatively long (by animation standards) 115 minutes, there is eye candy and humour to spare, and the kids will be dazzled by the frenetic exploits and high-speed adventure. Director Bird's follow-up to his earlier The Iron Giant tops even my previous Pixar favourite, Toy Story 2.

(c) Joe Wong (13 November 2004)