No Capes!

Ever since I saw Toy Story, I've been a Pixar freak. Being just a fan of animation as a medium is not the only reason to see every movie they produce, being a fan of good movies in general should also be reason enough. They've produced the most consistent string of high-quality pictures over the last decade, and if you've found yourself laughing at Shrek, you have Pixar to thank. This recent legacy, and the promise of good times is why we took in the sumptuous leather seats of The Bridge for their latest, The Incredibles.

For me, the promise of The Incredibles began early when I heard that Brad Bird was directing the movie. Anyone who's seen The Iron Giant may remember him, but those who haven't caught it should make the effort since it happens to be one of the most character-driven and enjoyable animated features outside of the Pixar films in recent memory. I'll have to say this off the bat, Mr. Bird did not disappoint.

Plot-wise, the movie itself follows the canon of Pixar movies, making seemingly unrealistic situations incredibly real. They've given toys, bugs, and fish large worlds and personalities to match. What could be larger than life, and even more in-style nowadays, than a modern-day tale of superheroes. The premise is simple in itself, superheroes have been forced into retirement by frivolous lawsuits. Mr. Incredible, the biggest hero of his day, has been happy in family, but not necessarily in life and longs for the glory days of heroics to return. No sooner has he hit rock bottom does a seemingly convenient opportunity arise, but with a sinister twist. With Mr. Incredible in peril, no one else can save him but his family.

The voice performances, and those of the animated characters themselves are top-notch. You hear the emotion foremost, but it's what the animators create that make you believe it. Small movements of hands, feet, anything that makes the figure more realistic might not be noticeable while taking in the amazing set pieces, but it has to be appreciated how far these artists went to make their characters well, characters. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and most notably, Samuel L. Jackson give the highest expected performances, but the actors portraying the two Incredible children no doubt have to be lauded for the work they've done. There's a vulnerability they portray, but also a sense of wonder to which the viewer can relate. These aren't the only aspects though, that make the movie amazing.

Visually, dramatically, and aurally, this movie delivers on all counts. The action scenes are just what the title suggests, portraying superheroes with all the power and amazement they deserve, and also as human as they deserve. . The small scenes also speak to the familiarity of life we face every day, and the desires we might want to fulfill at any moment in frustration. It's this duality in which Pixar elevates and grounds the picture at the same time. One doesn't just watch the movie, one experiences it.

I can't say any more without writing a few thousand pages about how much I loved this movie. Every aspect of it was the best I've seen in a while, and really, I recommend you get out and see it as soon as you can. Pixar has done it again, and I believe they'll keep doing it for years and years to come.

Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars