Rated PG (for action violence)
Directed by Brad Bird (The Iron Giant)
Starring the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter
This is probably one of the best animated films I’ve ever seen. The Incredibles was . . . well . . . incredible.
Don’t expect another “kids film.” If you don’t have kids . . . heck, if you don’t LIKE kids, you still will enjoy this film. The film is a genuine superhero film with entertaining action sequences, strong performances (yes, the combination of good animation and a convincing voice can make a good performance in an animated film), and non-stop humor. Don’t drink too much Pepsi during the film—you won’t want to leave for even a second to visit the facilities.
The film is “incredibly” original. The story is about a family of superheroes who are forced to “hang up their capes” and live normal lives. Mr. Incredible goes from superhero to insurance underwriter. From “in-shape” to “huge belly.” From “incredibly” happy to “incredibly” depressed. That’s why an opportunity to secretly become a hero again is so attractive. So secret in fact, that his family doesn’t even know. But when they find out, watch out. . . the action gets even more . . . (I just gotta say it again) “incredible!”
This very well could be one of the best superhero-flicks ever made . . . but unfortunately, it might never make the cut. The reason is simply this: its strongest asset might be it’s one roadblock to being taken seriously. The film is animated. (Duh!) The good: the film was able to do things that would have been near impossible for even modern computer graphic affects in real film. That allowed the film to go creative lengths that may have been stifled in a real film. The bad: do you really think that people will ever take animation seriously? Let me put it this way. Can you ever see an animated film getting Best Picture? It’s a shame, because this film ranks with the best of action flicks.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Absolutely! I took my 7, 9 and 11 year old and didn’t regret one minute. I honestly can’t tell you who enjoyed in more, my kids, or my wife and I. The film is fun for all ages.
Teenagers will like it as well. And it’s actually clean. Youth groups are always looking for good movies to show that they won’t have to edit out certain parts. Here’s your new film!
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
