Take Pixar's stunning, eye-popping visuals and mix it with Brad Bird's flair for directing stories that are hilarious, heart-warming and just little a bit more 'mature' than your average animated film... what do you get? My personal version of heaven on earth.
In a 'catch-phrase' that has perhaps too often been used in recent reviews around the web, "The Incredibles" does definitely live up to its name. I never in a million years thought I would say this about any animated film but I sincerely hope that there will be a sequel because those characters just deserve to have another outting. Edna Mode--the tiny and yet slightly psychotic fashion designer, Syndrome--the superhero fan turned evil genius... and, of course, the Incredibles themselves. I think Helen/Elastigirl was my favourite--the harried mother-figure who can feed the baby and drop-kick bad guys in the same day.
The animation is... well, flawless. Whether it's action sequences or just absolutely priceless pieces of character animation, there is no one in this business that can top Pixar.
Still, of course, it's the story that puts this film over the top. I mean, an ex-superhero having a mid-life crisis... so great.
I saw this film on opening night. I was tempted to leave writing this review until after I see it again... and possibly again after that... but I think you should know that this is a film that lives up to its hype. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for?