Super-Ordinary
The Incredibles
Review by Ross Anthony

Strong Story and animation, excellent dialogue, interesting pace dynamics, action, love, and some pretty potent thought nuggets -- this is entertainment!

"The Incredibles" begins with an idea that may be new to you, but isn't to the comic book/graphic novel world. While it seems apropos to think of superheroes as figures of idolization and admiration, a more modern world might get caught up in their imperfections... "Sure you saved the guy's life -- but you strained his neck." Acts of bravery and preservation begin to be met with a wake of uncertainty and litigation. The same public that held you up, now is just as passionate to tear you down. Some will argue that this is human nature. "Marvels" (by Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross) "Watchmen," and even "Batman: The Dark Night" and other graphic novels have done a great job writing superheroes around this new very interesting, perhaps all-too-telling, light. It's as serious as scripture, and yet, "The Incredibles," with incredible humor, sets it's tale spinning smack dab in the middle of a social climate, no longer hospitable to the superhero.

From that set up, we fall back into a nuclear family trying its best to emulate the Cleavers, while their superpowers are bulging at the seams. The film does an outstanding job of bringing those abrasive, yet completely common components of family life, into the picture. Stereotyped -- maybe, but common nonetheless. Anyone who has ever been in a family (and that's a lot of us) will be endeared to the "normality" of the Incredibles. And that's exactly what gives this film its depth. That's exactly what will choke you up: a mother's love for her children, a father's love for his wife. It's just a cartoon, but the writers cared enough about these characters to take them through the sometimes tedious, but absolutely necessary, family interactions that fill out their "ordinary peopleness." Family's will feel ribbed, perhaps, but appreciated for sure.

And if that's not enough (and it is!). Here are some excellent quote nuggets for your brain to chew on (I paraphrase): "When you say everyone is special ... that's just another way of saying no one is."

"We no longer have the luxury of self-doubt."


BTW, the film is preceded by an animated short called "Boundin'." Which also ably animates a buoyant self-reflective encouraging theme." Also delightful - kudos.


  • The Incredibles. Copyright © 2004. Rated PG.
  • Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Dominique Lewis, Jean Sincere, Spencer Fox, Sarah Vowell, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn and Brad Bird.
  • Directed by Brad Bird.
  • Screenplay by Brad Bird.
  • Produced at Disney/Pixar.

Grade..........................A+ (4/4)

Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:07:47 PDT