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Movie Info


Read more reviews
by Phil Boatwright at www.moviereporter.com


RATING:

PG for action violence

RELEASE:

November 5, 2004

GENRE:

Animated Action/Adventure, Comedy

STARRING:

Voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Wallace Shawn, Jason Lee, Sarah Vowell, John Ratzenberger, Brad Bird

DIRECTOR/WRITER:

Brad Bird

DISTRIBUTOR:

Disney/Pixar

 

Please Note

In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.

MOVIE REVIEW

'The Incredibles'

By Phil Boatwright

CBN.com - From the Academy Award-winning creators of Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo comes the best family film of the year. This hilarious, action-packed, animated adventure has put-upon superheroes now denying their superpowers and living under a government protection plan (themselves the victims of sue-happy citizens once protected by the super do-gooders: “Who asked you to save me?”).

Bob Paar used to be one of the world’s greatest superheroes (known to all as Mr. Incredible), saving lives and fighting villains on a daily basis. But now, fifteen years later, Bob and his wife (a famous former superhero in her own right) have adopted civilian identities and retreated to the suburbs to live normal lives with their three kids (a Goth-ish teen who hides from the world through her invisibility and impenetrable force field, her supersonic younger brother who causes havoc in class because he’s not allowed to join the track team, and their baby brother who, so far, evidences no sign of his own superpowers other than super pooping).

Itching to get back into action, Bob gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top-secret assignment. There’s a new world threat, and Bob faces the challenge, alone. But his suspicious spouse soon dons her super suit and, along with the rest of the family, comes to Bob’s aid.

Taking on grown-up themes such as the suspicion of infidelity and a barrage of violent do-or-die histrionics, Pixar Animation Studios and filmmaker Brad Bird (The Iron Giant) incorporate cartoonish slapstick with thoughtful PG-rated wit. Bird and company also pay tribute to the early James Bond films by including similar music to highlight the action sequences, and the sets belonging to the arch villain’s lair are modeled after those of Dr. No and Ernst Starvros Blowfeld.

Along with vivid CG animation techniques, every other element of the production has been given special attention, including story, character development and dialogue. What’s more, a sincere respect for audience members has been paid, no matter the age.

It’s a hoot. But beware, some children might be disturbed by the plights of our heroes. Keep in mind, this is a story about super heroes and dastardly villains. For some reason some parents are still under the misguided assumption that if it’s animated, it must be okay for all ages. Not so. Guardians should question why any animated film is rated PG.

Though this film is creative, funny and addresses life issues, it is an action adventure about superheroes – which means violent acts of derring do.

That said, entertainment-wise, The Incredibles is everything other family adventures such as The Thunderbirds and Agent Cody Banks 2 wanted to be this year and failed. It’s a super superhero adventure.

Rating: PG -- The film contains positive family values, including married parents with a healthy love for one another, and kids, though they bicker, coming through when their sibling is in danger. The film steers clear of crudity and off-color language. It receives its rating for thematic intensity and violent activity that includes explosions, chases scenes, attacking robots, and our heroes placed in perilous predicaments time and again. Parents should attend along with their children in order to reassure.


Phil Boatwright is the editor of The Movie Reporter. Review used by permission. Go to Phil Boatwright's website at www.moviereporter.com for details on how to have reviews of new films delivered directly to your e-mail address.



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