Just Incredible

Following a previous post, I have to say that I'm not sure if the pressure is still mounting or if I am now riding some freakish kind of lucky movie wave.

Since the aforementioned post I have seen Hero, De-Lovely (which I didn't go on about here, but which really was an amazing film), and now The Incredibles and I have to say that my good movie karma seems to be holding out. At least, as far as actually going to the movies and paying money is concerned. Don't get me started on Open Range. Maybe another post can be dedicated to those shit-boring three hours of my life I WILL NOT GET BACK!. *Ahem*

The Incredibles is, in case you live in a small cave without the internet or TV, the latest CG film from Pixar (those people what brought you the Toy Story movies, Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo) and they've gone and done it again. By cleverly, and I mean really cleverly, manipulating 1s and 0s, they have produced another awesome movie.

The plot is simple, revolving as it does around a world where super heroes once helped us out but now they've all been given civilian identities and stopped doing their thing, what with people suing them and stuff. And then stuff happens. I really don't want to go too deeply into the story of the film, because that would take time away from telling you about the slick visuals, production and character design and the brilliant script.

As usual, Pixar have managed to put more emotional and physical texture into their characters and world than many live-action films. There are more than a couple of moments of genuine emotional connection and while you personally may not be brought to the very, very edge of your seat, I was at least closer to it than I would normally be. The sets (if that's what they're called) are dressed in a brilliantly 60s "World Of Tomorrow" style and the cloth and hair simulation team have done stirling work simulating cloth and hair.

The dialogue is snappy enough to entertain the crowd, sappy enough to tug at a few heart strings and the voice acting is of Pixar's usual excellent standard, with special note being deserved by director Brad Bird for the role of Edna (apparently, they didn't like any of the people who auditioned, and when he gave an example of what he was looking for, the producers just told him to do it himself) and Samuel L. Jackson as Frozone. Small roles, but you'll be laughing hugely.

Magic moments? The family's first engagement as a team, the changing of one family member into lead at a very inopportune time and the kid on the tricycle. Go and watch it, people!!

The Incredibles gets five indestructible superhero costumes out of five (but no capes).