The Incredibles (2004)

Written by CinemaSerf on June 9, 2023

It's got a sort of "Batman" meets the "Man from U.N.C.L.E." feel about it as the "Parr" family try to get on with their lives after their brave and courageous superhero existence was kiboshed by some daft lawsuits and government cold feet. Thing is, there's no such thing as a well-earned retirement and just over a decade after they were consigned to obscurity, dad "Bob" is summoned to a top secret summit where he quickly discovers that it's going to take all of his - and his family's -considerable powers to stop the world from imminent destruction. No, the plot is hardly original - or incredible - but the script and characterisations here are really in kilter as the creatively animated adventure hots up. There's fun in the dialogue for the kids and grown-ups alike, and though maybe a bit on the long side, it's a lively tale of espionage and science with it's fair share of gadgets, gizmos, family strife and even an impenetrable, armoured, steel baddie. The pace becomes hectic and enjoyable and the action builds up nicely before a denouement that isn't the best - it just screams sequel at us. This needs a big screen to enjoy it at it's best and has some engaging, spy-themed, nostalgia for those of us north of forty too.