15 Years Later, The Incredibles Is Still As Incredible As Ever

Imagine a time when there was no Marvel Cinematic Universe, and superheroes were still a minor, albeit intriguing segment of the film industry. There were almost no comic inspired, wildly popular on screen characters like Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, or even Rocket the Racoon. We were missing Nolan’s excellent Batman flicks, Mangold’s Logan, and Jenkin’s Wonder Woman. All we had for Superhero movies were Affleck’s Daredevil atrocity, or Halle Berry’s hilariously awful Catwoman. However, 15 years ago, Brad Bird and Pixar took an undeveloped genre and a brand new property and created one of the best, if not the best, superhero films ever made – The Incredibles.

This children’s movie begins with political unrest, large-scale discrimination, and insurance corruption. It then proceeds to highlight marital dishonesty, dealing with inadequacy, as well as unhealthy family dynamics. Brad Bird disguises a family therapy session behind bright colors, frenetic action, and charming humour.

This kind of creative maturity, in my opinion, inspired the wave of quality popcorn flicks in the 15 years since. Kevin Feige owes Brad Bird a great deal. He pioneered the genre by creating a wholly realistic family and an incredibly complex world behind them. He was also responsible for Pixar’s first story to feature real humans and hold a PG rating.

This superhuman family is famous for a reason. There is a deep, personal connection to every character. Pixar did not mold brightly colored superheroes to sell toys; they created real people who are managing a real life. These people happen to have supernatural abilities. Audiences don’t connect with Bob Parr because he can throw a train 100 yards, they relate to him because he struggles with the mundanity of life, has difficulties connecting with his family, and has a deep-seated longing for the ‘glory days.’

Every family is different, not necessarily superpower different, just different. Violet asks, “What does anyone in this family know about normal?” But the thing that makes the Parr family stand out is how normal they really are. Putting on a different face to the outside world is not uncommon behavior for most suburban families. The dinner table scene is still completely astounding to me because of Bird’s dedication to the realistic depiction of family life.

I don’t want to admit how many times I have watched this film, but every time I do, since I was eight or nine, I find something new to love. When I was eight, I didn’t know what an insurance company was, but I did think it was pretty sweet that Dash could run so fast that he could run on water. As I matured, however, I was shocked to find such heady themes in my favorite animated film. Even now, I am thrilled at the startling complexity of the plot and the intensity of the latter half of the film.

This unlimited rewatchability stems also from Bird’s complex world. It is easy to believe in this world of heroes and villains living among us. Every bit of the universe is fleshed out, and there is a sense of history between every character. The script details extensive, long term relationships between Edna, Bob, Lucius, and even Syndrome, and the facial animation, which was astounding for the time, bolsters this feeling. You can see tired eyes and stress on Bob and Helen’s face, or the embarrassment on Violet’s.

Even the setting has a unique 1960s aesthetic. It matches the idea of a ‘perfect’ family; cartoonish in both animation style and the simplicity of suburban life. Michael Giacchino enhances this setting with his memorable, jazzy soundtrack. The longing for the glory days is not found exclusively in Bob and Lucius; it is established in the audience’s minds as well. This vibrant animation style paired with the unique soundtrack holds up even in 2019.

The characters are also detailed according to their personality. Bob is the strength of the family, and Helen is trying to reign them all in. Dash, like all 10 year old boys, has limitless energy, and Violet wants to disappear out of shame. This link between character and characteristic helps establish the best “Fantastic Four” ever assembled. All of these powers are used to full potential in thrilling style, and each action sequence feels limited by well established rules.

The action scenes are completely on point as well, and we see this especially in Helen’s plane crash scene. Helen is completely capable and quick on her feet, and the score and rapid-fire dialogue elevates the tension to a breaking point. All the action in the movie, from car chase to climactic robot fight, is delightful and thrilling. The story also always dictates the action, and not vice versa. Every scene establishes a closer connection to the characters, or further strengthens the bond between our heroes.

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Furthermore, Syndrome, the main villain, is remarkably complex, albeit goofy-looking. The arrogance of our protagonist created this monster, making Mr. Incredible’s battle with his former self not simply physical, but severely emotional. He is pushed to rely on his family for the strength that he cannot muster. Syndrome’s quest to provide the world with superpowers also makes a surprising amount of sense, “because if everyone’s super, no-one is.” A thought-provoking, legitimate motive for a super-villain? That is certainly refreshing.

It is not often that you find a film that balances hilarity, character development, emotional resonance, incredible action, and meaningful messages, all within two hours. It promotes the integrity of family, the bond between siblings, responsibility, selflessness, and humility. It draws you into a complete universe. It values life and love, and explores long-term consequences made during the foolishness of youth.

The most powerful theme, to me, is the notion that society antagonizes exceptionalism. I personally adore the promotion of individuality that the screenplay encourages. Those who have the ability to stand out from the crowd should not be apologetic for what makes them different, and they should use this difference to make a positive impact. Sure, “if everyone’s super, no-one is,” but those with extraordinary courage, intelligence, and strength make sacrifices that benefit society every day, and we are indebted to them. They are “living among us. Average people, average citizens, quietly and anonymously making the world a better place.”

15 years ago, the world was introduced to the original red-suited, loud, loving, loyal superteam, and they have been in our hearts ever since. Cheers to an incredible 15 years (I just had to).