The Incredibles- There is a reason it's my favorite Pixar film. One can say that it's a mix between that Pixar "family" sensibilities and 'Watchmen', but I'll further venture to say it's much more unique. Top 10 Reason It is the Best Pixar Film:
1) It's great how it chooses to humanize its villain, so then he makes immoral choices, they also seem grounded. Jason Lee does a great job doing the voice over.
2) It's visual to script jokes, from capes, to outfits, to annoying babysitters, the movie really has it all.
3) Edna Mode, the single coolest fashion designer ever. Darling, don't argue with me.
4) Michael Giacchino's jazzy score stays in your head to an extent. Very superhero.
5) Doesn't hide under a kid's film. It's like a bottle of alcohol placed under heavy enclosing. Kids can stand around it, but parents are the one who get the real benefit. It's a spy film first an foremost.
6) The superhero code names. Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Frozone, Bomb Voyage, Gazerbeam, The Underminer, Mirage, Syndrome. There are loads more named, and all of them are unique, fun, and underlay a theme or personality trait of the figure who inhabits it. So much for hiding one's real self.
7) The locations of the film. Suburbia. Tropical Island. Cave. Secret Hideout. Volcanoes. THEY HAVE VOLCANOES!
8) The underlaying adult plot of a soured marriage and a man's midlife crisis. It's clearly a personal film for Brad Bird and can be compared to his family life and Pixar working life. These are not things for a kid's film. Hey, they won't really notice. Even if they do, these are completely appropriate for kids to watch, so it's okay.
9) Great lines. "Everyone can be super! And when everyone's super… no one will be", "Next time you gamble, bet on your own life", and "You sly dog! You got me monologuing!". Classic.
10) Director Brad Bird's attention to detail. There are so many little things that are so integral in the plot, but add a slight touch of re-watchability each time. There is way too many for me to list. Things like that, as well as the success of my second favorite Pixar film, 'Ratatouille', and the underrated-ness of 'The Iron Giant' is exactly why I have so much faith in Bird directing something live action. 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' may seem a bit generic (since all hollywood action films seem that way) but I'm hoping Bird will add enough detail and creativeness to make it the best of the series.
- Jeff Bassin
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