Writer/Director: Brad Bird
Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have achieved praise of Samuel L. Jackson. Ever since his rise to praise in the 1990’s, Jackson has become a beloved icon. Whether it is cruel gangsters, slave owners or political leaders, Jackson has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Jackson’s strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supportive roles which have limited screen-time. Even if he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Jackson has always left a strong impression. An actor with commitment to his craft, Jackson has become a beloved icon in modern-day entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, Jackson has made several movies that are worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Jackson and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “The Incredibles” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2004, Brad Bird’s animated film offered a powerful portrait of an incredible superhero family. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s one of the best animated movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a strong role by Samuel L. Jackson, who embodies a superhero facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Incredibles” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Pixar movies targeted towards children only, it discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. An incredible animated classic, there are many reasons why “The Incredibles” is a film that is worth watching.
“The Incredibles” tells story of an incredible superhero facing obstacles. Craig T. Nelson portrays Mr. Incredible, an incredible father with a strong desire to protect his family in situations which are painful. Assisted by his wife Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Mr. Incredible seeks to save the world from grave dangers. However, Mr. Incredible’s life changes when he is given a chance to member upon a new adventure. Faced with a dilemma, he soon questions whether it’s possible to truly be a happy superhero that’s incredible. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Mr. Incredible is forced to wonder whether it’s possible to save the world from a situation of grave danger.
Brad Bird has always been fascinated with the animated genre. A fantastic filmmaker, Bird has often made engaging animated films about individuals facing disaster. His iconic movie “The Iron Giant” offered an engaging portrait of an iron giant. With “The Incredibles”, however, Bird made his first ever superhero animated film. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture lives of incredible superheroes facing adversities but he succeeded tremendously. Through captivating cinematography, Bird captures an incredible superhero family embarking on journey. Inspired with Richard Donner’s “Superman”, Bird effectively uses stunning point of view shots to capture the hardship superhero families go through. For instance, POV shots enhance the teamworks scene. During this heartfelt scene, Mr. Incredible works alongside his family to save the world from catastrophe. Using captivating POV shots, Bird created a portrait of superhero dailies that’s compelling. Through stunning visuals, Bidd captures tensions that heroic families are facing.
Another strong aspect of “The Incredibles” that merits appreciation is the action. From a technical perspective, the movie is highly impressive. Emulating Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven”, Bird uses cross-cutting to capture tensions that teams are facing. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the mission scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mr. Incredible works closely with his family to save the world from catastrophe. Through cross-cutting, Bird creates a portrait of a superhero team that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Michael Giacchino’s music is key to success of the movie. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that superhero families bear. Through stunning production, Bird captures the lives of superhero families that face tension.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his best performances as Frozone. Jackson earned appreciation for playing gangsters in crime dramas. With “The Incredibles”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary superhero seeking to save his family but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and gritty in his most memorable role. With stunning expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and heroism of a superhero seeking to save the world from catastrophe. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Samuel L. Jackson, the supporting cast is also amazing. Craig T. Nelson is stunning, bringing dedication to a superhero father seeking to protect his family with affection. Holly Hunter is remarkable, capturing the compassionate nature of a mother which seeks to save her family from disaster. Last, Sarah Vowell merits praise. As a teenager, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “The Incredibles” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing superhero teams overcome obstacles. Unlike most Pixar films, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It gives a meaningful message about family which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Incredibles” is one of those rare films about superhero teams that everyone will adore.
Fans of Samuel L. Jackson will absolutely enjoy “The Incredibles” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. An incredible animated classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about an incredible superhero family that seeks to overcome villains which are painful, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that has achieved a huge following of his abilities to portray compelling characters in iconic movies audiences consider special.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 