The Incredibles is a 2004 American computeranimated action-comedy superhero film written and directed by Brad Bird, released by Walt Disney Pictures, and the sixth film produced by Pixar Animation Studios.

 

Directed by Brad Bird, The Incredibles revolves around former high-profile superhero Bob Parr, who has not-so-successfully settled into suburban life along with his wife and kids under the watchful eye of the Superhero Protection Program. A far cry from the "glory days" during which "supers" were a welcome addition to society, the Parrs' living situation was brought on after a series of superhero-related lawsuits forced them into hiding. When not trying to fight small-time crime undercover with fellow former superhero Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), Parr (voice by Craig T. Nelson) is muddling through the corporate world as a paunchy, emotionally unsatisfied insurance claims adjuster. His family is like any other with some notable exceptions -- his daughter has the uncanny ability to become invisible and create impenetrable force fields at will; his son, Dash, can run at incredible speeds; his wife, Helen (Holly Hunter), is known in super circles as Elastigirl, one of the most respected (and pliable) superwomen of her time. Just when it looks as if things can't get any worse for Bob, he gets a summons to show up at a remote island to receive instructions for a highly classified assignment, which he promptly accepts. Thrust back into the world of fighting crime, the Incredible family is back in familiar territory -- saving the world from Syndrome, a jilted former fan of Mr. Incredible.

 

The film received very positive reviews from critics, receiving a 97% approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes which made the movie the fifteenth greatest action film of all time and the only one of Top 20 with more than 100 reviews. Metacritic indicates the film "universal acclaim" with a 90 out of 100 rating. Critic Roger Ebert awarded the film stars out of 4, writing that the film"alternates breakneck action with satire of suburban sitcom life" and is "another example of Pixar's mastery of popular animation. " Rolling Stone gave the film stars and called the film "one of the year's best" and said that it "doesn't ring cartoonish, it rings true." Also giving the film stars, People magazine found that The Incredibles "boasts a strong, entertaining story and a truckload of savvy comic touches."

 

The film won the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, beating two DreamWorks films, Shrek 2 and Shark Tale, as well as Best Sound Editing at the 77th Academy Awards. It also received nominations for Best Original Screenplay (for writer/ director Brad Bird) and Best Sound Mixing (Randy Thom, Gary Rizzo and Doc Kane).