Pixar scores first PG-rated film with 'The Incredibles'

Pixar's new film "The Incredibles" explores the lives of superheroes, including the, ahem ... advantages of a wife whose power is to stretch her body in any way. For their latest offering, Pixar has moved into (relatively) more mature territory and garnered their first PG rating ever. "The Incredibles" tells the story of Mr. Incredible and his family, struggling to fit in after numerous lawsuits lead to the outlawing of superheroes. Mr. Incredible and wife, Elastigirl, are forced to go into a government relocation program and live as the Parrs. Kids Dashiell and Violet feel stifled, as they are forced to muzzle their respective speed and invisibility powers. The life is hardest on Bob Parr, the former Mr. Incredible, as he goes from the world's most famous superhero to an oversized insurance agent in a cubicle at the mercy of a boss with Napoleon syndrome. Soon, Mr. Incredible gets a shot at getting back into the superhero game. Unfortunately, he starts to ignore his responsibilities and puts the entire family at risk when an enemy from his past appears to wreak havoc. "The Incredibles" is the first Pixar script written for adult sensibilities. Although kids will like the breathtaking animation and frenetic action sequences, adults will find substance in the less than cartoon-like superheroes. Mr. Incredible is written as a flawed man who fears becoming old and obsolete. Elastigirl grows suspicious of her husband's apparent mid-life crisis, and the two of them manage to shake up the marriage with their respective insecurities. Of course, the film still has humor and action appeal. When the family leaves baby Jack Jack with a sitter, he starts behaving as the son of superheroes would, and the sitter leaves numerous panicky voicemail messages about Jack Jack's "special needs." Samuel L. Jackson also appears in the movie as former superhero Frozone, Bob's best friend in post-hero life. He gets some of the best dialogue in the film as he argues with his wife about helping the family fight a giant robot. The list of great characters goes on and on, from a bitter inventor with stand-up hair to a three-foot-tall eccentric fashion designer for heroes. The action scenes take place with the speed and violence of a kitten in a blender. Kids, who won't get some of the jokes about Elastigirl's "flexibility," will enjoy the pacing of the action scenes. Though the film will go over the heads of some children, adults won't find any problems in the witty and great-looking movie. In fact, one might be tempted to call "The Incredibles" the best movie of 2004. Grade: A+