Posted on 11/14/2004 10:33:17 AM PST by KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle
For decades, kids have enjoyed following the out-of-this-world exploits of comic-book heroes, learning along the way about courage and heroism, and the need for the forces of good to triumph over the nefarious plots of those possessed by evil. Every generation needs to learn their own duty to sacrifice and fight for the good.
But lately, ever since the first "Spiderman" live-action movie roared at the box office, fans of the long-lasting Marvel Comics stable of superheroes have been inundated with big, noisy, expensive blockbusters bringing these two-dimensional pen-and-ink heroes to life. Unfortunately, in attempting to dramatize Marvel honcho Stan Lee's formula -- paper heroes deepened on the page by troubled private lives in their worlds of secret identity -- these films have all suffered in varying degrees, growing ever more dark and gloomy, almost hopeless.
While the "Spiderman" films have retained a fraction of whimsy, movies like "Daredevil" and "The Incredible Hulk" have left many fans hoping they'd seen more righteous heroism and less sulky realism. In the final analysis, superhero comics work best when the reader is inspired, not left seeking Dr. Phil. Complex superheroes can make for a nice, dramatic storyline, but when they're so tortured by personal demons, they can't be very super, can they?
For those who do like their heroes a little less super-serious than the superhuman characters of old, there is a surprisingly mature option: Pixar's new cartoon "The Incredibles." This film unfolds like a comic book, with lots of action, but in between its animated lines, it offers real lessons about heroism, the use of talents and commitment to family. It's not often that a cartoon carries a line where a child worries, "Mom and Dad's life could be in jeopardy ... or even worse ... their marriage!"
Believe the critics on this one: It is a terrific film for the whole family. As with all the other Pixar movies, this film is not only brilliantly animated, but rich in character and plot. And yet the surprising thing about the new picture is how adult it seems. Instead of the parents struggling to find fragments of adult enjoyment -- often found in snarky asides -- it's more likely the grade-school children will fidget in spots that become so real you have to remember you're watching a cartoon.
The plot of "The Incredibles" starts with some surprising social criticism. After saving a man trying to commit suicide, the film's lead superhero, Mr. Incredible, is sued by the man, who didn't want to be saved. That suit is followed by a tangle of torts that causes the entire cavalcade of caped crime-fighters to enter a secret federal Superhero Relocation Program.
Demoted to the prototypical unspectacular job of insurance agent, Mr. Incredible (now known as "Bob Parr") gripes that "They keep inventing new ways to celebrate mediocrity." He's hiding away with his wife Helen (formerly the stretchy heroine Elastigirl). His son Dash, blessed with super speed, is banned from competing in school sports, lest he betray the family secret. "Dad says our powers make us special," he protests. "Everyone is special, Dash," his mother replies. "Which is another way of saying no one is," Dash complains.
If that sounds like some Ayn Rand capitalist fable of the mediocre punishing the talented, there is always the offsetting fun the filmmakers have with Bob's insurance work. While Bob's oily supervisor wants every insurance claim rejected for the health of the company bottom line, heroic Bob can't help but whisper to his customers every tactic to circumvent company bureaucracy to ease their pain and suffering. This ends badly, with Bob losing his temper and tossing the boss through several walls, something even superheroes succumb to when their patience is taxed.
Bob loses his job, of course, and to make up for the lost income, he is recruited into secret superhero work with a slinky mystery woman named Mirage. (That's where the worries about the Parr marriage creep in.) What happens next draws the entire Incredible family -- father, mother, the son Dash, and the invisibility-powered teenage daughter Violet -- into a titanic superhero struggle with a super-villain, replete with a morality play of good versus evil.
Too often, we know what to expect from Hollywood, and we get it, in all its sensation-seeking, nihilistic glory. But it's a nice departure when someone in the entertainment world can dazzle us with a movie that everyone in the family can savor and enjoy. In fact, it's incredible.
Thank YOU!
self-"abuse"? ;)
You mean Spiderman 2?
One of the things I noticed is that people actually die. Not only do they refer to the long list of dead superheroes, but the henchmen don't jump out at the last minute. The comic villain is much less comic with such death. Still I very much liked it. I'd say the target was probably greater than 8 years old.
Teh Incredibles is better than both movies combined! First movie that actually took me back to the good old days of comics.
I highly recommend it.
Qatar-6
Even the original Pixar short about the lamps (Toy Story short titled "Luxor" IIRC) was better, not to mention the one of the birds on the telephone wire.
Great. The second best laugh of the day.
Took the kids to see it. We all loved it!
Hubby and I took our 10-year old son last weekend to see the movie. We all loved it. The storyline was great--lots of stuff to interest kids AND adults. The animation was absolutely amazing! You think Pixar can't top themselves, and then they do. Some of the scenes, especially looking out over a long distance--you had to keep reminding yourself it was animation. The little short lady who made their costumes reminded me of my old boss from many years ago--I just lost it when I saw her.
Saw it last night. What a fun film for the whole family!
The sheep/jackalope storyline was adorable and had a good meaning....
...it was sweet and easy to understand for the kids!!!
Sounds good to me. There was a liberal movie review saying that it was a great movie except that it put too much emphasis on nature vs. nurture, so the reviewer gave it a B. In other words, it isn't politically correct--which is fine with me.
Vigilantism would be more closely associated with conservatives than liberals, I think. Modern comic book writers really have to jump through hoops to try to force their characters into their desired liberal mold.
Entirely wrong approach to take--when I create characters, I create them, and their politic leanings come from their personality and beliefs; I don't force them into my political leanings. Superman would be one of the very few liberal superheroes out there, but that's because he essentially believes that only he should have the power.
Nothing is too over the top for Shatner ;)
My 6yo daughter and me both enjoyed the movie. Definetly worth the price of a matinee show.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.