The Incredibles (2004)

Last updated:
October 6, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

The Incredibles is a 2004 American computer-animated superhero film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Written and directed by Brad Bird, the film features a voice cast including Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Jason Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Peña. The story follows a family of superheroes who must hide their powers and live a quiet suburban life but are forced back into action to save the world.

The Story Unfolds

The Golden Age of Superheroes

The film begins with a montage of newsreels and interviews from the past, showing superheroes like Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) saving the day. However, due to increasing public outcry and lawsuits against the collateral damage caused by superheroes, the government initiates the Superhero Relocation Program, forcing all supers to retire and live anonymously.

The Parr Family’s Mundane Life

Years later, Mr. Incredible, now known as Bob Parr, lives a quiet suburban life with his wife Helen (formerly Elastigirl) and their three children: Violet (Sarah Vowell), who can turn invisible and create force fields; Dash (Spencer Fox), who possesses super speed; and baby Jack-Jack, who appears to be normal. Bob struggles with the monotony of his desk job and yearns for the days of heroism.

The Climax and Resolution

The Return to Heroism

Bob receives a mysterious message from Mirage (Elizabeth Peña), offering him a secret mission to destroy a malfunctioning robot on a remote island. Relishing the chance to be a hero again, Bob accepts. He successfully completes the mission and is soon given more assignments, unaware that Mirage works for Syndrome (Jason Lee), a former fan turned villain who seeks revenge on Mr. Incredible for rejecting him as a sidekick.

Family in Action

When Helen discovers Bob’s secret, she dons her Elastigirl persona and sets out to find him, taking Violet and Dash along. The family reunites on Syndrome’s island, and together, they battle the villain’s forces. With the help of Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), another retired superhero, they defeat Syndrome’s Omnidroid robot, which he had planned to unleash on the city to establish himself as the new hero.

The Conclusion

Embracing Their Powers

The film concludes with the family returning to their suburban life but now openly embracing their powers. They prepare to face new challenges as a family, united in their commitment to protect the world.

Movie Ending

The Incredibles ends with the Parr family united and ready to embrace their superhero identities openly, setting the stage for future adventures.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in The Incredibles.

Type of Movie

The Incredibles is a computer-animated superhero film that combines elements of action, adventure, comedy, and family drama, focusing on themes of identity, family dynamics, and societal expectations.

Cast

Craig T. Nelson as Bob Parr / Mr. Incredible
Holly Hunter as Helen Parr / Elastigirl
Sarah Vowell as Violet Parr
Spencer Fox as Dashiell “Dash” Parr
Jason Lee as Buddy Pine / Syndrome
Samuel L. Jackson as Lucius Best / Frozone
Elizabeth Peña as Mirage
Brad Bird as Edna Mode

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Michael Giacchino, whose jazzy, energetic music perfectly complements the film’s tone and action sequences.

Filming Locations

The Incredibles was produced by Pixar Animation Studios, with all animation work done in-house at their studios in Emeryville, California.

Awards and Nominations

The Incredibles received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

Academy Awards: Won Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing. Nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing.
Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
BAFTA Awards: Won Best Animated Film. Nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Music.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Director Brad Bird was inspired by his own experiences juggling family life and work.
The characters’ powers reflect their personalities: Bob’s strength represents his traditional view of masculinity, Helen’s flexibility symbolizes her adaptability as a mother, Violet’s invisibility and force fields represent teenage insecurity, and Dash’s speed reflects the boundless energy of youth.
The film was Pixar’s first to feature an all-human cast.

Inspirations and References

The Incredibles draws inspiration from various superhero comics and films, as well as spy movies from the 1960s. It reflects broader themes of family dynamics, societal roles, and the balance between personal identity and public expectations.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of The Incredibles closely follows Brad Bird’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The opening montage showing the golden age of superheroes.
Bob’s secret mission to the island and his confrontation with the Omnidroid.
The family’s battle against Syndrome’s forces on the island.
The climactic fight in the city against the Omnidroid.
The final family moment preparing to face a new villain.

Iconic Quotes

“No capes!” – Edna Mode
“I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now.” – Edna Mode
“You tell me where my suit is, woman! We are talking about the greater good!” – Frozone
“I’m not strong enough.” – Violet Parr
“Honey, where’s my super suit?” – Frozone

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Various Pixar references, such as the A113 room number and the Pizza Planet truck, can be spotted throughout the film.
Brad Bird voices Edna Mode, adding a unique flair to the character.
Syndrome’s plan involves using technology to simulate superpowers, a critique of the commercialization and artificial enhancement in society.

Trivia

The film’s budget was approximately $92 million, and it grossed over $633 million worldwide.
The Incredibles was Pixar’s first film to receive a PG rating, due to its action sequences and mature themes.
The character of Edna Mode, voiced by Brad Bird, became a fan favorite for her memorable lines and distinctive personality.

Why Watch?

The Incredibles offers a thrilling and heartwarming portrayal of a family of superheroes, featuring standout performances, particularly by Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, and masterful direction by Brad Bird. Its blend of action, humor, and family dynamics makes it a must-watch for fans of animated films and superhero stories.

Director’s Other Movies

Brad Bird also directed:

The Iron Giant (1999)
Ratatouille (2007)
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Tomorrowland (2015)
Incredibles 2 (2018)