The Incredibles could have been so named to make it easy for movie critics to write "The Incredibles is incredible". One review I read called it "wildly entertaining". Many such reviews led me to expect more than I got.

The plot revolves around the plight of super heroes Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, a married couple who have to retire from crime-fighting because of growing legal battles and the public perception that super heroes can be dangerous. This leads to a "witness protection" kind of existence where they have to supress their superpowers, and raise a family, and hold down a job - just like everybody else. A similar, but much more elaborate plot device can be found in the fantastic DC Comics graphic novel, WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, published in 1986 (not for children).

OK, it's funny, it's entertaining, but too much hype is too much. It is not the seminal animation of the decade. Spirited Away holds that place in my mind; so much so, it's not really fair to compare. The Incredibles was directed by Brad Baird who directed The Iron Giant in 1999, and I think the two films are about equal in entertainment value - both are good.

Final Verdict: I'll buy the DVD when it comes out.

UPDATE 2012: I just looked at the DVD again, and gave this movie another star. It really is one of the most clever stories to date for an animated film.