I had forgotten how awesome this film is! *Spoilers!*

The Incredibles was one the first films I owned on CD. This film and Sam Raimi's first Spider-Man were the first superhero films I watched when I was about 8. So I might have a soft spot for it. However, I didn't get to watch it again in the last 10 years or so. I haven't watch the sequel either. But a few days ago I watched it again and I absolutely enjoyed it!

The film is largely a cross between superhero stories (most clearly the Fantastic Four) and James Bond films (specially the first ones), and they mesh well together.

The James Bond inspiration is evident in the film's villain and its over-the-top plan, the exotic location of his hide-out, and most clearly the soundtrack which is intentionally made to resemble the earlier James Bond films. There are also scenes where the characters try to stealth their way into the the villain's headquarters, something which most superheroes won't do. And they are so well done that it made me want to replay my old James Bond video game.

But it is the superhero inspired parts where the film shines the most. It has the expected action and chase scenes (which is really well done in my opinion, except the last fight against the robot). But more important is the family dynamic of the main characters, something that many many superhero stories ignore altogether. Sure, in comics we have teams that are a family (e.g. Fantastic Four) or function like a family (e.g. the Bat Family or the X-Men), and they do deal with relatable issues. However, the comics are also full of on-again, off-again relationships, broken marriages, and the like. In other words, many comic writers choose (or are forced) to jump over long-term family dynamics and instead focus on the superheroics or team dynamics. But in The Incredibles, the family is front and center; Something which helps make the characters more relatable and lovable.

Additionaly, the film includes some jokes about superheroics that fans of superhero stories appreciate. These include the superhero capes being a handicap to movement and survival (although the film has no problem with wearing your shorts on your pants), villains monologuing in the middle of the fight, and there always being villains to fight, no matter how many the heroes apprehend.

This last point is also related to some thought-provoking issues about the superheroics. These issues are deftly crafted into the film, in such a way that do not detract from the story during the watch, but leave food for some later thought. These include the moral of using superpowers (especially outside combat), the dynamic between superheroes and their fans, the relation between excercising power and gaining respect, the place of superheroes in society, and questions such as what makes a person special? Maybe I am giving the film too much credit in this regard. Granted, the film only touches some of these issues, but for people interested in superheroics and philosophy, it provides something to dwell on later.

In short, I admire this film because it manages to combine a large number of different things together in a way that is enjoyable for kids and adults, and also provides the adults with some nice jokes to appreciate and some philosophical thoughts to think about.

I am curious to find out if other viewers agree or disagree with me about these points. I appreciate any feedback.