Fifteen years ago, Mr. Incredible was the best superhero in the business.  The world was always in jeopardy and his services were always required.  Incredible jokingly compared his work saving the world to that of a maid – “I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for... for ten minutes!"

Then came the day when Mr. Incredible saved the wrong person.  A man jumped off a high-rise building and Incredible was there to rescue him.  Unfortunately, this man wanted to commit suicide and on behing rescued, promptly launched a lawsuit against Mr. Incredible.  This sparked a wave of legal action against other superheros of the world.  Soon enough, they were no more.  They had no choice but to cease their superhero activities and blend in with everyone else.

Mr. Incredible, under the name Bob Parr, now works in insurance.  He’s packed on a few kilos, hates his job and yearns to save the world again.  He’s married to another ex-superhero, Elastigirl, who takes care of their three children in their simple suburban home.  The only part of his week Bob looks forward to is Wednesday night – it’s when he sneaks out with friend Frozone to relive his glory days and to rescue a few people.

Sacked by the insurance company for being too soft, Bob is approached by a mysterious lady who knows his real identity.  She represents an unknown employer who wishes to use Mr. Incredible’s services in a top-secret project on a top-secret island.  It’s a dream come true for Incredible (who likes working alone) but it’ll soon lead to a life threatening situation where it’s he who needs to be saved…

Full marks to the great animated team behind The Incredibles.  The film begins with a humorous  interview of the superheros and it’s only the start of what is a very enjoyable motion picture.  Many films make the claim but not since the original Shrek have I seen a film which appeals equally to kids and adults.  The children in my cinema seemed entranced and I’m not surprised given the fantastic action scenes.  Speaking for the adults, there’s some great material including the arguments between Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl.

Writer-director Brad Bird is no stranger to great animation.  He directed the well-reviewed The Iron Giant in 1999 and many early episodes of The Simpsons.  He’s even helped as a consultant on King Of The Hill and The Critic.  I’ve never met Bird but if his previous works are anything to go by, he must have a great sense of humour.

The Incredibles is the best animated film of the year for sure.