PIXAR MASTERPIECE REVIEW: “The Incredibles” is voiced by Craig T. Nelson (Coach [TV series], Poltergeist [1982]), Holly Hunter (Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Raising Arizona), Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight, The Avengers), Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl, Almost Famous), Spencer Fox (The Groomsman, Kim Possible [TV series]), Sarah Vowell (Please Give, A.C.O.D.), Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, Tomorrowland), Elizabeth Pena (Jacob’s Ladder, Rush Hour), Wallace Shawn (Toy Story, The Princess Bride), Bud Luckey (Toy Story 3, Winnie the Pooh [2011]), and John Ratzenberger (Cheers [TV series], Russell Madness). It is written and directed by Brad Bird. Trying to relive the glory days of fighting crime, Bob Parr aka Mr. Incredible (Nelson) takes up an offer to help rid an island of a deadly robot that has malfunctioned and turned itself on the scientists who created it. Doing this job will take him down a dangerous path, however, as it will soon change his and his family’s lives forever.

One of the most respected and beloved superhero film of all time doesn’t involve a young man who can shoot webs or a team that can take down a Demi God’s army. It is rather “The Incredibles,” a movie written and directed by Brad Bird (the only Pixar feature to have been written and directed by one person). Now, we all know what Bird can do when he gets his hands on the animating world. Does “The Iron Giant” ring any bells? He’s proven his worth in the realm of cinema, and he never lets us down in this movie about a family trying to hide their powers from an earth that doesn’t want superheroes. It may sound like an “X-Men” idea, but it has its own uniqueness and spark to make it its own. One thing that gives “The Incredibles” this mark is its sense of style. The cinematography, directing, and layout of art in this flick puts it in its own league; one of thrills, excitement, and suaveness. It’s hard to explain the tone this presents, but it is one that is memorable, especially when you throw in Michael Giacchino’s legendary musical score. The bongo drums, saxophones, and trumpets strike this film with such audacity that it makes you smile just hearing it. You know that you are in for a ride, and this one exceeds expectations. The story Bird formulates may revolve around an idea that has been made before, but the level of seriousness and overall fun he presents this to the table with is astounding. Sure, this family is trying to live in a world that wants them normal (something we’ve seen before), but it’s theme of reliving the glory days and how they can haunt you is terrific and fresh. It’s characters really pull this thing together, my favorite being Bob. His physical comedy along with his hunger to save the world again is the driving force of this adventure. The voice acting of him as well as the rest of the characters is fantastic, and I loved all of them; even the villain, Syndrome. While setting up its own journey, this plot loves to pick fun at the generic comic book story, whether it’s the monologuing villains or the ill-advised capes. It was like “Deadpool,” except it didn’t live by the clichés they made fun of. And I don’t mind this dissing of the superhero genre, as long as it’s funny and worth the time. This film held up to those requests, but even though it is a down-right near perfect release, it does have its fair share of problems. Most of them, like the previous Pixar reviews I have given, are found in nitpicks, but the ones I should mention are the ones that irk my nerves. This movie tends to get a bit too sugary and cringeworthy at times. For example, when the family reunites on the island and squares off against Syndrome’s henchmen, with Giacchino’s brilliant score in the background, one would think to cheer, but I mostly face-palm. I don’t know why it happens, but it does. It may be because of the kids, who found trouble in securing a place in my heart sometimes (Violet’s “wait a second” line still makes me laugh). Besides that, there isn’t much left for me to bring up. The animation itself was great, aside from some crude backgrounds, and it really made Bird’s vision pop on the screen. It’s definitely one of the most unique Pixar movies in terms of its style, and it’s one for both adults and kids to like, once again. It doesn’t think dumbly of the parents, and actually tries to make a deep, well-thought experience, and almost all the time it lands. If you haven’t seen it, check it out! FINAL SCORE: 98%= Juicy Popcorn

This movie has been inducted into The Juicy Hall of Fame.

Here is the trailer:

And now, my review for the Pixar short, “Boundin.'”

MOVIE SHORT REVIEW: “Boundin'” is a 2003 Pixar short film that is directed by Bud Luckey and Roger Gould (Mike’s New Car [Short], Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage [Short]), with Luckey having also written it. A joyous, dancing sheep is soon discouraged when he is sheared, having been embarrassed in front of his friends. It will take a jackalope to help him find his way.

It’s been a terribly long time since I have seen the short “Boundin’,” and in watching it again, I couldn’t help but feel empty. I know that Pixar short films aren’t the longest of videos, but in this one, the story came and went in a snap. We are given a sheep who feels discouraged to dance when he is sheared, only to be shown by a jackalope that nothing is the matter. This can have meaning, and there is a lesson that is detailed in this short, but it doesn’t stick with me as much as the other morals taught by Pixar’s previous works. Everything went by at such a fast rate that I couldn’t pick up the pieces, and I was soon left with only a glimpse into a rustic atmosphere full of little creatures. I will say that the animation in this, as well as the voice work, was good. They were the highlights of this feature and I loved the feel they presented. It reminded me of how old cartoons carried out their stories. I just wanted this to leave me with something to reflect on. I understand what it’s trying to say: no matter the condition we are in, we are supposed to make the best out of life. A simple, yet great lesson; I just couldn’t sink my teeth into it. In the end, this short felt too fast paced, flying by a moral that needed more time to really hit me. FINAL SCORE: 70%= Burnt Popcorn

Here is the short: