Thanks to DK Canada’s very enjoyable The Movie Book, I get to delve into some of my favorite Pixar films as the next big title recommended in the book is the exceptional Toy Story, the feature film that started it all! Having previously reviewed it for the blog I eagerly jumped into the What Else to Watch list and was shocked to see that I hadn’t previously covered Brad Bird’s awesome superhero film, The Incredibles.

Of course calling it a superhero film really doesn’t do this title the justice it deserves, as the story unfolds as both a family drama, and a sweeping almost James Bondian action adventure with supers, while also touching on fanboy behavior.

Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) are a pair of only a few surviving supers after they were outlawed by the government. Living in secrecy, Mr. Incredible toils away at an insurance job listening to the police scanner at night with fellow super, Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) trying to capture some of the lost glory of his youth.

When an opportunity presents itself to do some hero work, he takes it, keeping secrets from Elastigirl, now his wife, and his three children, Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Spencer Fox) and baby, Jack-Jack.

Unfortunately, Mr. Incredible is walking into an elaborate scheme and trap set by a supervillain named Syndrome (Jason Lee) who is putting into motion a terrible plan that could cost Incredible his life, and his family.

Bird’s film is nothing short of all-out fun, there are some great nods to superhero films, as well as a discussion on why capes are a bad idea, balanced out with set pieces worthy of any live-action blockbuster. And it makes a solid proving ground for his directorial turn in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Embracing Pixar’s love of character and story development this film is a brilliant ride, and took home two Oscars, one for Best Animated Feature, and the other for Best Sound Editing. Filled with laughs, great action beats, a fantastic score by Micheal Giacchino (that adds to the Bond feel by giving us a brassy John Barry-esque sound) and top-notch voice talent, The Incredibles is still a crowd pleaser fifteen years later.

I love the Pixar films, and always delight in waiting to see what they give us from year to year, but this one is definitely one of their finest achievements (even as I type this though my brain starts asking What about <insert Pixar title here>?).

Let’s suffice to say it’s a great one, and I love the fact that DK Books let me take it in again, and revel in all the fun that it contains. Isn’t it time for you to check this one out again? Or maybe pick up a copy of The Movie Book and find a new to you classic to watch tonight!