28. The Incredibles

 

I genuinely forgot how good this film actually was. Somewhere in all the hype for the underwhelming sequel I lost my love for the original, but to warp the words of the great Emperor Kuzco 'it's back baby!'.

Now I have been caught by many a conspiracy theorist when on the subject of The Incredibles, some of which 'confirm' that Bob had an affair with Syndrome's sidekick (sorry can't remember her name), and others that think they have hard evidence to suggest Violet isn't Bob's kid and was the result of a final night of passion between Helen and her pilot buddy. Regardless of this slander, I want you to put all of these compromising, adult theories aside and put your heart into actually enjoying these films. I know creators like to put in Easter eggs and funny little plot lines to see if we notice, but an affair in a kids movie is delving too deep and we don't need to subject children to that kind of nonsense. 

Also just in terms of that theory about Violet's parentage which is based solely on the fact she has black hair, have you considered that she is just going through that awkward teenage goth phase? She hides her face with that typical fringe and dresses in black, its only as she gains her confidence does she break out in pastels and happiness. 

I once knew a man who was terrified of this film. His school burnt down when he was a child when this film came out and he had somehow associated the terror from this event with the film. I can sort of see where he is coming from, some of the scenes in this are a little grown up shall we put it? They are a bit serious, a bit violent, it truly shows the day in the life of a superhero and some of them don't come out alive. It is a dark movie when you think about it so no wonder it gave a little boy nightmares.

I think everyone's favourite character from this whole franchise is Edna Mode. She takes no nonsense, she is iconic and I love her. Reminds me of Hettie from NCIS: Los Angeles. I am also with the theory that she is also a super, she knows way too much and is far too clever in regards to superpowers to not be. 

I know Disney films have been historically dark in elements, but this one is way up on the darkest films list. Through action we have violence, we have mental issues, we have giant scary robots causing a lot of damage, and again back to the mental issues we've got a seriously unstable man killing off superheros just to get back at the man who shattered his fragile idealism. It is a lot to take in and it isn't a film I would show a young child as there isn't much that is lighthearted and takes away from the tension throughout the film. It is all very heavy with importance. This is a weighted film.

I don't know about anyone else but when I was younger I practically idolised Violet, I think a lot of people must of as she was possibly the character with the most relatable depth for kids of that time. She was quite literally invisible, awkward, and struggling to find herself. It is a simple matter of coming of age and through her I guess we all found ourselves. She gave us the ability to become confident and grow up understanding it is okay to be seen.

I suppose before this turns into a massive essay based mainly on conspiracy theories, I should round this up. Short and sweet as they say. I give The Incredibles a 6/10, it is truly an underrated masterpiece but one that I have grown out of. I loved this film as a child, I don't know if it was through over-watching or the fact that through becoming an adult I have appreciated the seriousness more but either way, The Incredibles is one of those superhero films which opens a few wounds. Great for what it is but as soon as you start picking up on things it gets too much.

As always my superstars, stay safe, never meet your heroes, and have a good weekend!