Document details

The Iron Giant should have been the movie that broke out director Brad Bird as one the most talented directors working in animation. Serving as both co-writer and director, Iron Giant was perhaps one of the final truly great entries into the fading world of hand-drawn animation. More than just a fun story for children with action and, of course, a giant robot, Giant had a strong story, deeply heartfelt characters and numerous clever moments that kept the adults just as entertained as the kiddies. There was just one problem: No one saw it. In a mis-marketing campaign of epic proportions at the hands of Warner Brothers, they simply didn't realize what they had on their hands.

In the years since, Iron Giant's appeal has grown and reached a larger audience, resulting in a recent special edition DVD that finally gives the film the tribute it always deserved. Although Warners may have missed the boat, the folks over at Pixar took notice. Story has always been the strength behind their terrific run, and they knew Brad Bird would be the man to keep their run going with a story Bird had developed entitled The Incredibles.

Now, years in the making (as is the burden of animation), Bird is back with his first film in five years. The Incredibles is the story of a group of aging superheroes. Their leader is the muscle-laden Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson). Along with his wife, Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and friend Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), the group used to bring fear into the criminals of the world, helping to keep society safe and sound. Now, modern times have caught up to them. The damage caused by the superheroes dazzling defeats of the criminal underworld have resulted in a series of lawsuits, ending the run of Mr. Incredible and his "Incredibles" gang. Now Mr. Incredible lives a basic suburban life with his wife and two children. There are no more thrills or excitement, and he now has an ever-growing gut. That is, until a certain someone from his past comes forth to wreak havoc on the world, bringing the old gang back together again.

[…]