The Incredibles

I finally got around to renting the Disney movie, The Incredibles. At the risk of sounding elitist, I had kinda been putting it off because 1) It didn't really interest me to begin with, when it was at the theater.
2) Thanks (?) to BlogExplosion, I've surfed waaaaay too many mommylicious blogs out there about how wonderful it was and
3) Usually when the general masses like something, it has an adverse affect on me.

So, I rented it and it wasn't bad. Though I see why most of middle America loved it, that's precisely the reasons I didn't. Oh, I'm not saying I hated it, but I am saying it's not something I'd add to my DVD collection.

Pros:
1) The choice of actors/actresses to do the voicework was great. I love Holly Hunter. She has a great distinctive voice that lent itself perfectly to the character she played. I have to admit, though, with the look of the character 'E', I'd have thought it would have been better suited to the voice of Linda Hunt.
2) The overall look of the film's computer-generated animation is great. It almost verges on a new millenium Claymation.
3) The musical score lent itself perfectly to the fast-paced action of the film. Great job by the composer.

Cons:
1) The movie has the feel of one of those schmaltzy PSRs that seem to be rotating every 30 minutes on the Nickelodeon and ABC channels, about the importance of taking time to eat dinner with your family. 'cause you know, if you DON'T your kid will become an out-of-control drug addict/alcoholic and have pre-marital sex. They may even *shudder* develop their own opinions! *GASP!* In other words, the movie is extremely famililicious and was definitely made with that demographic in mind. Thus it's appeal among the aforementioned masses.
2) The baby gimmick. Esp. at the end (saw that one coming a mile away).
3) The end product didn't live up to the hype.
4) The inevitability of the straight to DVD sequel(s).

So, my basic complaint is that I could have lived without the kids. All that was missing was the dog and grandma. From an aesthetic standpoint, the movie was beautifully executed. From a plot standpoint, the movie was too contrived and chock full of Family Values. It was like a flashback to the Dan Quayle years all over again. Don't come back to the five and dime '88-'92. Oh. Too late.

So, in short, if you are a parent, a grandparent or will watch just about anything that flies out of Disney's butt, then The Incredibles is for you! Otherwise, rent The Rescuers or The Great Mouse Detective, neither one of which have a toy deal with McDonald's.