lørdag 30. november 2024

"The Swan Princess" - The Critically Acclaimed Disney Princess Knockoff From the 1990`s That Became a Huge Franchise

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

 
 
 
Yes, I wanted to prove that a Princess can touch a frog and without turning into one :)


 
 
 
The name Richard Rich may not be the most household name in animation. Still, he`s managed to make his impact on his own right. Rich started at Disney in the mailroom in 1972 and would give piano lessons during lunch breaks (yes, it`s true). He was chosen by John Lounsbery as an assistant director for Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too based on his musical expertise. He was assistant animation director on The Rescuers, Pete's Dragon and songwriter on the short The Small One. However, as for his bigger contributions, he directed the underrated Disney gem The Hound and the Hound and the flop The Black Cauldron. He was slated to co-direct Oliver & Company, until he was fired by Disney feature animation president Peter Schneider. 
However, Rich formed his own studio afterwards, Rich Animation Studios. With 26 employees, in which most of the key members came from Disney, including marketing chief, Matt Mazer. He also hired some of Don Bluth’s former workers. Subsequently, Jared F. Brown from Living Scriptures, Inc. made Rich to produce half-hour animated videos based on the audio readings of the Book of Mormon. However, while Rich would manage to direct various features afterwards (like The King and I and Alpha and Omega), there was one particular work that he would be recognized for. And that was The Swan Princess.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
General Information About The Swan Princess

We`re triplets who wants to
show that purple hair can be
attractive :)
Released in November 18, 1994, The Swan Princess was released by New Line Cinema (despite Columbia and TriStar Pictures released it overseas and Turner Home Video released it on video). Featuring the voices of Michelle Nicastro, Liz Callaway (Aladdin & The King of Thieves, Anastasia), Howard McGillin, Jack Palance, John Cleese, Steven Wright, Sandy Duncan (The Hound and the Hound), and Steve Vinovich (and yes, unlike with Disney, the voice actors were promoted in the trailers). Bobbi Page (Pocahontas) was among the chorus. The songs and score were composed by Lex de Azevedo and penned by David Zippel (Hercules, Mulan). Sai Ping Lok (Mulan) was among the background artists.  
It was hard to stretch my eye
like this :)
The end credits version of Far Longer Than Forever was recorded by Regina Belle (Aladdin) and Jeffrey Osborne. Released in a time where The Lion King was enjoying a re-release, Swan Princess really never had the chance to stand up to it. Unfortunately it became a flop (another reason for that was how it was released in a crowded market of family films, like Disney’s The Santa Clause, 20 Century Fox’s Miracle on 34th Street, along with Paramount’s Star Trek: Generations). It was more successful on Home Video, selling over 2.5 million units (it took the #1 spot in the United States). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 


Behind the Scenes Information
 
I wanted to prove that a puffin
can hypnotize :)
The idea for The Swan Princess began in 1985. A reason it was picked, is for being based on a classic story. Rich wanted to do a fairy tale, one that would be done like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. Rich was inspired by the success of Don Bluth's animated films, too. Rich also co-wrote the screenplay. But the film was made entirely without studio funding. Rich would later try to sell his script to many Hollywood studios, but to no success. But each studio made script revisions and Rich took the best of each. Later, Brown suggested to merge Rich Animation Studios, Family Entertainment Network, and Cassette Duplicators Inc. to their own company, Nest Entertainment. One story problems was the climax, but they solved it by making the moon absent during the third act.  
I`m a albino frog :)
The official production began in 1992. Overall, 275 animators and artists worked on the film. Swan Princess was remarkable for having the cels painted, like Disney did it before the CAPS system. The movie carried a $21 million price tag. Cleese was not the first choice. The crew wanted someone who could do a phony French accent. But they stumbled on him while looking at another actor in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But Cleese had just finished doing Fievel Goes West' for Steven Spielberg and he was unsure if he wanted to do another animated film right away. He was also considered of playing Zazu in The Lion King. But he chose Jean-Bob, cause he felt he was more interesting and fell in love with Jean-Bob. Because Rich wanted the movie to be classical, he needed New York and Broadway stars. But Rich wanted a honest, goodness princess, not a ‘sicky sweet’ princess. Rothbart’s was a very dark one-tone, one-beat kind of a villain. But when the crew saw Palance in City Slickers, they saw that he was able to be dark, but funny at the same time. As he had such a unique of speaking, and a deep quality of a voice. But he was hard to negotiate.
These poses will get me into
acting school :)
The release date was set from the get-go. But Disney had set Pocahontas for the same date. But Disney later delayed it`s date. Designer Steve Gordin wanted Odette to be a mature young lady like Aurora and not a cute girl like Ariel. He gave her long graceful neck to subtly implant the swan idea to her look. They landed on her face early. But his design of Jean Grey for X-Men: Evolution resembles Odette (despite how Jean was based on a real actress). Overall, Gording was looking for a style that wasn’t realistic, but still felt realistic.
I`m Rasputin`s ancestor :) In
various stages :)
Rothbart`s design changed a lot, as he was originally a hunchback and even a munk-like character. Lex actually sang No More Mr. Nice Guy. The crew looked for a performer for Rothbart's singing voice. But after struggling, they decided to have Azevedo sing. Far Longer Than Forever was based on The Miracle of Love from the New Testament. The crew wanted cartoony gags, due to their love for Looney Tunes-characters. Yet the comedy also appealed to adults. The scene where Bromley shoots the arrow was changed to give Bromley an armor. Due to how a teen copied a stunt from the movie The Program. Nicastro was originally going to sing Odette`s songs. But the crew thought her voice wasn`t graceful enough. And according to Rich, a lot of guys watched the movie.


 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How The Swan Princess Emulates the Disney Renaissance Formula

We`re descendants
of Cupid :)
Released in a time where Disney had restored their position as the Kings of Animation, The Swan Princess was one of the obvious Disney knocksoffs at the time (and yes, Rich pretty much made it as he made a Disney-feature). But frankly, it was a copycat that was perceived of being one of the better ones. Sure, Swan Princess didn`t convince the Animation World to convert to non-Disney animation completely (as following Disney knockoffs, like Anastasia, would gain more momentum). But it was still praised for being one of the better Disney wannabes. In fact, most of the elements from the Disney Renaissance formula were there: A beautiful, headstrong Princess (which always was a Disney trope) who`s motherless, a love interest, animal sidekicks, a villain, comical sidekicks and and a fighting climax at the end. It`s also structured of being a musical, with a introductory song, comedy number, villain number and a love duet (despite how surprisingly enough, there`s no "I want"-song for the lead character. Despite how Far Longer Than Forever could`ve been perceived as one)  
We wanted to prove
that our kingdom
lives up to it`s name
of being far away :)
But frankly, The Swan Princess managed to succeed with it`s elements and being an genuinely inspired Disney knockoff. And frankly, it feels a bit like Beauty and the Beast, as it`s structured and made the same way (even some reviewers saw that, as Caryn James of The New York Times noted the similarities between Far Longer Than Forever and the Beauty and the Beast song). Sure, there are many who don`t consider it to be on the same league at the Disney Renaissance, but hey. There`s always naysayers. And sure, the nods to Disney are obvious (King William lifting baby Odette to the Kingdom, just like Lion King. And Prince Derek giving a necklace to baby Odette, just like Sleeping Beauty. Which also was a property from the same source material, which is a synergy). But at least Swan Princess should have credit for not reusing the loner hero trope that Disney frequently reused during the Renaissance. And it takes use of it's fairy tale genre clearly, of placing it in a non-descriptional, European kingdom.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Strengths of The Swan Princess
 
I wanted to show that boobs
can be small :)
However, regarding the strengths of
The Swan Princess, there`s essentially a lot to like about the film. It's enchanting mood and pace, likeable and enjoyable characters, fine animation and delightful music. Certainly Speed and Puffin shines and manages to lift the movie (and frankly I prefer them to John Cleese's Jean-Bob. Who was mostly snooty and not particularly appealing). Also enjoyable are Derek's mother, Queen Uberta and Lord Rogers, who were funny and compelling on their own right. Since Swan Princess is a Disney ripoff, Odette is a Princess in true Disney mold: Kind, sweet, has animal sidekicks.
I wanted to look cool, but the
girls thought that I looked too
adorable with this grin :)
Yet she's upgraded with the determination and spunk that the Princesses of the 1990`s have been given. And while Derek may not be particularly unforgettable, he`s still compelling on his own right. And while perhaps Swan Princess may not be as deep as Disney's most mature work, it's not absent of pathos either, it still has it's moments of emotion and pathos (in the climax). While Rothbart may not be among the greatest villains, he's still effective enough (and his villain song is remarkably peppy and upbeat).
 





 







Disney`s Version of The Swan Lake Story and Comparisons to the Ballet

These pictures are about
before and after Hades went to
our World :)
The Swan Princess also follows the Disney mold in another way: Of being an adaptation of a fairy tale, on the Swan Lake. But since Disney once were synonymous with adaptations, they were actually planning their version of the story. Mike Gabriel and Joe Grant worked on the idea in the spring of 1991. Alongside with Brenda Chapman, Chris Sanders and Kelly Asbury. Chapman wanted to be Head of Story. But the pitch was rejected. But other Disney artists were also working on it, as Roger Allers developed his version. John Musker and Ron Clements were also offered the story, which they rejected for being too close to The Little Mermaid. Even Richard Rich pitched the idea for Disney during his time there, but it was rejected. It was planned at the stages of the Renaissance. But apparently the plot was going to deal with the mythology of dragons. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What Else is There? 

What else did you brought me
for Christmas? :)
For being an adaptation of a fairy tale, The Swan Princess is very remarkable for one thing. For actually scrutinizing one of the most crucial tropes of a fairy tale: Of falling in love at first sight for the appearance. Since it`s usually a trope that`s often featured in that genre of stories, Swan Princess is very notable for actually taking that trope and shedding light to it. Since it`s a trope that is mostly perceivable as shallow and it`s something fairy tales are usually labeled for, it`s actually nice that Princess managed to take that trope and actually scutinizing it.
This is what happens when a
brown haired guy and a blonde
chick plans a wedding. It takes
forever :)
And since Swan Princess was made in a time where most studios weren`t keen to mocking the tropes and scrutinizing them as blatantly as they`ve done as they`ve done afterwards (*cough, Shrek and Frozen, cough*), it`s still nice to see a movie who actually does that. And who does it in a way that`s not cynical or snappy towards the genre as it could`ve been. And sure, it`s anachronistic. But hey, fairy tale adaptations usually has some kind of anachronism in them, anyways and it`s usually not that jarring, either.















The Flaws of the Screenplay of The Swan Princess

Yes, this is a part four of
seducting class, girls :)

However, despite that admirable ambition, The Swan Princess unfortuantely doesn`t truly develop that issue as it should`ve have done. For having beyond the appearance being the main theme of the story, it`s disappointing how it doesn`t give the time between the lovebirds, Odette and Derek, to actually explore the issue during the movie. In fact, Derek is never actually given appropriate time to really explore Odette`s other sides than her beauty after the rejection. Unfortunately the development between the Derek and Odette is quite sparse, as they spend their entire childhood hating each other and falling in love at first sight as adults. But after Odette declares her independence, she`s captured and there`s no time for her and Derek to actually develop an relationship afterwards (well, at least until Rothbart is defeated).
I was jealous of Maleficent`s
position as the greatest villain,
so I wanted to outshine her :)

So despite it`s progression, Swan Princess also becomes regressive with it`s arc. As Derek and Odette are pining for each other after she`s been captured, without having a true development. With makes their yearning not belieavable. And despite how Derek is the character who needs the arc (despite how the movie is his story) and how Odette is partially active of her escape, it`s regressive how the story requires Derek (and his friend Bromley, which makes Derek unique for being a rare hero who`s given a male, human friend) to save the day (and yes, people hated Derek in test screenings, as opposed to what Rich did. So they made him more caring in some scenes, as well as having him state what he loved about Odette was added at the end). But also making Odette the damsel in distress, when she`s actually the lead of her own story. But even that alone isn`t the only flaw of the screenplay. As Odette`s father, King William, dies and the movie never shows her showing a single sign of grief over her father. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




The 25th Anniversary Celebration

As for the final reception of
The Swan Princess, the truth is that it`s never been particularly highly regarded on online ratings. Sure, it has it`s lovers, but it`s never been considered as a milestone in animation. Nor are it`s final ratings been very high, as it has a 6.4 on Imdb, 66% on Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes and 76% of fans on Google. So therefore it was a great shock (and a extremely pleasurable one) that Swan Princess was celebrated on it`s 25th Anniversary in 2019.
With a 4K Ultra HD remastered screening of the movie with the cast and crew of the movie at the W Hotel Hollywood. And it`s impact and legacy was both cherished and celebrated. And while such a celebration is remarkable on it`s own right, due to it`s low ratings, it`s of course nice for a fan of the movie (when Rich`s wife praised the movie, it changed his output. Cause she was a tough critic).
















 
Franchise
 
We`ll have to do this behind
Robin Hood`s back :) So that
he won`t be jealous :)
The Swan Princess has manged to become a franchise of it`s own. But the franchise mostly consists of cheapquels. During the time where Hand Drawn Animation was still relevant, Swan Princess was given two cheapquels: The Swan Princess: Escape from Castle Mountain (1997) and The Swan Princess III: The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure (1998). Both of them were instantly comparable to Disney`s cheapquel phase and were on the same quality (where the late Nicsatro would sing for Odette). And sure, the franchise morphed into a mandatory CGI territory (despite how Sony wanted them to be hand drawn, the stores wanted CGI for how kids prefer it) Despite how there was a 14 year gap between that transition, with The Swan Princess: Christmas (2012) and The Swan Princess: A Royal Family Tale (2014). Where Odette has a adopted daughter, Alise.  
We had to hide our bellies :)
We, at least two of us :)
The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! (2016) focuses on Alise and her friend, Lucas. The Swan Princess: Royally Undercover (2017) is about them being spies. Also released were The Swan Princess: A Royal Myztery (2018), The Swan Princess: Kingdom of Music (2019), The Swan Princess: A Royal Wedding (2020), The Swan Princess: A Fairytale is Born (2023) and The Swan Princess: Far Longer than Forever (2023), where Derek discovers that his father was accused of having deals with pirates. And sure, since Swan Princess expanded itself to such a large franchise, it would`ve been tempting to compare it to Bluth`s The Land Before Time franchise. Who`s essentially done the same thing. But hey, money will always speak in Hollywood, so we`re going to get these cheapquels, anyways.














 
 
Epilogue

Most of us are too tall to
show our bodies, so that`s
why only our heads were 
sculptured :)
At the end,
The Swan Princess has managed to become one of the most successful Disney-knockoffs. And frankly, it`s fair to say that it`s deservedly so. Regardless of the fanbase that it actually has, it genuinely deserves to be cherished for what it is. As for my own personal opinion about Swan Princess, the truth is that I genuinely love it. Despite how I`ve ranted about it`s flaws and plotholes, the truth is that Swan Princess is a movie that has a very nostalgic appeal to me. Yet I happened to even love it even more as an adult. Swan Princess was a movie that I liked very much as a kid, despite not being completely obsessed with it. While perhaps some of the comedy is a little juvenile (which even as a child I was repulsed by), I still liked a lot for it's strengths.
Yes, they are hidden behind
us :)
As Swan Princess is simply a delightful, enchanting and enjoyable movie, regardless of nostalgia or not. I remember that the movie was released the year after it`s domestic release (don`t ask why). But I never saw the movie until I got it on VHS at Christmas when I was twelve. And I remember watching it every morning when I was having a day off. In my childhood and youth, it was hard for me to see why this movie wasn't given more recognition or praise. And frankly, I still personally thinks it a pity that it`s been overlooked and haven't been given more attention. Considering that this entry was meant to synergize with it`s 30th Anniversary (yes, it`s hard to believe that it`s been that long since it was released), there`s nothing left than to wish The Swan Princess Happy 30th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more.





The image above us is a mirage. To prove that we animals can have a projector :)




References:
The Swan Princess Blu Ray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk1Fy6ZtMHk&t=886s (25th Anniversary Footage The Swan Princess) 
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mandag 4. november 2024

"The Incredibles" - The Superhero Movie From Pixar and Their First Human-Centered Picture

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

 
 
 
 
No, none of our costumes are fireproof ;)


 
 
 

This is what Al Hirschfeld
does to us :)
In many ways, superheroes has always been a perfectly suitable for animated movies. But it`s still very remarkable how there used to be few animated movies about them. It would`ve been tempting to wonder why there haven`t been made so many features about them, despite how most animated movies involves heroism in some way or another. But in 2004, Pixar broke the mold with their own superhero movie. And they did it a time long before Disney acquired Marvel.
I wanted to be Nemo for a
day :)
In the Fall of 2004, the sky was the limit for Pixar. They were coming off the heels of the successful juggernaut Finding Nemo. Who broke records and became the most successful animated of all time, even beating Disney`s own previous juggernaut, The Lion King. With that regard, it would`ve been tempting to wonder that Pixar would see it`s downfall after a string of successful movies. But fortunately they didn`t. Coming into a World where CGI had officially taken over and Hand Drawn Animation had officially disappeared Theatrically, Pixar was bound to have a new success. And that was with The Incredibles.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Information About The Incredibles
 
Released November 5th 2004, The Incredibles was Pixar`s Sixth Animated Movie. But it was the first Pixar feature to be ever directed from Brad Bird, who`s of course helmed the animated gem The Iron Giant (and having Bird who was behind such a jewel is of course promising by itself). And Incredibles would become one of three movies that he would made at Pixar (his follower would be Ratatouille). Featuring the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter (her first voice acting gig), Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Jason Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Peña. It was first Pixar film to be scored by Michael Giacchino. It had the short film, Boundin' (2003) preceeding it in Theaters. 
And despite how it wasn`t the phenomenon that was Finding Nemo, it still was a success. Grossing $261,441,092 Domestically and $631,688,498 Worldwide. It had the second-highest opening weekend for an animated film, only behind Shrek 2. Incredibles opened as number #1 at the Box Office. It won Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing at the 77th Academy Awards, with two nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing. And it`s been included on many of best-of lists. Even Disney veteran animators as Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston get their cameos in the movie. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Behind the Scenes Information

Since you`ve both stuck in
each ear, I`m (JackJack)
fortunate enough to be
untouchable :)
Brad Bird, who was Pixar's first outside director, developed the The Incredibles based of the 1960s comic books and spy films from his boyhood. The concept dates back to 1993 during an hard point in his career. Personal issues was affecting the story. Approaching middle age and having high hopes for his career, Bird pondered whether his goals were attainable at the price of his family life. He pitched the film to Pixar after The Iron Giant and carried over much of its staff to Pixar. He initially wanted the project to be Hand Drawn. But after reconnecting with old friend John Lasseter in March 2000, Lasseter convinced Bird to come to Pixar, where it would be done in CGI. But Bird wrote the script without knowing the limitations or concerns of CGI. And yes, it made it the most complex film for Pixar (at the time). Incredibles was written and directed solely by Brad Bird, a departure from previous Pixar productions. Who mostly had many directors and screenwriters. Disney was reluctant to make the movie for it`s issues and rather wanted it to be a live-action. But Lasseter denied this.
This is my security check
prosedure when I`m entering
a train :)
The stock archetypes of the family (who were originally named the Smiths) was there from the get-go and Bird had based their powers on their archetypes: Strength for the father, stretch for the mother (who`s always pulled in a many different directions), invisibility for a shy teenager, speed for a frantic child and a unrealized potential for a baby. Originally everyone could fly, except Bob. Which was a burden to him. Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli visited Pixar and praised the ambition for the movie. After several failed attempts to cast Edna Mode, Bird took on her voice role himself. As a part of the Pixar tradition of voices who worked on scratch dialogue tracks. Tony Fucile (The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Iron Giant) designed the characters (and his son, Eli, voiced Jack-Jack). Mark Andrews (Brave) supervised the storyboarding.
Someone told me that a
superhero who has this pose
looks cool :) Don`t blame me
for the idea :)
The challenges with The Incredibles was how story was bigger, was longer in running time and more different locations. And too many characters, costume changes, effects and how it was too big. And yes, it was daunting for the crew, despite how they were excited. The lack of structure become a running joke to the team. There were at least 781 visual effects shots. Incredibles also showed Bird`s dislike for unrealistic, ineffectual, and non-threatening villains. Bird was looking for a retrofuturistic sound and also an an old feel. But Giacchino noted that recording in the 1960s was different from modern day recordings. So the score was recorded on analog tapes. As brass instruments sounded better on analog equipments.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How The Incredibles is Different and Similar From the Previous Pixar Fare

We (Frozone and Edna) didn`t
have any red outfits, so we
had to dress in our own
colors :)
In a way, The Incredibles was somewhat a break for Pixar. They were mostly known to deliberately portray anthrophomorized worlds from their point of view, before they expanded their horizions with their premises. But at least Incredibles were a part of that expansion. As it was their first feature that featured humans and starred an all-human world. Sure, humans had been present in Pixar`s previous properties, but Incredibles really took the leap with the human characters. Humans was a challenge to do in CGI, which was a reason why perhaps Pixar mostly reduced most of their human characters to secondary characters (and yes, the humans were harder to do than the effects). And Incredibles was challenging, cause it was filled with elements that were difficult to animate with CGI back then. It required creating new technology to animate detailed human anatomy, clothing, and realistic skin and hair. Pixar's animators filmed themselves walking to better grasp proper human motion. Although the team had animated hair and cloth in Monsters, Inc., there was more hair and cloth required for Incredibles. And Bird would tolerate no compromises for technical simplicity. 
This is my way of flying with
my belly on the ground. It`s
not recommended :)
However, the designs of the humans in Incredibles doesn`t opt for total realism. As they come across as stylised as the regular Pixar human characters. The crew didn`t wanted them to look real, but feel real. They wanted a stylized look that were designy and fun-looking, but also wanted a convincing look. Still, what makes Incredibles comparable to Nemo is that it tells a story about a father. While of course both fathers are essentially different characters, it`s remarkable how it followed Nemo`s footsteps in that regard (and sure, it would`ve made it comparable to One Houndred and One Dalmatians and The Aristocats, since they are about parenthood, too). But while Pixar has always been synonymous with their buddy picture formula, at least Incredibles wasn`t such a picture. However, a remarkable thing about Pixar`s features is that they were becoming longer and longer at the time. And Incredibles was stretching the limits of length in a Pixar-movie.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Storyline and Genre of The Incredibles
 
I will never loose a pin with
my gloves on :)
In reality, while The Incredibles was never truly innovative with it`s plot, at least it was trying to do something interesting on it`s own right: Telling a story about a family of superheroes. But also a story about a retired superheroes who had their reasons to stay hidden (which why deliberately their introductory scenes are contradicting what`s happening with them). And how their retirement led to a midlife-crisis for the lead character. And yes, the Parr family are essentially serving the stock archetypes that are often seen in American, animated sitcoms. And while of course the children are given their superpowers, the superpower to the baby (JackJack), is the most extreme and frankly the least natural and therefore (in my opinion) the least satisfying. 
I drank the juice from
Wonderland :) But since I`m a
baby, I couldn`t help it :)
But at least Incredibles was somewhat innovative for being a spy movie in animation. Which was rare for the medium at the time. And sure, it would`ve been tempting to compare it to Spy Kids, for being a movie about a family of superheroes and having a similar plotline. And sure, another shallow comparison would be Hercules. Who also was about actual heroism. But of course it`s a shallow one. As for other comparisons, many reviewers compared Incredibles to superhero comic books, like Powers, Watchmen, Fantastic Four, Justice League, and The Avengers. The crew of 2005`s Fantastic Four were forced to make script changes and add more special effects for not being too similar to Incredibles.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






The Villains

I`m the current version of
Zeus :)
As for the villain of The Incredibles, Buddy/Syndrome is essentially one of the flaws of the film. For actually given a relatable and understandable reason to do what he does (after being rejected by his Idol). But his conflict is never resolved, as the screenplay just keeps him the sheer villain at the end. It`s essentially disappointing, as his motivations is also partly Bob`s fault and puts him in a bad light. But what`s even more less satisfying, is how Bob (despite giving a brief, but insincere apology) never truly mends his mistake. Nor even gets gets a closure with his nemesis. Which is essentially is one of the mistakes in the movie. Syndrome was originally a minor character who assaults Bob and Helen at the beginning of the movie and dying in an explosion that destroys the Parrs' house. And was a part of Bird's first pitch. But was so popular among the audience and was made the main villain. As the crew liked him more than his predecessor, Xerek, who was originally the villain. Xerek was going to be a short, decrepit criminal mastermind to taking down superheroes by using his army of henchmen and robots. And afterwards was as tall, dark and mysterious figure like James Bond villain. He was also going to be an obsessed ex-boyfriend of Helen and turn on the good side at the end. Syndrome was based on Brad Bird himself (Jason Lee also played his voice as younger, where his voice waas raised and speed changed). 
I`m the Tim Burton version of
Susan from Monsters vs.
Aliens :)
In that regard, Mirage is also a remarkable character. For essentially being a femme fatale to the story. But also a character who could`ve been easily interpreted as a potential love interest for Bob. Of course Incredibles doesn`t go completely with this idea. But it still does comically play with it. But Mirage is remarkable for starting out as a character who tricks Bob and becomes on his side. In that sense, it would`ve been tempting to compare her to Helga in Atlantis The Lost Empire. For serving a similar role. Despite how Mirage`s arc is more obvious than Helga`s, as Helga was never truly given the chance to develop her redeemable sides. But at the end, Mirage is still a underwritten character. As her motives are never truly explored. Which is a pity, due to how the characters and especially Bob, are well-rounded, human and flawed and Mirage`s motives could`ve been explored more.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Sequel
 
Yeah, we wanted to escape
from this window. Cause it`s
hard being stuck here :)
Despite how The Incredibles was among Pixar`s most beloved properties, it`s remarkable that it took so long before a sequel saw the light of the day. Fourteen years after it`s predecessor, The Incredibles 2 was released in June 2018. Also directed by Brad Bird and with most of the cast returning (with the exception of the voice actor for Dash), as well as the composer. The sequel takes place shortly after it`s predecessor (which was a conscious choice). While it`s not perhaps rehashing the storyline of it`s predecessor, it still does have a similar storyline. And frankly swaps Helen`s and Bob`s parts: As Helen is the one who gets to shine and save the day, while Bob steps in her shoes (which was a deliberate choice from Bird). And just as it`s predecessor, it has a villain (female one) who has a personal, relatable reason for doing what she does. And just like Syndrome, doesn`t get a redemption, despite that she has potential to have one. 
I preceeded Elsa :)
Bird was open to an idea of a sequel, but only if it would be better than the original. A challenge in writing Incredibles 2 was to deal with the amount of superhero films and TV show that`s been released since the first film. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The interesting thing for Bird was never the superhero part. But the family dynamic and how the superhero things play into that. To try to differentiate the sequel, Bird wanted to avoid tropes to the superhero genre. And wanted to include unused ideas from the first film. The Incredibles 2 received positive reviews and was a commercial success, too. Grossing $608,581,744 Domestically and $1,243,225,667 Worldwide. As for myself, did I like it? Yes. Sure, it felt similar to it`s predecessor and felt like it came from the same cloth. But it`s not a bad thing, as the sequel was a entertaining and fun movie. Whether it`s equal or superior to it`s predecessor, it`s not particularly relevant. As it`s a good movie on it`s own right.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Epilogue
 
I`m the red and
modern version of
Hercules :)

At the end, The Incredibles is a worthy and cherished entry into Pixar`s pantheon of animated movies. And it`s certainly one of the movies that belongs to Pixar`s golden pantheon of string of successes. And it`s always going to be heralded with it`s high position and have it`s league of fans. However, regarding my own personal opinion of the movie, the truth is that while I`ve enjoyed it, it`s never been a movie that I`ve actually loved. Frankly, I consider Incredibles a good and fun movie, but not a great one. While there`s nothing lackluster about it, it still lacks the spark and mojo of Pixar`s very best works. And sure, it`s somewhat of a letdown from the brilliant, iconic masterpiece that was The Iron Giant (sorry, Brad Pitt and his fans).
This was my best
way of looking
cute :)
However, while some of the animation has not aged particularly well (sorry, animators) and it`s a little too long and some storypoints could`ve been more tighten up, it`s still a engaging and entertaining movie. It`s funny, edgy and even somewhat adult-oriented in some ways. And since this entry was written to synergize with it`s 20th Anniversary (yes, it`s hard to believe that someone who was 20 years old when this movie was released, that this movie is now the same age), there`s nothing left than to wish The Incredibles Happy 20th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more. 
 
 
 
 
 

Yes, we`re the A-Team, thanks to our name :)





 

References:
The Incredibles DVD
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