Reviews

It takes a special Québec actor to write, direct and star in this excellent comedy of a middle class, overweight big mouth Elvis impersonator to cast a new light on the already tired subject. You can only feel sorry for this fat funny guy who lives the American dream of being Elvis (sort of like a modern day Fred Flinstone). Poulin is just a fantastic actor. His ability to make everyday common activities funny with his hilarious body language, comic timing and physical comedy has to be seen to be believed. To see him listening to a cassette of a recorded ballgame while on the beach is just precious, or to see his wife trying to squeeze him in his already too tight Elvis costume in the kitchen is simply gut splitting funny. From a Hawaiian themed winter community dinner that goes wrong to his trouble with the snowblower, its a gag every minute. With a great supporting cast and location shooting. One small problem...much of the humour can only be understood if you understand Québecois french.

Considered a Canadian comedy classic, this underrated film could be considered the quintessential Canadian film, as it's subject matter and social commentary helps define us as "...that country up north".

This film is 100 minutes long.

You have to give Michel Côté credit, this 4 character role is no easy feat, but he pulls it off well in this original comedy. The film could have been trimmed a bit here and there, and the situations get a bit too corny, but all in all it's worth seeing.

Canadians are always wondering what our culture is. Well it's our neighbors to the east, Québec, who create the most unique and diverse films in the country. Their unique style, accent on characters and situations make these Québecois films always a treat to see, with production values mostly top notch. And if you don't understand french, just read the subtitles.

I would like to correct "the unemployed critic" with his small mistake calling the film's design as "Art Deco". Art Deco was a design movement of the Twenties to the early Forties, more or less.

What makes this movie so much fun are the references to MODERN architecture and design of the Fifties and Sixties. Take a look at the Parr's house and you'll see influences by Richard Neutra, Pierre Koenig and the Case Study House project in California of the 1940's to 1960's. The flagstone walls, open rooms, kitchen miter windows and gorgeous interior design make it a thrill to explore. This movie has so many details you'll see new things with every viewing. Such refreshing and creative visuals.

There are many references to the modern era in general. What a forward thinking time with excitingly new architecture and design. Something that seems to lack in our present day society.

As a passing interest, Edna Mode is modeled after Hollywood costume maker par excellence Edith Head. How fitting that she be the costume designer for the Incredibles!

Pick up the book "The Art of the Incredibles" to get the whole story of the meticulous design process that went in the well made film. It's well worth it!

A very stylized and well done Canadian film. Excellent acting, mise en scene and good story. I love that big house. Film shot in Toronto in early '70's, with many scenes on the University of Toronto campus. I'd love to know where that house is. Is it near the U of T? Anyone know?

Check out the low boom mike in the top frame during the first phone call. In the Critical Mass DVD, the trailer has famous actor James Mason as narrator! Also, Martha Gibson (who plays the dead-girl-in-the-park's mom, is none other than Marge Cicconi in the excellent murder mystery TV series of the 1980's "Seeing Things" (on Bravo Tuesday nights at 6:30pm).

Anyone recognize Andrea Martin of Second City fame? Also, many character actors we see in the film are today doing commercials or TV dramas. The cop who got shot in the behind is often in commercials selling insurance or cold medicine. I wish Olivia Hussey did more film work today. Kind of sad in a way.

The Critical Mass DVD has 2 short interviews with John Saxon (good interview in Filmfax #103/104) and movie trailer (with narrator James Mason!). Wish they put more interviews with other actors, director explaining behind the scenes, etc.