No mainstream American film this year has earned a higher combination of critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm than The Incredibles.
So, why isn’t the film in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten of 2004?
Do they consider a film that can impress all ages to be unsophisticated?
What could possibly be the reason?
Will Oscar voters be sensible enough to recognize that an achievement on the scale of The Incredibles deserves honors not just in the animation category, but in the Best Picture of the Year category? Who’s going to have the guts to show that kind of sense?
And while we’re on the subject, if the NBR liked Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind enough to award it with the Best Screenplay of the Year … why isn’t THAT film in their Top Ten?
Is it lacking in the performances? (No. They’re award worthy.) Is it lacking in strong direction? (No. Michel Gondry delivered the most creative work by a director this year.) Is it the soundtrack? (No. John Brion’s soundtrack is superbly effective.) WHAT IS IT?
This all adds up to one clear conclusion: The National Board of Review members are not thinking very clearly.