The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar movie. Which is saying something, considering just how strong the company’s output has been since Day One. I’m convinced much of that is due to Brad Bird, who despite making a computer animated film about superheroes and their exploits, firmly grounds the story in the mundane, day-to-day lives that his superheroes have to live when they remove their costumes. Lives that include arguing children, 9-to-5 jobs, cleaning the house, living in suburbia, and even a wee bit of marital dischord. (Steven Greydanus explores this more in his wonderful review.)
While much of the film focuses on the trials and derring-do of Bob Parr (aka Mr. Incredible) and his family, the film also graces us with some wonderful secondary characters, including Edna Mode, imperious fashion designer for the superhero set, and Lucius Best, aka Frozone, an icy cool ally of Mr. Incredible’s.
Frozone (voiced with tons of panache by the inimitable Samuel L. Jackson) has settled into a posh lifestyle with his wife Honey, and is getting ready for a fancy evening dinner that’s been months in the preparation. And then a massive robot comes meandering through the city, wreaking havoc and destruction left and right. Frozone is ready to jump into action, except for one thing: he can’t find his super suit and Honey won’t tell him where she put it away.
Frozone tries pleading with her, telling her it’s for the greater good, and she responds with a line that’s more potent than even the most fiendish deathtrap: “ ‘Greater good?’ I am your wife! I’m the greatest good you are ever gonna get!”