THE new computer-animated fable from the Pixar team (Toy Story, Finding Nemo) more than lives up to its name, conjuring up a hilarious portrait of dysfunctional family life set in the dangerous world of superheroes.

It has smart script, eye-popping visuals, thrilling action set pieces and endearing characters,

After years of loyal service saving the world from dastardly villains, Mr Incredible (voiced by Nelson) is placed in the Witness Protection Program with his family.

They are relocated to the leafy suburbs, and given new identities. The family must now try to lead normal lives, without the aid of superpowers.

Fifteen humdrum years pass, and Mr Incredible - now insurance claims adjuster Bob Parr - is fighting boredom rather than crime.

His wife Helen (Hunter) - aka Elastigirl - is using her startling flexibility to raise three children: insecure teenager Violet (Vowell), 10-year-old Dash (Fox) and baby Jack Jack.

When a mysterious communication from a beautiful woman called Mirage (Pena) summons Bob to a remote island, he gladly squeezes back into his spandex outfit and heads off on an adventure into the unknown... albeit behind Helen's back.

On the island, Mr Incredible is captured by his deranged nemesis, Syndrome (Lee), who is intent on ridding the world of superheroes once and for all. The hero must watch as the madman unleashes his latest deadly creation on an unsuspecting world.

Luckily, Mrs Incredible, Violet and Dash are already en route to the island to save Dad and avert global disaster, with a little help from their ice-cool superhero pal, Frozone (Jackson).

The Incredibles blows Finding Nemo and Toy Story out of the water, with its sophisticated screenplay, rich character detail and clever humour.

This is certainly the most adult-oriented masterpiece yet from the Pixar team - but there is plenty to entertain audiences of all ages.

The vocal performances are excellent, and you can hear that the actors are having a ball as the larger-than-life heroes and villains.

The piece de resistance is the Parr family's diminutive fashion oracle, Edna E Mode (Bird), a 3ft 8in recluse who was the first designer to make superheroes wear pants on the outside.

"Your suit can stretch as far as you can," she tells Helen while proudly showcasing the new red Incredibles bodysuit. "It's virtually indestructible and machine washable too, darling - that's a new feature!"

Brad Bird, who directed the charming family animation The Iron Giant, takes the helm with gusto here, orchestrating some spectacular action sequences that will leave your jaw scraping the floor for the entire two hours.

It's going to be an Incredibles Christmas.

DAMON SMITH