Once upon a time, the world believed Jim Carrey could do no wrong. How else could you explain a $20m paycheque for The Cable Guy?

Like so many actors before him, Carrey proved that staying on the top of Hollywood is something that doesn't last forever.

Unless of course, you work for Pixar.

The mouse-house's CGI animation unit have been on a hot streak since 1998's Toy Story, and, judging by the box office take of Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo, they've yet to hint at the possibility that they might blow it any time soon.

But that's not to say each movie is improving. Despite critical and commercial success, the last two movies appeared to run the well dry in terms of original story lines.

Enter Brad Bird, and outsider with a project that had been dancing around his head for 12 years prior to its eventual release.

Gone are the standard formula traits – buddies on road trips etc – and in comes a storyline with more layers than a lasagna. It would appear Brad Bird has reinvented the Pixar movie just when they needed it the most.

Mr Incredible lives in a time where superheroes rule the streets. But when our hero saves a man attempting suicide, the would-be jumper files a lawsuit and all of a sudden it's open season on the Supers.

Cut to several years later, and Mr Incredible and his family of superheroes, including his wife Elastigirl, son Dash and daughter Violet, have been relocated by the government and told to live completely ordinary lives.

However, ordinary is not something Mr Incredible can handle, and it isn't long before our hero is tempted back into action but, before he can save the day, his family get roped in too.

The Incredibles picked up the Best Animated Feature at the 2005 Oscars, as well as taking home the statuette for Best Sound editing.

The depth of the writing is perfect – visual gags come at breakneck speed, while sub-plots about the kids realising their powers help attach you to the characters enough to really care for them.

And as with all of the new movies to come out of the next generation of animation, there is a remarkable penchant for riffing pop culture.

But while Shrek 2 revolved around in-jokes, The Incredibles uses them far more subtly – because the jokes themselves, such as the many James Bond, Indiana Jones and Superman references, are an integral part of the story.

The dialogue too is full of lines that will please both ends of the audience spectrum.

"I'm you're new sidekick! Incrediboy!" proclaims Mr Incredible's biggest fan.

"You're not affiliated with me kid," is his instant response.

The script may be bigger and better, but it's not the only improvement. The animation too is awesome.

It may be that we are no longer as excited by an all-computer-generated cartoon as we've seen it all before, but Pixar have cranked up the juice, allowing for some stunning scenery and explosions while all the time remaining faithful to their earlier visions.

Explosions are all well and good, but the most impressive feats they have managed this time out are the little things, like Violet's hair, which somehow behaves exactly as real hair would – even when soaking wet.

The Incredibles has everything that a Pixar movie should have, and even dares to try a few new things. The cast of voices are spot on – especially Sam Jackson's Frozone – and the jokes are as consistent as a Jerry Zucker movie.

The CGI bubble may eventually burst, perhaps with next year's Cars, but for now, enjoy every single Incredible minute that Pixar has to offer.

Richard Phippen