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"The Incredibles": Punished for Doing Good

The Incredibles is the story of the Parrs, a family of superheroes. The beginning of the movie follows the exploits of Bob Parr, also known as “Mr. Incredible,” who joins a host of other superheroes in an effort to save the world from various nefarious characters. However, as society becomes more litigious, the superheroes increasingly find themselves in the defendant's seat.

In this scene, a neck-brace clad Oliver Sandsweet stands before television cameras announcing that he is suing Mr. Incredible. When Sandsweet attempted to end his life by jumping from a skyscraper, Mr. Incredible’s rescue ended in a hard landing. Instead of an effusive display of gratitude, Mr. Incredible is berated with accusations from Sandsweet’s lawyer.

“Mr. Sandsweet didn’t ask to be saved. Mr. Sandsweet didn’t want to be saved. And the injury received from Mr. Incredible’s actions, so called, cause him daily pain.”

“I saved your life,” shouts the incredulous superhero.

“You didn’t save my life! You ruined my life!” yells Sandsweet.

Sandsweet’s lawsuit opens a floodgate of legal actions against the superheroes. The government is forced to initiate a superhero relocation program, sending Mr. Incredible and his heroic comrades into anonymity and seclusion. Despite the fact that these individuals regularly put themselves at great risk to go about doing good, they are unwelcome and unappreciated.

Gratitude is not always the response toward those who do good. Our calling is not for appreciation, but faithfulness.

Elapsed Time: 00:10:17 to 00:11:34 (DVD scene 2)

Content: Rated PG

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