"The Incredibles" is so jammed with entertainment that, at two hours, it's almost too much. Instead of leaving us wanting more, Pixar's latest computer-animated kick risks gorging us into a satiated stupor.

Of course, that's a nice problem to have. "The Incredibles'" plate may be overloaded, but gluttony never tasted so good.

Like 1999's live-action "Mystery Men," "The Incredibles" finds fun in the indignity of being an unwanted superhero.

Hounded by frivolous lawsuits, superstrong Bob, aka Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson), and his superpowered family flee to suburban obscurity. There they must live like ordinary folks, sheltered by a "superhero protection program."

Helen, aka Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), is too busy caring for the kids to anguish. But Bob has midlife issues, from his swelling paunch to his dead-end job.

Still aching to help humanity, he and ice-powered pal Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) use their bowling night as a cloak to be do-gooders on the sly. Then Bob gets a chance to don his ill-fitting tights for a big secret mission - just like the old days.

What ensues is a wildly eventful thrill ride and a clever, adult-friendly comedy. Unlike critter-geared animation such as "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles" fuses reality-based humans (cartoon hair never looked so good) with anything-goes astonishment.

Just as computer effects often serve live-action superhero films, they give pop to cartoon powers here. Elastigirl is especially creative, whether stretching her body into pretzels or forming makeshift parachutes. The elastic Mr. Fantastic in the upcoming live-action film "Fantastic Four" will have a hard act to follow.

Yet dazzling effects aren't enough. Like Bob, "The Incredibles" has gung-ho zeal for action-adventure, and its heart and humor occasionally get lost in the tumult.

As far as action goes, it's as much of a spy flick as a superhero satire. The family of adventurers echoes "Spy Kids," and the music channels John Barry's James Bond scores.

Two tiny characters stand out. The superheroes' costume designer Edna, who evokes Oscar winner Edith Head (or perhaps Linda Hunt crossed with Anna Wintour), is voiced by writer-director Brad Bird, while Bob's boorish boss is voiced by Wallace Shawn ("Toy Story's" Rex). They provide a double shot of energy with what could have been incidental parts; each is a stitch.

But quirkiness subsides when the family hits an island to fight a giant robot and a power-mad maniac. This sparks action - but not much else. It's as if Bird was bent on one-upping George Lucas as a special-effects whiz, when all he had to do was go with the fun flow.

That's not to say "The Incredibles" wears out its welcome; it packs a wallop until its exhausting end. When a gifted artist tosses in even the sink, we shouldn't balk about remodeling the kitchen.

TITLE: "The Incredibles"DIRECTOR: Brad BirdCAST: Voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Spencer Fox, Sarah Vowell, Brad Bird, Elizabeth PenaRATED: PG: violence, children in jeopardy)GRADE: * * * ½ (on a scale of 5)