Common Good Praises the Incredibles Common Good Press Release, November 9, 2004 Common Good praises The Incredibles, Pixar's new animated feature film, for its parody of unreliable justice in
America.
The Incredibles, now the #1 box office hit in the nation, tells the story of a family of superheroes
forced by the fear of being sued into disguising themselves as an average American
family.
"The Incredibles highlights the impact on American life of a steady undercurrent
of legal fear," said Common Good Chair Philip K. Howard.
In The Incredibles, the father of the family of superheroes is sued so many times by people injured
when he saves their lives that the federal government could no longer afford to
pay the legal claims. Ultimately, the appearance of a new super-villain forces
the family out of retirement and back into action.
"The Incredibles is great entertainment," Howard noted. "But it also performs an important public
service."
Fear of litigation is dramatically changing life in America. Examples are ubiquitous:
- Nearly 8 in 10 teachers (78%) say students are quick to remind them that they
have rights or that their parents can sue (Public Agenda survey).
- 79 percent of physicians acknowledge ordering more tests than they would based
only on professional judgment of what is medically needed (Harris poll).
- Between 70 and 80 percent of employers forbid employees from providing full references
(Christian Science Monitor).
- High School Coaches are advised to carry $3 million in liability insurance.
Read our press release on The Incredibles. | 
