The Incredibles 2 Review (Contains Spoilers)
(Credit: Disney/Pixar Studios)
In 2004, the brilliant minds of Disney/Pixar and the directing/writing efforts by Brad Bird resulted in the game-changer known as The Incredibles, a super-hero/family film that captured our hearts, and has continued to hold a special place in my childhood - along with countless other Millennials - and devout fans of the super-hero and animated genre even after the 14 years long wait for its sequel.
And yet even after all this time the phrase, “Better late than never” is a sentiment all fans of this incredible (pun intended) franchise can unanimously agree…. Although I did not believe this was possible, I am pleased to announce that Incredibles 2 masterfully exceeded my expectations and was entirely worth the long wait. That's right…it is THAT good.
(Credit: Disney/Pixar Studios)
Initially, I was a little disappointed with Brad Bird’s story choices when the film was announced for development. I wanted the characters to grow just as I did –I was about 11 when I saw The Incredibles in theaters - after such a long wait in a similar fashion to the Toy Story franchise’s time lapse. At first, I was not exactly "on board" with the plot of Incredibles 2 because it seemed like just a role reversal between Helen Parr/” Elastigirl, Mrs. Incredible” (voiced by Holly Hunter) and Bob Parr/ “Mr. Incredible” (voiced by Craig T. Nelson). Foolishly, I believed the current story choices were all missed opportunities.
Thankfully, these story choices represent smart storytelling on Brad Bird’s part as I quickly realized during the film that there was still SO much to explore concerning the Parr family - particularly Helen Parr/Elastigirl/Mrs. Incredible and their youngest offspring, baby Jack-Jack Parr without a time jump…In fact, Helen Parr continues to be the biggest bad ass in the franchise, but given an even more significant role for surprisingly logical reasons. She single carries the weight of many of the most significant action set pieces (i.e., the train chase sequence) in the entire film.
(Credit: Disney/Pixar)
Arguably, the role reversals are the crux of the film and provide an exciting story. Bob Parr discovers what it truly means to be “Mr.Incredible” by handling the most challenging, albeit important task there is - being a great father for his children. Fortunately, he does an admirable job. Bob’s antics and challenges with raising his children could efficiently serve as its own separate story and film/TV series.
The two oldest children, Violet and Dash Parr (voiced respectively by Sarah Vowell and Huck Milner) also get their spotlight. I found Violet Parr to be an unexpected standout having evolved from the shy girl within the first film to a more mature role (i.e., the responsibilities of being the oldest, being more involved and asking questions, and handling her teenage angst). Meanwhile, baby Jack-Jack "steals the show", as he’s solely responsible for some of the biggest laughs and creative use of super-powers audiences have ever seen on screen.
Frozone (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson), continues to work as the “coolest” (pun intended) super-hero/supporting character since any film including Samuel L. Jackson is always a welcome, and Brad Bird’s voicing of the other scene-stealer, Edna Mode is painfully brief. The new character additions such as billionaire siblings Winston Deavor (voiced by Breaking Bad's Bob Odenkirk) and Evelyn Deavor (voiced by Catherine Keener). The villain of the film, known as the Screenslaver is given an interesting that some may not see coming and has compelling motivations that are a significant improvement from the revenge driven syndrome in the first film.
(Credit: Disney/Pixar Studios)
The story’s opening action sequence accompanied with that classical score conducted by Michael Giachinno effortlessly brings forth instant nostalgia. Immediately the audience is reminded that the Parr family never left after all these years. Also, the movie’s scale for action and superpowers along with the evolving familial dynamic between members of the Parr family during the first ten minutes are equally hilarious as they are impressive and set a bright tone for the film.
For all the laughs and thrills within The Incredibles franchise, the films are especially praised for its social commentary and substance, meaning the brains of the film are as formidable as its brawn. In this case, “Supers” (the term for super-powered individuals within this universe) are still deemed and treated as illegal aliens especially once the “Super Relocation Program" is shut down indefinitely. I particularly praise certain moments throughout the film that depicts the societal consequences the Parr family experiences for just doing the “heroic endeavors” they were born to do.
The Incredibles 2 finds plenty of humor by tackling the complicated issues between masculinity-femininity and the traditional norms of husband and wife. Although these themes are more appropriate for an entirely different article, I will say that once again Brad Bird and team handle gender politics/norms in equally genuine and hilarious ways that are incredibly refreshing. In other words, Brad Bird constructs a healthy debate about gender norms and roles without alienating the audience or forcing his perspective on things. Nonetheless, The Incredibles franchise is the rare kind of animated film that is just as equally intelligent with its meta and social commentary regarding super-heroes as it is an action-packed, family film adventure.
(Credit: Disney/Pixar Studios)
Perhaps my most significant praise goes to the action sequences and set-pieces throughout Incredibles 2. Each action sequence is more breathtaking and exhilarating as the last. I’d be willing to bet that Disney/Pixar advised Brad Bird to let loose with the special effects for the super-powers because the budget and scale are nearly a world’s difference from what we last saw in the first Incredibles film.
Incredibles 2 joins the company of great movie sequels which are sadly a rarity in recent years, all the while managing to elevate - not ruin - its nearly untouchable first installment even with the overwhelming demand of fan expectations.
From a life long fan, I say thank you, Brad Bird, the Incredibles Cast and Crew, and Disney/Pixar for adequately delivering after such a long wait. I only have one request: please don’t make us all wait another 14 years for the next (and inevitable) third installment.
David’s Score: Incredibles 2 gets an A+ (5/5 Entertainment, 5/5 Story Structure)