*****
When Elastigirl is hired to reverse the world's opinion on superheroes, Mr. Incredible is left to look after their children, including the mischievous Jack-Jack.
In 2004, Greece hosted the Olympic Games, the Spirit Rover landed on Mars, and Tony Blair was still the Prime Minister. It was also the year that The Incredibles was released - I was 12. In the intervening fourteen years between that film's debut and the coming of the second installment, it's fair to say that a great deal has happened, but Brad Bird's action-packed tale of a superhero family has successfully stood the test of time. Would the long-awaited sequel match that legacy?
In my opinion, Incredibles 2 is a worthy follow-up: it's bursting at the seams with action; it's funny; the characters are relatable and true; and it's ultimately very engaging. As a study of an all-too-recognisable family (albeit with a few extra superpowers...), it's a very witty and knowing piece of work. For me, this is where the film is at it's strongest - in Bob (Craig T. Nelson) learning to juggle the needs of his children whilst his wife, Helen, (Holly Hunter) fights to reinstate Supers. Delivered with a deft hand, this part of the film is touchingly true and humorous look at the familial every day - who hasn't congratulated their partner through gritted teeth or purchased the wrong size batteries? - but all the while it manages to give the audience just the right amount of superpower moments to maintain the pace of the parallel story arch. The second part of the tale, that of the Screenslaver, seems like something of an afterthought (this is very much a film about the idiosyncrasies and the bond of family), but it is nonetheless fun and well executed, even if the Big Reveal is perhaps a little too obvious.
Back on both screenwriting and directorial duties, Brad Bird wastes no time in immersing us back into the lives of the Parr family, with an opening sequence that instantly reminds the viewer of the childlike joy woven into the first. Bird, however, manages to interweave some adult themes into the script, from discussions of consumerism, to the implications of breaking the law, and our addiction to screens. The Screenslaver is also quite a scary character, with glowing blue eyes and a concealed face, who has the ability to hypnotise and control anyone. The antagonist's eerie voice can be heard in a scene in which Helen swings through the city in search of her foe, providing an unmistakable sense of dread that's definitely quite grown up in tone. As a side note, I read another review which argued that Incredibles 2 was nothing but 'feminist propaganda'. To that I would respond, women have sat through male-led films in which the hero goes off to save the world whilst the woman lingers at home for years. Female (indeed, in this case, family) representation is finally here, and if it can be woven into children's tales for them to grow up with a renewed view of femininity, I'm all for it.
Funny and fantastical in equal measure, Incredible 2 is another example of what Pixar does best - a touching tale with a heart of gold and plenty to enjoy for viewers of all ages. Packed with as many moments of wonder as there are instances of witticism, it makes for an action-packed cinematic treat that promises to stand the test of time, just like the predecessor.
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