Incredibles 2, 2018.
Directed by Brad Bird.
Featuring the voice talents of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Catherine Keener, Eli Fucile, Bob Odenkirk, Samuel L. Jackson, Sophia Bush, Isabella Rossellini, and Jonathan Banks.
SYNOPSIS:
Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is left to care for the kids while Helen (Elastigirl) is out saving the world.
It’s taken 14 years for a sequel to be made and Incredibles 2 does not disappoint. Starting exactly where the last film left off, the Parr family are still struggling with their secret identities and superhero rights are being debated. This time round Helen/Elastigirl (Hunter) is taking the lead saving the world and Bob/Mr Incredible (Nelson) is staying home to take care of the family.
There’s always a worry about leaving it this long to make a sequel, but luckily Brad Bird waited for the script to be just to his liking and delivers a fun family feature packed full of jokes, great animation and action. Swapping the stereotypical gender roles and having Helen go out to save the day and Bob stay home is a stroke of genius. So much comedy comes from Bob’s inability to look after the kids and struggling with Jack-Jack’s (Fucile) numerous powers. Helen’s sleuthing is full of tension and we find out a lot more about her in this second outing. Her action sequences have a lot of variety because of her superpower and a standout sequence with a runaway train is a highlight.
The first Incredibles film came out before the MCU, the DCEU and all the other superhero films that pack out the cinema screens, but it is still just as relevant. Even though 14 years have passed, the characters feel fresh and their issues just as relevant. The family’s individual problems are grounded in reality despite all the superhero antics going on. Violet (Vowell) is worried about dating, Dash (Milner) is struggling with Math and Jack-Jack is a confused baby. They’re relatable and that’s what makes it so great to see their journey continue.
After the flop Tomorrowland, Brad Bird has once again proven himself as one of the greatest living directors. With the first Incredibles he made the only truly enjoyable Fantastic Four film and with the second outing he ups the ante and delivers more humour and fun than the previous film. The only criticism is that the villain is not as memorable or as interesting as in the original but this is a small quibble. Hopefully the success of this film will give Bird another chance to explore live action. Many forget that he’s delivered (in my opinion) the strongest entry in the Mission Impossible franchise so far: Ghost Protocol. After his slight wobble, I can’t wait to see what he does next; although I hope to hear him as Edna Mode once more.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch