The Incredibles are back, though one might wonder if they ever left as the much anticipated sequel picks up exactly where the first film left off. This alone had one wondering why wait so long but i’ll get into that later. First let’s talk about the good.
Incredibles 2 features the same voice talents of Craig T. Nelson as Bob Parr (a.k.a Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter as Helen Parr (a.k.a. Elastagirl) and Samuel L. Jackson as Lucius Best (a.k.a Frozone) and rightfully so. The film couldn’t exist without the voices and given the 14 year time-lapse the film doesn’t disappoint. It still has the same hype as the previous one while not relying on old jokes to drive the film. In addition, the “Incredible” children, Violet (voiced by Sarah Vowell) , Dash (voiced by Huck Milner) and Jack Jack (voiced by Eli Fucile) play a crucial part as this is the first time that we see just what the younger supers can do. There is the same sibling rivalry between Violet and Dash as to who will be taking care of Jack Jack, who obviously is still a baby, but also adds tremendously to the comical timing as we learned in the original film that he does have powers. The question is just how many?
No spoilers, but that is the first “problem” I saw is the family’s knowledge of Jack Jack’s powers. If we look back at the first film, there is a scene at the end with Cyndrone where Helen is thrown up in the air when Cyndrone is trying to take baby Jack Jack and he uses his first power, but yet in the sequel, the powers come as a surprise. Maybe I’m just reading to much into it, but I thought I’d point it out just for decision. That being said, it didn’t take away from the film and in fact, the discovery of just how many powers Jack Jack does have, drives the film as the family must know figure out how to help Jack Jack control his powers.
The importance of family shines though this film as it did in the first one as well as the idea of role reversal with Helen Parr now being the one to save the day and Bob Parr to take care of the kids. The film shows a great message of the importance of each role and the idea of it doesn’t matter who does it, each job is equally important.
Brad Bird, who returns as both the writer and director, excelled in taking the same story and enhancing it for a new audience. Aside from the previous comment, with Jack Jack, everything else about the film was spot on with regards to continuity. In addition, we saw growth with most of the Parr family as we saw Violet as she quickly enters her crazy adolescent phase with that of attempting to talk to Tony to that of embracing her responsibility with her little brother, Jack Jack.
As always the music score added to that feel of superhero vibes with the same iconic theme song that we remember from the beginning. The audience also is introduced to Elastagirl, Mr. Incredible and Frozone’s unique themes as Winston Deavor (played by Bob Odenkirk) tries to reinstate supers in their former glory.
Overall, at 2 hour run time, Incredibles 2 is a fun movie for all ages. Kids will love the superheroes trying to save the day amidst the fact that it’s illegal, while adults will love the subliminal messages including the biggest about the importance of balancing family life with that of work.
Incredibles 2 came out in theaters June 15. 2018 and is currently playing in a theater near you.