Film Review | Incredibles 2

Incredibles 2 is written and directed by Brad Bird and features voice work from Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter.

Action/Adventure/Family. Released 2018.

Incredibles 2 picks up exactly where the 2004 Pixar classic ended, and the Parr family are faced with the opportunity to rehabilitate the legal status of supers as a result of a new project brought about by the Deavor siblings, seeing as a new threat, Screenslaver, is on the rise. This is all whilst grappling with the cons of being a super when applying themselves to normal-life scenarios as well as being challenged by their inescapable responsibilities to lead a domestic and peaceful life. 

As the extensive 14-year-long waiting game for a sequel to Pixar's The Incredibles was coming to a close, I was beginning to wonder whether it would live up to the ever-growing expectations set by the first film. However, now the wait is over, it is incredibly thrilling for me to say that Incredibles 2 absolutely does.

Although seeing Infinity War was the most memorable film-going experience I've ever had, seeing Incredibles 2 was probably the most fun I have ever had whilst going to see a film. An entirely packed out auditorium and an audience full of nostalgia with a mutual amount of anticipation combined with the satisfaction that these 14 years have been worth the wait really made for a wildly entertaining time. 

This film moves so fast, in every way. The quick and witty dialogue, the swift development of the plot and the magnitude of the action sequences show audiences no sign of slowing down, which simply makes Incredibles 2 all the more enjoyable.

The voice work here is inevitably stellar, across the board. Significantly stellar voice work, however, are the performances given by Holly Hunter (Helen/Elastigirl), Sarah Vowell (Violet), and Brad Bird (Edna Mode).

Brad Bird gives new purpose to each of our favourite characters, and effectively brings Elastigirl to the forefront of the central plot, whilst Mr Incredible is the epicentre of a sub-storyline involving the Parr family's domestic life, reversing the roles from the original film and therefore showing Helen and Bob's balanced, team dynamic, a progressive move on Bird's part. In addition, moreso than the original, there is a lot of emphasis on Violet, the epitome of a stroppy, 21st century teenager (but with a family of superheroes), which added another dynamic to the family and allowed for some very comedic moments as well as character development, increasing audiences emotional investment. Dash did not have any, on the other hand, however I feel like his arc may be saved for a potential Incredibles 3 (please, Brad Bird, the world needs it). 

Comedy standouts obviously include the most-talked about baby in the world right now, Jack Jack. His huge power-set is so comically bizarre and I cannot wait to see more (again, Brad, the world needs it). You will have to excuse me for a long, long while for me to think of a funnier sequence in ANY film that out-does that racoon sequence (please remember that comedy is subjective :)). My other comedy standout is - of course - Edna. Mode. I resoundingly applaud and thank Brad Bird for writing and voicing a character whose words and actions result in hysterical laughter from every member of the audience (my cheek bones began to ache if that is any indication). 

I also want to applaud Brad Bird for crafting a story with a very original threat. Screenslaver is an brilliant new villain, one that exceeds 2004's Syndrome. The plot is excellent; it moves quickly yet the film still breathes, and all of the revelations feel natural and in place. 

I don't feel any need to compare the two films, because Incredibles 2 simply feels like the second half of a big, epic adventure and is a wonderful companion piece to the beloved original.

A fast-paced, incredibly funny and worthy

follow-up to the Pixar classic. Incredible.

My only flaw is that it didn't last longer.

Be wowed if you haven't already :)