A Reel Review: INCREDIBLES 2

One of the many reasons the films of Pixar Animation Studios work so well is that the characters aren’t written like cartoons; they are instead written like human beings…complete with real-life emotions, feelings, desires, and reactions that everyone can relate to. Brad Bird’s family-driven superhero tale THE INCREDIBLES from 2004 was one of the shining examples of this approach, and it is taken a step further in the long-awaited sequel.

The Incredibles (Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Minder, and Eli Fucile), a family of superheroes, are recruited by the CEO of a giant corporation (Bob Odenkirk) and his sister (Catherine Keener) to resume superhero work in a massive public-relations mission to make superheroes legal again. And just in time, as a new super-villain named The Screenslaver has arrived to brainwash and control people through their TV screens.

It’s been 14 years since the first film, but on the screen only minutes have passed since we last saw this super-powered family. Things pick up right where the original film left off, so there’s very little catching up to do. Once the new story kicks in, it’s a real-life family dynamic that Bird plays with; Mr. Incredible is left at home to watch the kids and deal with their issues, while Elastigirl is off resuming hero work. It’s a close look at family dynamics, with both parents facing their toughest challenges.

The looming threat of the Screenslaver is a somewhat heavy-handed statement on today’s world being a slave to the screens; both big and small, but the threat works and it works well. In fact, the Incredibles family’s issues and storylines are so up front, that the super-villain threat nearly fades into the background. It’s a welcome, and refreshing way to approach a superhero story in today’s crowded cinema of crusaders with capes.

Once the fighting does start, there is a ton of fun to be had. The action sequences are an absolute thrill and rival any live-action film; a train-chase, battle at sea, and the out-of-control powers of baby Jack-Jack are a delight. The film looks gorgeous with Pixar’s trademark stunning animation coupled with some eye-popping lighting techniques; a fight-scene in the Screenslaver’s secret lair has to be seen to be believed. Brad Bird is having fun here, and the film has some dynamite LOL moments, but at the same he injects enough maturity to elevate it above a standard kids’ film. There are some scary sequences (including a cold-blooded murder by gunfire, and a ton of violence), along with some pleasant surprises…although the secret identity of the Screenslaver can be seen from miles away.

The cast feels right at home with their characters. Craig T. Nelson is once again great as Mr. Incredible, who goes loopy while babysitting to the point that we really would love to see what he must have looked like in the booth recording his lines. Holly Hunter is great as always. Samuel L. Jackson returns as the ice-throwing Frozone and is a blast, and Catherine Keener is a welcome addition to the Pixar family.

After all the action, fighting, and thrilling finale, INCREDIBLES 2 doesn’t land an emotional punch, which is a glaring omission considering the roller-coaster of fun that the film offers; it’s all laughs with no tears. It’s far from a dealbreaker, as INCREDIBLES 2 stands as a very worthy sequel; the characters and story go to their natural, and logical places, and it closes the door on hanging plotlines at the end of the first film. It may be all superheroes and colorful animation, but it is as human as the hands that made it.

BOTTOM LINE: See it