QR Film Review: Incredibles 2
When Incredibles was released in 2004, the market for superhero films was relatively small, with the Blade trilogy and the first films in the X-Men franchise being the only other recent films in the category. Then and now, the original film is hailed for its fantastic family dynamic, alongside a gripping plot, unique super-hero concept. Now, fourteen years on, Incredibles 2 has arrived. The market has since changed and evolved and superhero films are now a dime a dozen, with Marvel, DC and Fox having a strong hold on the superhero genre. Incredibles 2 definitely has much to be commended for, however, it could potentially get lost in a superhero slum where its predecessor shined and soared.
Incredibles 2 picks up right where the first movie ends: with the Parr family taking on the Underminer. Immediately after the events of the fight with the villainous sub-terrestrial, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone are hired by the mysterious business executive Winston Deavor to assist him in repealing the laws restricting super-powered individuals to use their powers under the mantle of a superhero. While Helen (Elastigirl) is sent on a mission to help get the law reverse, Bob (Mr. Incredible) is tasked with staying home with the kids as Dash and Violet deal with typical high school drama and baby Jak-Jak’s powers begin to kick in.
The first thing to note is that all the characters we all know and love return with their same quirky and loveable personalities. Helen still caring but wise, Dash being an over-active rascal, and Jak-Jak being… well, a super-human baby. Frozone and Edna Mode return: whimsical and unique respectively, and actually do get some interesting and overdue character development.
However, given that the ‘old guard’ does receive such a warm and welcome report, it is sad to say that of all the new characters added to this sequel, not a single one stood out to me as interesting or, indeed, well-written. Winston Deaver’s motivation is questionable. His sister Evelyn is given an important role in the film, as the person running the technological side of things, but besides all that, the film builds these two up as important new characters yet gives them next to no development or backstory.
The new villain of this film is undoubtably the worst part in mu opinion, which is a massive shame considering how brilliant Syndrome was in the original. ‘The Screenslaver’ (which I honestly think is possibly the worst super-villain name ever) has quite interesting motives when we first meet them, with an apparent hatred of the influence on the media and television within the world of the movie, liking to the ideologies that most modern people are controlled by their own technology. However, all of the antagonist’s intrigue and mystery is pretty much scrapped and destroyed not too long after we meet them.
The film is ultimately split into two different stories; Elastigirl looking to improve the reputation of superheroes by bringing down the Screenslaver and the story of Bob looking after the three kids, and it has to be said, the former feels much weaker compared to the latter. When we are with Bob and the kids, there is a brilliant, unique and hilarious plot sequence every few moments; whether its Bob attempting to help Dash with his Maths homework, or Jak-Jak (who really is the star of this movie) taking on a racoon in one of the best super-hero fight sequences ever (and yes, I did say a racoon). However, besides one really great action sequence at the start of her story, Elastigirl really gets the short end of the stick, with some really uninteresting and dare I say boring sequences. Most of the stand-out sequences of the film come from Bob and the kids, and all the rest from when the family are together, so it really does feel that Brad Bird could have gone with a better direction for Helen’s turns on the screen.
The quality of the animation is, as always with Pixar, of a great and high standard. Everything in the film, from the biggest building to the smallest cookie looks masterfully crafted, and fits the unique, 70s-esque setting of the film. The designs for the new characters are great, especially some of the new quirky and oddball supers that we are introduced to in a successful attempt to expand the lore and universe of this now film franchise.
Overall, as its own movie, Incredibles 2 is still a solid, good family-fun film that kids will enjoy and fans of the original will get a kick out of. Pixar, once again, shows its quality of animation and film making and Incredibles 2 looks, and sounds, amazing because of it. However, the legitimate gripes that I do have the film, including forgettable new additions to the franchise and a really samey feel to most of the production do bring it down. I would still say it’s a good time, but I wouldn’t say its among Pixar’s finest work.
Positives:
Kick-ass family fun
Stunning animation
A hilarious and brilliant story following Mr. Incredible and the kids
Negatives:
Feels too much like the original
A severely underdeveloped new cast
A sub-par superhero romp with Elastigirl
FINAL VERDICT: 3.6/5
By Lee Smallwood