Review of Incredibles 2 (2018) by Michael M — 14 Jul 2018

This was a movie that I was immediately on board with, immediately engaged by, and when it was over I immediately wanted to watch it again. I remember after the first big action sequence looking at the time code and seeing only 10 minutes had gone by and being blown away, because it felt like so much had happened! Thatâ(TM)s not to say the film is a drag, far from it, itâ(TM)s exhilarating in such a way you donâ(TM)t even notice the time and donâ(TM)t even care.

In some ways, the film has a little bit of a repeat of the first film. The ultimate arc of societies views on supers and how the Parr family fits in to this seems a little too similar to the first film. However, the family dynamic feels evolved enough that I still saw progress. It doesnâ(TM)t necessarily up the ante, but it does feel like a natural next chapter for these characters. In that sense, while it is frustrating seeing the same fight for supers rights story, it is nice that they donâ(TM)t feel the need to do the sequel thing of making everything twice as big and end up making it overcrowded. On the other-hand, there is more than enough new stuff that it never feels like theyâ(TM)re completely retracing their steps. Hellen finding her way as a solo super is great, Bob with the family and superpowered Jack-Jack is great, and Violet actually gets a really good arc too. The only one whoâ(TM)s left out a little is Dash, but he got more attention in the first than Violet, so to me it feels fair that Violet gets center stage this time.

Then thereâ(TM)s the action and world building: amazing. This is some of the best animated action Iâ(TM)ve ever seen, period. It is so masterfully done. Take Elastigirls motorcycle chase: first sheâ(TM)s riding her motorcycle which is cool already, then sheâ(TM)s riding it through busy traffic, then we learn it can sepperate so she can use her elastic powers, and thatâ(TM)s just the start of this amazing scene I wonâ(TM)t spoil more. The action builds and builds and continually ups the ante with amazing creativity until you canâ(TM)t take anymore so it stops. Oh and did I mention the film is funny? Because it is. And not in a superhero mocking way, in a relatable way. The jokes in here may be presented through the lense of supers, but they are all about families and the human experience and they freaking nail it.

Whether you like Incredibles 1 or 2 more really comes down to personal preference, theyâ(TM)re both amazing. Or should I sayâ¦incredible? No, I shouldnâ(TM)t. Because this movie deserves better jokes than that. Itâ(TM)s got heart, humor, action, itâ(TM)s just great. Proof that when Pixar can deliver a fantastic sequel to a fantastic film.