Review of Incredibles 2 (2018) by Alan W — 23 Jul 2018

The sequel 14 years in the making picks up immediately from where the first film ends and does not miss a beat getting us back into the adventures of the superhero family who has to balance the mundanity of everyday life with their fight against evil criminals. Since the Supers are outlawed after the first film, the follow-up set the course for the Supers to reverse this with the help of new characters, the wealthy Deavor siblings who are superfans of the Supers. Reflecting the change in the cinematic landscape between the two films, Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) is now the focus of the action and the face of the new re-legitimizing movement while Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) stays at home to take care of the children, thus splitting the film into part Mission Impossible and part Mr. Mom. Good thing that returning director Brad Bird has directed a Mission: Impossible film since then. His well choreographed action sequence is thrilling and exciting, even in animated form; but as the film targets a younger audience, the narrative seems somewhat predictable and the perils are a tad on the mild side, as you never feel that the characters are exposed to any real danger or threat. However, Michael Giacchino's jazzy Bond-esque score and the colourful and timelessly futuristic-retro visual renditions are spot-on, and whenever Jack-Jack and Edna Mode are on-screen, it is simply a hoot and tremendous fun, making this yet another fresh and entertaining winner from the Pixar Studio.

Special mention (and 4 equally big stars) must also be given to the short, Bau, which accompanies this film, a wonderfully rendered and moving story by Domee Shi and well worth your punctual arrival at the cinema and a call to your mom afterwards.