Given the anticipation that crossed generations, it comes as no marvel that the sequel to the 2004 hit The Incredibles was going to have to stretch itself to match the success of its predecessor. With Brad Bird directing once again, and the original cast of Mr Incredible (Craig T Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Frozone (Samuel L Jackson) returning alongside newcomers Winston and Evelyn Deavor (Bob Odenkirk and Catherine Keener), it’s packed to the brim with enough powers and villainy to sustain the ride of the first one.
Before the MCU and the onset of a superhero diet, The Incredibles was always about the struggles of meshing together as a family and the repression of their secret identities rather than the burden of saving the world. Carrying the same tune and picking up seamlessly from the beginning of the first film, the mundane monotony of suburban life once again threatens the existence of Mr Incredible as he adjusts to his new role as a stay-at-home parent. Coupled with the teen angst of daughter Violet and the restlessness of his two sons Dash and baby Jack Jack, he must step to the side while the progressive brother and sister run organisation DEVTECH touts Elastigirl as the poster woman for their campaign to allow supers to once again be visible in society.
Exploring trust and the overdependence of others to fight your battles runs throughout as the film glimpses towards bureaucracy and the disillusionment of public figures. Fairly soon it becomes a commentary on PR and how manipulating image can further an ideology at all costs. New villain Screensaver is an homage to the Anonymous, V For Vendetta style viligantes that are more informative than they are menacing, with enough mainframe hacks to subdue the population into a blind stupour.
Disney Pixar has not forgotten the remainder of their audience that is half the age of the early adopters, and so has included fun, punching action scenes and super slick animation that boasts fancy gadgets and even fancier cars. Each scene is vividly sketched like a Bond movie or Get Smart marathon and the dialogue is as quotable as ever. In a particularly memorable scene, Elastigirl summarises the ethical conflict of order and chaos when she exasperates ,”You know it’s crazy, right? To help my family, I gotta leave it. To fix the law, I gotta break it!”
Above all, character development is not sacrificed as the franchise takes new risks into exploring the other sides of our heroes. Elastigirl is as feisty as ever and her need for speed is comically timed as she literally rides away from her domestic duties on a bike. Cosmopolitan and hard as nails Edna Mode reveals a more tender side as a babysitter, while the aptly cast Bob Odenkirk plays a salesman more renowned for his tactics than his knowledge (a sure nod to Better Call Saul).
Forget the nostalgia factor, this is a fresh take on a classic that could well become an icon on its own.
Verdict: 8/10
Disney / Pixar
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