The Incredibles 2

It's been a long road for this particular Pixar sequel and it comes on the semi-heels of another Pixar sequel, one of which I didn't even bother to review (hint, hint; it's Cars 3). Though to be fair, Coco was in between there and it was pretty damn good.

Over the course of the 14 years since the original, The Incredibles has aged gracefully and I think it's actually moved up in many people's Pixar rankings as time has passed. The original was a big hit, but it really only seems like in the last 5 years people have begun to fully appreciate it among Pixar's great pantheon of films -- likely partially related to the huge superhero blockbusters we receive on a near quarterly basis these days. 

I've personally been less nervous for this sequel than other Pixar ones because of some backstory that may not be readily known by most moviegoers. I've heard enough interviews with director Brad Bird where he basically would state the sequel would only happen if the story was there. There was little incentive for him otherwise. Seeing as how he's the writer and director of this sequel, I've been excited to at least get a Pixar film that would hopefully get close to the original. 

Pixar has an unproven track record (critically) with sequels/prequels. Outside of the obvious success of the Toy Story trilogy, the Cars movies have rarely been anything better than "average/good" and Monsters University was forgettable, especially compared to the original. Finding Dory was enjoyable, but again, couldn't come close to the original so it left an unanswered question: 

Outside of Toy Story, could Pixar make another successful (again, critically and financially) franchise? 

Given the superhero insanity of modern day movie going -- we've already had 3 great ones in 2018 alone -- The Incredibles seemed like it may be their best bet, especially by locking down the original voice cast and creative minds. What could go wrong? 

Apparently not all that much as The Incredibles 2 is outstanding and one of those rare sequels that completely matches its predecessor, if not outright surpassing it in certain aspects. 

Audiences will 110% want more Jack-Jack

An awesome, awesome action scene

Almost comically, this film picks up right at the end of the first film with the random-villain, The Underminer, who we saw attacking the city as a tease last time. This time, it's that fight that leads to superheros officially being shut down based on the destruction from the Parr family's intervention where there likely wouldn't have been any otherwise. The family teams up with a wealthy business family who wants to get superhero's back out in the limelight with Elastigirl (the mother) being the key image they want to "beta-test" with the public. This means that Mr. Incredible is left at home to take care of the kids and that difference in genres (family drama/comedy vs. superhero action/mystery) creates a nice juxtaposition for the film throughout. I've heard a few complaints about the villain, the Screenslaver, and while not an all time memorable villain, I felt like it was one that served it's place without stealing the show. *Slightly off-tangent note* there are a handful of scenes with strobe light moments as that's Screenslaver's key weapon. One of them is extended and was even making me, someone who plays his fair share of videogames, a bit dizzy. If you are at risk of seizures or epilepsy (or something similar) you may want to do some research first * Everyone's voice performances are top-notch, so it's funny then that the show is  nearly completely stolen by their baby, Jack-Jack. He's the center of the film's strong humor, and also plays some important core parts to the plot. Many of his scenes are a unfair combination of cute and funny to where you can't just help but laugh your butt off. A particular interaction with a racoon is possibly one of the most uproarious of the year and my packed theater was losing their damn minds. 


I was also shocked by just how awesome the action in The Incredibles 2 was as it features some of the best action scenes of any animated film I've ever seen. Given that Brad Bird is also responsible for my favorite film of one of my very favorite franchises, I guess that isn't all that surprising, but it's all the more interesting to see these combine and form their way on screen. Aside from some near-perfect pacing the action scenes are numerous, inventive, and well edited. They have some thoughtful choreography and combinations of powers that had me A) wondering if the creative team consulted with Marvel at all and B) even more disappointed that there's seemingly no creative spirit over at the DCEU when it comes to superhero action. The action also drives home the point/observation that animation is impeccable anymore these days and the film looks as if the movie we all know from 14 years ago has received a facelift. Simple, subtle things like character hair is incredibly detailed in true Pixar fashion and while you know you're watching essentially a "cartoon" parts of it begin to blur with real-life.

A fun, family gathering

Saying much more about The Incredibles 2 would be pointless because any minor quibbles I have are easily washed away by hilarious Jack-Jack scenes and a heaping dose of great action. Regarding all Pixar films I'm not sure where I'd place it (maybe lower end of Top 10) but that also becomes like comparing apples and oranges to an extent. I'm not entirely sure if Disney or Pixar (or Brad Bird) has intentions of doing an Incredibles 3 to round out the trilogy, but if yes, you can count on me to be there. 

CONS

• Forgettable villain less because of their drive but more because the foreshadowing gives away the reveal
• Overdoes the strobe effects in a particular scene
• Related to the first bullet: predictable plot

PROS

• Highly enjoyable from start to finish, thanks in large part to Bird's direction and vision
• This includes being a well paced and edited film
• Memorable voice work by all
• Still has one of the better original scores of a Pixar franchise -- a cool combination of superhero and James Bond
• Sometimes jaw-dropping animation, particularly in action scenes
• Speaking of which, it features some of the best animated action scenes ever
• This includes some fun power combinations that all superhero films with > 1 hero should be required to have!
• Jack-Jack scenes are impossible to hate. His interaction with a racoon is side-splitting
• Good balance of action, family drama, and comedy
• Effortlessly entertaining, even after 14 years in the making

Rath's Review Score | 9/10