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Incredibles 2

It has been 14 years since the last Incredibles movie was a pretty big early Pixar hit. Back then, superhero films were still relatively uncommon, so a kid-friendly animated comedy about the problems with being a super-family was a smart subject matter.

The movie was respected and a fairly-sizable success, but almost a decade and a half later, is there really anyone waiting around for the continuing adventures of The Incredibles? Particularly since in the meantime superhero films have become so ubiquitous that they have essentially turned into their own movie genre?

Honestly, I’m not sure, but the early signs are pointing to yes.

Incredibles 2 picks up exactly where the first film left off, so there is no time between the films story-wise, even if there has been a long period between the different films production-wise.

The funny thing – and the sad problem for Incredibles 2 – is that the second movie is perhaps even a little better than the first film, but since superhero films are so commonplace now, it has none of the freshness and novelty of its predecessor.

The world has changed and what made the first The Incredibles special in 2004 is no longer so unusual. Therefore, the super-family is bumping up on a whole bunch of other costumed crime-fighters. The Incredibles still do it with style, and are still doing it untraditionally, but it has become harder for them to stand out in the crowd.

Which is a shame, because even if Incredibles 2 tells a story we’ve been seeing a lot lately, it has its own eccentric viewpoint which is funny and charming. Actually, the superhero aspects of Incredibles 2 are its least important parts. The film really shines most – and concentrates most of its attention – to the conundrum of trying to have a normal household life when you are superheroes.

Incredibles 2 is as interested in mothers in the workplace, stay-at-home dads, teen crushes and dealing with an active baby as it is in saving the world. And while they are quieter moments, it is these little sections where the film really shines.

The special effects and stunts – particularly considering this is a completely computer generated animated film – are spectacular and at the same time kind of same-old, same-old. That stuff has all been seen before. Many, many times. It’s almost like a Michael Bay film broke out in the middle of an episode of Modern Family, only the family just happens to have superpowers.

However, Incredibles 2 is still incredibly fun. It’s kind of odd that the superhero segments are a little superfluous in a superhero movie, but it’s a good odd. This film, and the series in general, has a good-natured oddball charm that make it more than just another hero spoof.

The Incredibles may save the day, but will they save their daughter’s adolescent infatuation? Maybe we’ll find out in about 14 years when the next Incredibles movie comes along.

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright ©2018 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: June 15, 2018.

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