18 Powers and counting

★★★ 1/2 out of ★★★★

Incredibles 2 (2018)

Runtime: 118 minutes

MPAA: Rated PG for action sequences and some brief mild language.

"Sequels don't live up to the original." I understand, it's a hackneyed singular sentence that could be used to describe almost every sequel that exists. Usually, writers struggle to keep its predecessor's standards and the imposing elements. The Incredibles 2 is not one of them. Thanks to its carefully devoted time to create a smooth continuation of the ground-breaking 2004 hit The Incredibles, you feel like watching the first entry; it's got the aesthetic feel, spot-on emotion, competent pacing, several laughs, and more dazzling action.

Set about almost immediately after The Incredibles, The Incredibles 2 finds the Parr family unsuccessfully dueling the Underminer, while causing detrimental chaos to the city. With their future becoming progressively worse, Lucius (Samuel L. Jackson) hands Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) cards from Devtech. After meeting up at the Devtech building, Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) selects Elastigirl as their campaign to restore superheroes public image and convincing cities to allow Supers.

It's left to Mr. Incredible to take care of the kids: One's Violet (Sarah Vowell), who's having angsty teen issues after she learns that her date, Tony Rydinger has had his memory of her erased. Another's Dash (Huck Milner), who's having perpetual problems with his math homework. The last is Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile. Luckily, Pixar obtained enough footage for his role in the second installment.), who Mr. Incredible discovers he has 18 powers, a few which includes travelling to a fourth dimension, duplication and transformations. Anyways, Elastigirl soon finds herself in pursuit of a new supervillain, named the Screenslaver, who is causing havoc with their mind manipulations and hypnotizing screens. She must solve the mystery and discover the identity of Screenslaver, while Mr. Incredible tries to sort out his mid-life parenting crisis.

When does Pixar ever go wrong? With the exception of Cars 2, Pixar has done it again. Given a span of about 14 years, the animation has greatly improved, and the character designs feel more well-defined. Several scenes are quite ambitious and shows a variety of elements and weather effects blended together. With the glorious direction of Brad Bird (who also reprises the cheerful Edna Mode), these ambitious scenes are pulled off in spectacular fashion. It's always a joy to explore the various events and treats Incredibles 2 has to offer.

The narrative is carefully structured and endlessly eventful. As the movie progresses, the zingy scenes never fail to delight. Even though we are introduced to many subplots, including Elastigirl's saves and pursuits, Mr. Incredible's parenting story and an introduction to various other superheroes, you never feel that the scenes are crammed or sloppily joined together.

Certainly, the emotive force is present, but the arcs feel a little more noticeable. Mr. Incredible struggles to take care of the children, while learning important advice and qualities. Elastigirl is the more intelligent and curious, and the movie gives her enough limelight to be action star. Lucius remains as the supporting force of the movie, showing concern for Mr. Incredible's children. Violet, who goes from isolating herself from her dad's offensive actions (attempts at reconnecting her and Tony) and getting mood tantrums, finally understands her dad's hardships and is inspired to become a more positive and helpful family member. 

We are brought to only two drawbacks. The first one is the villain, which consequently affects the revelation. Instead of properly establishing ground of the villain and their motives, it skims through that whole process relatively quickly in a few lines; this makes the revelation slightly less tense. The second weakness is the character of Dash, whose biggest problem seems to be his math assignment. Shouldn't there be something more than that?

The ending suggests a sequel. Would we have to wait another 14 years from 2018? One will never know.

Trailer: