Movie Review: The Incredibles 2
Following in the footsteps of the original Incredibles film from 2003 is no easy feat. To this day it is regarded as not only one of Pixar’s best, but also one of the best animated films of all time. The Incredibles remains the perfect blend of action, comedy, drama, and heart thanks to its gorgeous animation and timeless themes about heroism and family.
The sequel I think would have been much better received if it had come out about 13 years earlier. To be sure, it is an entertaining movie. Jack Jack the baby steals every moment he is on screen. The action scenes are a lot of fun. There are also some truly heartfelt moments with Mr. Incredible serving as a stay at home dad. The quieter parts of the movie highlight just how challenging and valuable the work of a stay at home parent really is. Ultimately the problem with Incredibles 2 is that it just doesn’t really have anything new to say. The plot is identical to the first film right down to the villain’s motivation. The only difference is that the villain this time around has even less competence and charisma. The movie ends with a feeling like nothing really changed. It’s all too safe.
Would that they had taken a risk and actually showed the Parr family many years in the future, with Violet and Dash as adults dealing with today’s crazy smartphone-addicted society. That would have been a riskier and more difficult film to make, but certainly a more memorable one.
Grade: C+
