Incredibles 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Pixar’s The Incredibles, arrived fourteen years after the original film, yet managed to maintain the excitement and charm of its predecessor while also addressing more complex themes. Directed by Brad Bird, the film continues the story of the Parr family, who must navigate the challenges of balancing their superhero lives with their domestic responsibilities. Incredibles 2 takes place immediately after the events of the first film, where the family faces a new threat while also grappling with the public perception of superheroes. Though its themes are relevant and timely, the movie doesn’t stray far from the fun and action-packed formula that made the original so beloved. At its heart, Incredibles 2 remains a film about family, identity, and the balance between individualism and teamwork.
The film opens with the Parr family – Bob (Mr. Incredible), Helen (Elastigirl), Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack – still adjusting to their life as a superhero family. The previous film had left them poised to face a new villain, the Underminer, and Incredibles 2 picks up this confrontation immediately. Despite the family’s heroic efforts, the damage caused during the fight results in the government shutting down the superhero relocation program, leaving the family in a precarious financial situation. This early sequence not only sets the tone for the movie but also highlights one of the central conflicts – the tension between the desire to do good and the unintended consequences of those actions.
One of the standout aspects of Incredibles 2 is how it handles the shift in family dynamics, particularly with Helen stepping into the spotlight as Elastigirl. When the opportunity arises for superheroes to be reinstated through a new public relations campaign led by Winston Deavor, a wealthy telecommunications mogul, and his sister Evelyn, Elastigirl becomes the face of the movement. The decision to focus on Helen is a refreshing twist, especially since it allows for an exploration of gender roles within the family and society. While Helen is out saving the world, Bob is left at home to care for the children, and this reversal of traditional roles adds a new layer of depth to the film.
Bob’s struggles with domestic responsibilities are played both for laughs and for emotional resonance. His frustration at not being able to immediately succeed at parenting tasks like helping Dash with his math homework or comforting a heartbroken Violet is relatable and provides some of the film’s more touching moments. At the same time, the movie doesn’t make light of the challenges of parenthood; instead, it portrays Bob’s growing realization of just how difficult Helen’s role as the primary caregiver had been. This aspect of the film taps into broader cultural conversations about the distribution of domestic labor and the pressures placed on modern families.
Meanwhile, Helen’s adventures as Elastigirl are thrilling, with several standout action sequences that showcase her unique abilities. The filmmakers take full advantage of Elastigirl’s powers, crafting creative set pieces that highlight her flexibility and resourcefulness. The sequences in which she must outwit the new villain, the Screenslaver, are particularly well-executed, blending suspense, action, and humor in a way that feels organic to the story. The Screenslaver is a menacing antagonist, using hypnotic technology to manipulate people through their screens, which plays on contemporary anxieties about technology and media consumption.
Incredibles 2 is also notable for its visual achievements. Pixar has always been at the forefront of animation technology, and the advancements since the original Incredibles are on full display here. The animation is smoother, more detailed, and more dynamic, with the film’s action sequences benefiting from the increased fluidity. The use of color, lighting, and texture brings the world of the Incredibles to life in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The retro-futuristic design aesthetic of the first film is retained, giving the movie a timeless feel that evokes the superhero comics and spy films of the 1960s.
The film’s themes are layered, dealing with issues of identity, responsibility, and public perception. One of the most compelling aspects of Incredibles 2 is its exploration of what it means to be a hero in a world that doesn’t always value heroism. The Parr family’s struggle to balance their desire to help others with the reality that their actions sometimes cause more harm than good mirrors real-world debates about the role of public servants, activism, and the limits of power. The film doesn’t shy away from these questions, even if it doesn’t always provide easy answers. Instead, it asks the audience to consider the complexities of doing the right thing in an imperfect world.
The character of Evelyn Deavor, who is revealed to be the true mastermind behind the Screenslaver, adds another layer of complexity to the film’s message. Her motivations are rooted in a personal tragedy – the death of her parents due to their reliance on superheroes – and she believes that society’s dependence on heroes has made people weak and complacent. Evelyn’s perspective challenges the audience to think critically about the concept of heroism and the consequences of relying too heavily on others to solve problems. Her character is a foil to Winston’s more idealistic view of superheroes, and their sibling dynamic provides an interesting counterpoint to the Parr family’s own struggles.
Another aspect of Incredibles 2 that deserves praise is the development of the supporting characters, particularly the children. Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack each have their own arcs, which are woven seamlessly into the larger narrative. Violet’s journey of self-acceptance and empowerment, in particular, is a highlight of the film. Her frustration at having her memory erased in the first film and her growing confidence as a young woman with powers are explored with sensitivity and nuance. Dash, while still largely a comic relief character, has his moments of growth as he learns to take on more responsibility within the family.
Jack-Jack, the youngest member of the Parr family, steals the show in many ways. His unpredictable powers provide some of the film’s funniest moments, but they also serve as a metaphor for the chaos and unpredictability of raising a child. Jack-Jack’s interactions with the raccoon in one particularly memorable scene are a perfect blend of slapstick comedy and awe-inspiring animation. The fact that his powers are so varied and uncontrollable also adds an element of unpredictability to the film, keeping the audience on their toes.
While Incredibles 2 excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed out that the film’s pacing can be uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others drag on too long. Additionally, while the Screenslaver is an intriguing villain, the reveal of Evelyn as the mastermind behind the plan is somewhat predictable, and her motivations, while understandable, don’t feel as fully fleshed out as they could be. The film also doesn’t delve as deeply into some of the more complex themes it introduces, such as the ethical implications of superheroism or the impact of technology on society, leaving certain ideas underexplored.
However, these shortcomings are minor in the grand scheme of the film’s overall success. Incredibles 2 manages to balance action, humor, and heart in a way that few animated films do. It is a worthy sequel to The Incredibles, building on the original’s themes while also offering something new for both longtime fans and newcomers. The film’s focus on family dynamics, particularly the shifting roles of Bob and Helen, adds emotional depth to the story, while the action sequences and visual spectacle ensure that it remains a thrilling and entertaining experience.
One of the reasons why Incredibles 2 resonates with audiences is its ability to blend the fantastical with the relatable. The Parr family may have superpowers, but their struggles are grounded in the realities of everyday life – from balancing work and family to dealing with personal insecurities and societal expectations. This combination of high-stakes action and emotional authenticity is what makes the film stand out in the crowded superhero genre. It is not just about saving the world; it is about the challenges of being a family in a world that is constantly changing.
The voice acting in Incredibles 2 is also top-notch, with the cast reprising their roles from the original film. Holly Hunter shines as Elastigirl, bringing both strength and vulnerability to the character. Craig T. Nelson’s portrayal of Bob’s journey from overconfident hero to humbled father is both funny and heartfelt. Sarah Vowell and Huck Milner, as Violet and Dash respectively, bring energy and emotion to their roles, while Samuel L. Jackson’s return as Frozone provides some of the film’s most memorable lines. Newcomer Bob Odenkirk, as Winston Deavor, and Catherine Keener, as Evelyn, also deliver strong performances, adding depth to their characters.
Michael Giacchino’s score for Incredibles 2 is another standout element, perfectly complementing the film’s tone and style. The music is reminiscent of classic superhero soundtracks, with a jazzy, adventurous feel that enhances the action sequences while also providing emotional resonance in the quieter moments. Giacchino’s work on the original Incredibles was iconic, and his return for the sequel does not disappoint, with several new themes that build on the musical foundation of the first film.
Incredibles 2 is not just a fun and entertaining superhero movie; it is also a film that speaks to the complexities of modern life. Its themes of identity, family, and responsibility are as relevant today as they were when the original film was released, if not more so. The film explores the idea that being a hero is not just about having superpowers, but about making difficult choices and accepting the consequences of those choices. It is a story about the power of teamwork and the importance of supporting one another, even when the world seems to be against you.