Incredibles 2

Official Australian release date: 14/6/18. Viewed: 14/6/18.

Director: Brad Bird

Actors: Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell, Bob Odenkirk

Genre: Action / Adventure

Rating: PG

   

‘Incredibles 2’ is the long-awaited (14 years!) sequel to one of Disney-Pixar’s best films. Bucking the norm, this film is actually better than the original – it’s more assured, the CGI is fantastic, the action scenes almost flawless and there’s plenty of humour and life-like family interaction. That being said – it’s almost worth the entry fee to see the short film at the start, ‘Bao’ – it’s also hilarious, and poignant.

It’s like putting on an old shirt – it’s familiar, but comforting and not tired. Mr Incredible/Bob (Nelson), Elastigirl/Helen (Hunter), their kids – Violet (Vowell), Dash (Milner) & Jack-Jack (Fucile) – are back as the super-powered family, along with Frozone/Lucius (Jackson). This time, after a ‘Civil War’-like ban on superheroes is implemented, philanthropists/siblings Winston (Odenkirk) & Evelyn (Keener) campaign to have superheroes made legal again by putting them – well, Elastigirl – back in the spotlight. Odenkirk’s voice is so recognisable and his character even looks like a young Saul Goodman!

As well as being a bit of a pastiche of comic book films – you basically have Superman, Mr Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Flash and Iceman – ‘Incredibles 2’ transcends the parody, and plays as an exceptional superhero film in it’s own right, with the set-up, early victory, apparent loss and inevitable triumph due to teamwork. What makes it all work is how they interact and make it feel like a real family. Jack-Jack being cute and having hilarious giggles also helps! Great for all ages.

Overall: Another excellent, fun animated superhero outing.

Gav's Rating: 4 stars.