Fourteen years ago I was fifteen years young and dreaming of the day when I wouldn’t have to go to high school anymore. As I awaited that merciful day I relied on movies as an escape from the hell that is being a teenager and even worse being around other teenagers. In 2004, during the peak of Pixar’s reign we were given The Incredibles. Pixar has released many classics but for me, The Incredibles is my favorite in their library. Unlike many of the other Pixar releases The Incredibles ended with a sequel in mind and yet it took until now, 2018, for it to become a reality. Better late than never I suppose. (Cars 3?! Really!?)
After such a long wait there’s really only one question that matters; was it worth the wait? I think the answer to that question is subjective but for someone like myself who has wanted a sequel since the original premiered I would strongly say yes. It’s what we’ve been waiting for with the entire Incredibles family back in action and wacky hijinks.
A theme from the first film carries over into the sequel and that is the importance of family and what it means to be a family. There are moments when one of the Parr family is successful as the others are in a supportive role. This can be a difficult situation for those of the Parr family that usually crave the spotlight. It’s about self discovery as both a family unit and a superhero team. It’s a balancing act that is both relatable to normal, non-super powered families, and equal parts fantastical as they of course can lift trains, move faster than a bullet, create force fields, and stretch beyond imagination. And then there’s Jack-Jack… oh Jack-Jack.
As fleshed out as these characters are, as awesome and kick-ass as they all are and demonstrate beautifully, their moments are outshined by the littlest, most lovable chaos monster lovingly called Jack-Jack. He is undoubtedly funny in the first film but his scenes in the sequel are nothing short of hilarious animated perfection. But more than just a comedic crutch, he is the glue that keeps his family together. Without them realizing it most of the time, their energy is spent on protecting Jack-Jack forcing their greatest strengths to shine through. He is the proof that the Parr family is stronger as a single force for good rather than split up left to fend for themselves against those that want to harm superheroes.
As with any Pixar release, aside from the unusually well-written stories, the animation is a revelation that must be experienced. It is human creativity and ingenuity at its best. It seems with each new release they improve and surpass anything they’ve ever done and Incredibles 2 is no exception. The color spectrum, the major action scenes, and even the more poignant, intimate moments are filled with powerful visuals that only stoke the imagination of the audiences watching in wonder. Pixar is pure imagination and the stories they tell are truly profound. To take something that is timely and touching and to add humor and entertainment is a mastery of the art of storytelling.
With Incredibles 2 I don’t think the goal was to surprise but rather remind us of what made the original so much fun and so endearing. It gives us what we were hoping for with some scenes altered or added for a refresher, avoiding making the same exact movie. We wanted a combination of old and new and they certainly stuck the landing. This is what a sequel should be, a reminder of what was while simultaneously focusing primarily on the future of the characters that are, in this case, so beloved. We want to see this family engage in crazy antics and Pixar is more than thrilled to give us exactly that and then some while reminding us why we loved them in the first place.
Rated PG For: action sequences and some brief mild language
Runtime: 118 minutes
After Credits Scene: No
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation
Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Catherine Keener, Bob Odenkirk, Samuel L. Jackson
Directed: Brad Bird
Out of 5 Nerdskulls
Story: 4.5/ Acting: 4/ Directing: 5/ Visuals: 5
OVERALL: 4.5 Nerdskulls
Buy to Own: Yes
Check out the trailer below:
For more info on comics, video games, movies and anything else nerd, check out Nerdlocker.com, a place for your inner nerd.
Also check us out on:
Nerdlocker Shop: http://www.nerdlocker.com/store
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nerdlocker
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nerdlocker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nerdlocker
Podcast: iTunes
Email us at: info@nerdlocker.com
