Film Review - The Incredibles 2

It's been 14 years since The Parrs last suited up to take on bad guys. Writer-director Brad Bird returns bringing to the screen the follow-up. In the original Supers lived in secret leaving Bob (Craig T.  Nelson) working as an Insurance agent in suburbia until he snaps becoming Mr. Incredible again with his wife Helen (Elastigirl) and their two older kids by his side. This time the action starts with a burrowing bank robber Underminer. The team assembles with Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) by their side they avert a crisis but cause significant damage that the powers that be see as the reason why Super's were on shaky ground in the first place.

Enter Winston Deavor (Bob Odernkirk) and his sister Evelyn (Catherine Keener ). Winston is a telecommunications mogul with Evelyn being the creative visionary. Deavor admirers the Supers in the past seeing the way to their return is to show what they do and not just the end results.  The face of this comeback is Elastigirl to her husband's chagrin. She is more tactful reserve as opposed to Mr. Incredibles Brute force jump before looking methodology. As she goes off to her mission. Bob is left at one to take care of the kids and keep a special eye on baby Jack Jack who has developing powers that spring forward on his dad's watch.

Writer-director Brad Bird keeps that early 60's feel in the sequel. The cars are from that era as are the furnishings and the technology. The family dynamic is from and central again. Violet is having boy troubles thanks to her dad while Mom Helen keeps up her protective stance especially for baby Jack Jack. The narrative focuses on the role of supers in society. Are they helpful or distractive reeking havoc that they may sort out but ofter the criminal gets away while the target is ultimately protected through financial or government measures in place.

The key voices Craig T. Nelson Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson return for the sequel. The kids refer to Frozone as Uncle Luscious seeing him as more responsible and a better problem cover that their dad. Holly Hunter's Elastic Girl is right out front The telecommunications siblings put one of their pinhole cameras in her suit to broadcast her every move showing her added value to society.  However, there is a foe lurking breaking into live broadcast shining lights and patterns hypnotizing folks to get them to do their bidding. Keep an eye open for Edna Mode E 9 voiced by director Brad Bird. She is mad that Elastigirl is parading all over the airwaves in a creation that is not one of her own. She bonds with Baby Jack Jack getting the first real handle on his developing powers.

Incredibles 2 is a worthy follow up to the original. It was worth a wait but not sure if that wait had to be 14 years long. The ensemble cast does not set a foot wrong in an enjoyable romp that will appeal to fans of the Parr's of all ages. If there is to be a third chapter her's hoping that Brad Bird can get it to the screen in a shorter period of time.

*** 1/2 Out of 4.

Incredibles 2 | Brad Bird | U.S.A. | 2018 | 118 Minutes.

Tags: Pixar, Animation, Superhero, Sequel, Monorail, Bank Robbery, Family, Dating, Summit, International Agreement, Memory, Baby Sitting.