Elastigirl springs into action to save the day, while Mr. Incredible faces his greatest challenge yet – taking care of the problems of his three children.
WHAT I LIKED: What's immediately most apparent about Brad Bird's ridiculously long-awaited sequel to 'The Incredibles,' is just how down-right hilarious it is, as if you thought the first was funny you really haven't seen anything yet. Yes, this one is undoubtedly all about the fun-factor as it flips the sides of the first and sends Mummy Incredible out on a mission whilst Mr Incredible stays at home struggling to deal with his new role as house-husband to properly amusing results. Baby Jack-Jack is discovering his new powers to provide some perfectly-engineered slapstick moments whilst Violet is dealing with hers to unlock some amusing commentary on teenage angst, and for Mr Incredible to parent with all of that whilst his wife is off saving the world is difficult for him - and genuinely hilarious to watch.
At the same time though, all of that stuff is unquestionably interesting on a thematic level too, as it means the film not only continues to look at the family dynamics of the first, but also at gender roles and how many couples still find themselves falling into those traps and how difficult it is for men and women alike to adapt in their relationships. After all, Elastergirl is also struggling to let go and leave everything in her husband's hands, and whilst she becomes the hero of the story, there's definitely some jealously from Mr Incredible who longs to relive the glory days.
For the audience though, it's just interesting to see Elastergirl at the forefront of the ongoing mission where the film's central theme around the worrying importance of perception over reality is brought into the foreground as both Deavor and Screenslaver comment on and manipulate public perception to change their real opinions. Here, Elastergirl's powers allow for some fresh and engaging action set-pieces to accompany the aesthetic of the film, which - whilst not quite packing the same retro style and zing of the first film - is still a very well-animated, snappy and stylistic movie with another great soundtrack from Michael Giacchino adding to the fun-factor.
In the end then, 'The Incredibles 2,' is a funnier sequel where the story allows for a lot of great humour as well as many interesting new thematic explorations, and as a result it doesn't let its amazing predecessor down like it so easily could have, and instead works on its own as a real joy-ride of a movie for the whole family to enjoy.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: That actual mission that Elastergirl finds herself on isn't hugely tense as some of the jeopardy feels somewhat forced and the villain's scheme feels a little convoluted.
VERDICT: A funnier film that equally delves into some fascinating new thematic territory, 'The Incredibles 2,' may not quite live up to the situating zing first, but it's a damn brilliant movie that certainly doesn't let its legendary predecessor down.
