Incredibles 2: Somer Valley FM Film Review

Hi, I am Ben Pinsent, selling cold drinks and popcorn at the Midsomer Norton Cineplex. Welcome and take a seat, the movie is about to begin. This time we’re travelling back 14 years and then a bit as we suit up for the Incredibles 2.

Incredibles 2 picks up where the first Incredibles leaves off. The Incredibles, (or should I say the Parr family), are arrested for stopping The Underminer. However, their actions gain the attention of media mogul Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn. The Deavors organise to meet Frozone, Mr Incredible and Elastigirl. They explain that to change the law that outlaws Supers they need to change peoples perceptions of says Supers. Deavor suggests that Elastigirl be a spokesperson for Superhero legalisation. This leaves Mr Incredible to care for Dash, Violet and Jack-Jack. However, a sinister force seeks to keep supers from being re-legalised, the nefarious Screenslaver.

Its been fourteen years since the release of the first Incredibles movie back in 2004. In that time Pixar may have missed the opportunity to cash in on a sequel to one of their most popular films. However, they have done something to partially capsulate the feeling of the original. One of the most noticeable differences and improvements is the animation. We still have that tremendous visual flair from the original. The improved technology means that everything looks so much better. We also have another exciting exploration of modern family dynamics in the plot. This time, instead of dealing with midlife crises the film focuses on working mothers and gender roles. Each character is still excellently defined with goals and struggles. They power the movie, not the action plot.

However, the film never feels as well constructed as the first Incredibles. Yes, it does some cool new things: like more heroes, more Jack-Jack and Edna. But they all feel disconnected and loose rather than the tightly wound plot of the first film. Brad Bird (the director of both films) may be trying to say something new in this film, but he is not subtle about his messaging.

While it may feel unfair to compare a sequel to its original, it is unfortunately inevitable. This is especially true when the said sequel can only capture part of the first glory. Don’t get me wrong Incredibles 2 is still fun with great animation and those same strong characters it just doesn’t feel as incredible.

Hey, thanks for taking the time to read this review. Don’t forget you can listen to the Somer Valley FM Film Review live on Somer Valley FM. Keep checking out the website for more great reviews. Or if you can’t wait, head over to my personal blog Corrupted Records for more thoughts on moving pictures