Review of Incredibles 2 (2018) by Stephen R — 16 Jun 2018

A bit rusty. The first Incredibles is certainly one of my favorite animated films of all time. The challenge for #2 is in trying to rise from the shadow of something that was so fresh in 2004. The main heroes vs villain story line in I2 is pleasing, but does not really raise any bar on the type of allegory being presented.

The more interesting story bits are when Bob (Mr Incredible) Parr takes on stay-at-home parenting. He deals with tutoring new match, the emotional rollercoaster of a teen daughter, and an toddler who takes multiple personalities to a new level.

This secondary has the heart of this production, even it is not totally amazing. While director Brad Bird and company were allowing this one to coalesce, the rest of the animated and CG world was getting better.

While the animation of Incredibles 2 is some of the best, particularly in the area of light sources emitted through the screen to the audience (core drill exterior lights, lit motor cycle, train light streaks, dark rooms, techno rooms), it also to-be-expected of Pixar at this time.

Anything less would be a let-down. The voice work (Nelson, Hunter, Jackson, etc.) is good. The art direction is good. The Giacchino score is good. My 2nd favorite moment, after any appearance of E, is one where the family has an animated show, Johnny Quest, on in the background.

Maybe if there is to be an Incredibles 3, they will not wait so long. Perhaps Bird can lend his animation muscles and his voice to a few Edna and Jack-Jack short films out there ("Aunty Edna and Jack-Jack go to the Park").