“Incredibles 2”: A blast from the past that charges toward the future

BY ANNABELLE ROSA

There are some films that seem to require a more fulfilling ending than one that can be produced in a single hour and a half showing. Certain films beg for closure, explanation or, perhaps, more character and plot development. This was the case with the 2004 Pixar classic, “The Incredibles,” a film which ends on a cliffhanger. However, 14 years later, the audience received the closure they had been hoping for.

Admittedly, the cast and creators of “Incredibles 2” poke fun at the fact that it took so long to produce a sequel. This can be seen in the introductory video that plays before the film, in which actors Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson and Samuel L. Jackson mock and dramatize this point. Fortunately, this was a production that was well worth the wait.

“Incredibles 2” is a slightly more modernized version of its predecessor, still maintaining the clean-cut look of the 1950s and ‘60s and continuing with the theme of people with superhuman traits.

This installment carries on with the story of the Parr family, following their misadventures fighting the movie’s main supervillain, Syndrome. The first scene opens with the ending of the first film, where the heroes are confronted by the option to combat a new super villain, the Underminer.

This film focuses more on the fact that superheroes are no longer welcome within this universe. It also makes an effort to focus more on the endeavors of Elastigirl or Helen Parr (Holly Hunter), wife of Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson). In doing so, the film presents feminist tones. This appeals to a younger audience, especially those of Generation Z who were the first children to fall in love with this fantastical world. Promoting Mrs. Incredible as a stronger character enables the audience to explore a female that has always upheld strength for her family and, now, the greater world.

When his wife leaves him for work, Mr. Incredible or Bob, also takes on a new role as he attempts to be an “incredible” dad. The kids help in the fight to legalize supers, again resulting in comedic storylines involving Bob’s children and himself.

In the case of his daughter, Violet (Sarah Vowell), Bob is forced to watch his daughter deal with her first crush which, like anything relating to their family, is less than simple. This particular segment is relatable to any audience member who has had to deal with similar situations and also presents comedic undertones.

In regards to Dash (Huck Milner), Bob is forced to reteach himself mathematics. The most comedic storyline is the one which revolves around Jack Jack (Eli Fucile) as he demonstrates his many, many powers.

These lighter stories add to the greater storyline that revolves around Elastigirl as she tracks down the “Screenslaver,” a supervillain who has begun to plague every screen within access.

Throughout the film, the audience is also introduced to a plethora of new characters that are working toward making superheroes legal again, including the sibling duo that created the organization that brought about the initiative, Evelyn (Catherine Keener) and Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk). Both of these characters stand as each other’s foil, with Evelyn as the cynical inventor and Winston as the charismatic spokesman.

When it is disclosed that Evelyn was the mastermind behind the “Screenslaver,” it’s a reveal that has audience members shaken. This is not only a betrayal to her brother who desperately wished to return superheroes to society, but to Elastigirl who developed a friendship with her throughout the film.

The animation in the film improved drastically in comparison to the first film, allowing the viewer to see small details that add to the various characters, such as the bags under Violet’s eyes. The improved animation also made way for better fight scenes that showcased all of the Incredibles’ powers as well as those of their older and newer companions. The superheroes also gained new technology in this film that added to the excitement, including the Elastibike and the Incredibile.

Overall, the movie works in more of an episodic format, working as a continuation of the first film rather than creating a whole new concept. This is a recent trend that can be seen in some modern sequels, such as “Deadpool 2.”

Photo courtesy of  Ladbible