Just like everyone else, our family has waited far too long to see what has happened to our favorite family of Supers. In 2004, we were left with the Parr family facing down the Underminer in the middle of a busy city street. We expected the sequel to be forthcoming, but we didn’t realize it was going to take 14 years to make it to the big screen!!! That’s a long time to have questions circulating in your head about an animated family of superheroes! Fortunately, the wait is over and Incredibles 2 is finally here! But does it deliver the “incredible” performance we all hoped it would?
Disclaimer: I was provided with complimentary tickets to watch a screening of the movie in exchange for my personal and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine and mine alone.
~ Incredibles 2 Finally Arrives ~
At the time the original Incredibles movie came out, our oldest was still a toddler, our middle son still waddling around in diapers and the youngest wasn’t even in the picture. The movie was HUGE in our home and every time the boys donned their Incredibles pajamas , they would use their “super powers” all around the house. Even in the hand-me-downs, the youngest had his turn at pretending to be “Dash.”
I kid you not. When the formal announcement was made that a sequel was coming, the entire conversation about the movie resurrected in the family. The original Incredibles movie has always been a favorite of ours and ~ I am not going to lie to you – every single one of us has been giddy with excitement for months ~ INCLUDING THE COLLEGE KID! (you did NOT hear that from me!)
~ An Opportunity To Screen The Film ~
So, I had the amazing opportunity to attend an early screening of the film here in our local area. While it was a fierce battle among the boys, the youngest of my three won out and I took him with me to see the anticipated film. We both went into the theater with moderate, but optimistic, expectations. By that I mean, we were expecting it to be amazing, but didn’t want to go in expecting it to be exactly like the first. We wanted to evaluate it on its own merit. Of course, by that point, preliminary ratings were out and already impressive.
So….what did we think?
~ Here’s what we loved ~
It’s Extremely Easy To Relate to the Characters
I love how they made the Parr family realistic. Well, going around shooting lasers from their eyes isn’t realistic. I’m talking more about the fact that they are flawed and face real issues. Parenting is not portrayed as being glamorous (“Parenting is a heroic act…done properly” ~ Edna Mode). Teenage angst is alive and well in this film, as is sibling rivalry. Of course, it’s no secret that Bob and Helen have their own subtle battle of the sexes played out in this film, as well.
I did find it rather hilarious, though, that you could hear moms chuckling throughout the theater and see dads shrinking in their seats during certain parts of the movie. Add in a healthy dose of adorable laughter from every child sitting in that audience and you can quickly identify the film’s success in being able to connect with all ages.
A New Villain to Understand
Spoiler alert ~ Syndrome does NOT make a miraculous comeback. Remember? He was wearing a cape. Sorry to spoil that one for you. No, this time we are introduced to a new villain and, to be honest, this one is a little bit more complex. It takes a little longer for the reveal and there is a little more suspense in the details. While I have to admit the movie still proves fairly predictable, there were a few things that surprised me…but I’ll keep those to myself.
Social Topics Are Subtle
While the story is that there were no intentions of purposely highlighting any current social issues in this piece, Incredibles 2 does cover a few topics in subtle fashion. I liked that. I mean, the first installment covered some tough topics, as well ~ divorce, infidelity, death (but we all seem to forget about that). In this one, we don’t see those, but there is an obvious nod to equality in the workplace, a mention of screen time addiction, the acceptance of diversity and a focus on evolving family dynamics. Good topics. Good coverage. Nothing is shoved down your throat – at least in my opinion.
The Incredibles Are Still Incredible
Kudos to the entire team of animators, writers, etc, for being able to keep the characterization of our favorite super heroes consistent. I love how they were able to bring back Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter as Bob and Helen Parr, Sarah Vowell as Violet, Samuel L. Jackson as Frozone and our dear Brad Bird as Edna Mode. While many of us were a little concerned about a new voice for Dash, Huck Milner did a stupendous job bridging the gap. Each character is exactly how we remember them and just as lovable.
~ What I REALLY liked about the film ~
But what about Jack-Jack?
Point blank ~ he was the best!. I mean, who are we kidding? He is the reason we have all been anxiously awaiting the movie’s release. Tell me you haven’t been curious about Jack-Jack’s powers or how they would be employed in the new film! I dare you. I will say this ~ our little diapered superhero does not disappoint!
Jack-Jack’s character translates from the original film right into the new installment. I mean, we didn’t see him much in the original, so that left a lot of room for creativity. However, he still has that same smile, that same giggle and that same unpredictability about him. It’s no secret that he steals the show, but not in a way that steals from the story. His role is perfectly executed into the script and he certainly adds a tremendous amount of comedy relief.
Not to mention, he and Edna kind of hit it off really well (hee, hee)…but that’s all I’ll say about that.
~ Was There Anything I didn’t like? ~
To be honest ~ no. There was’t much. I have friends who felt it fell a little flat, but I have been trying to find something I didn’t like about the film ~ and I just can’t. To be honest, I enjoyed the story-line, no matter how predictable. I absolutely loved the chaotic unity (yes, that was meant to be an oxymoron) that is the Parr family.
Now, there will be some parents, and with good reason, who will find a few things in there they could have done without or that may not be appropriate for their littles. Again, there is violence and a little more leniency with regard to language. However, there were no blatant “cover your eyes” moments in this film. Please remember my youngest is 12, so my boundaries are a little farther out. I will say that this. For those who may family members with sensory issues and who are not keen on loud noises or violence, a parental preview may be a good idea.
UPDATED TO ADD (06/17/17): I’ve had many friends who have commented over the weekend regarding the movie’s use of strobe lights. In light of that and out of respect for my readers who have family members sensitive to such, I felt it was necessary to add this warning to the post. If you or a family member has a medical condition affected by strobe lights, please take this into consideration before watching this film. The movie does utilize this method of visual effect, so please be careful!
Otherwise, I think this will sequel will do well. It kept my son and me laughing, engaged, interested and infatuated. I personally thought it was Incredible x2!
Want to follow the Incredibles 2 journey!! It’s in theaters June 15th!!
- Like INCREDIBLES 2 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarTheIncredibles/
- Follow INCREDIBLES 2 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheIncredibles
- Follow INCREDIBLES 2 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theincredibles/
- Visit the official INCREDIBLES 2 website here: http://disney.com/incredibles2
Looking for some fun Incredibles 2 activities for the littles? Check out this post for some printable coloring pages and fun!
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’ve been wondering how it fares compared to the first one. Of course, sequels are a tricky thing to do and to do well, so I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review.
My pleasure, Evan! Thanks for taking the time to read it. You’re right ~ sequels are tricky and, after fourteen years, who knew if this would match up. My family loved it ~ and we are STILL talking about it! I hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to see it!