‘Incredibles 2’ review: Credible entertainment

Brad Bird’s Incredibles (2004) didn’t need a sequel.

While it ended with a cliffhanger of a scene involving the titular family of superheroes facing the threat of ridiculously-named villain Underminer, it was more of a fitting coda to the film that champions synergy within a family unit than an invitation to expect more.

In a world that is now facing threats that are considerably larger than the one from a disgruntled fan, The Incredibles, now bonded by fire amidst the hazards of puberty and marital discord, are more than ready to defend the world. (Revisiting the Parrs: the timelessness, relevance of ‘Incredibles 2’)

Sequels and continuations

However, we live in a market that thirsts for sequels and hungers for continuations. It is therefore not very surprising that Bird pushes through with Incredibles 2, starting off from the previous film’s last scene, and turning the coda of familial synergy into a diving board to reveal that well, like the real world, there are no completely happy endings in the world of The Incredibles.

See, the battle with the Underminer only exposed the following dilemmas: First, the world is still not really ready for the havoc and destruction caused by superhero battles. Second, Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) isn’t exactly ready to be overtaken by his wife, Elastigirl (Holly Hunter). Third, Violet (Sarah Vowell), who is in the cusp of adolescent romance, is being thwarted by her and her family’s being superheroes. Finally, Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile) is about to debut his in marvelous set of superpowers. (READ: 10 things to know about ‘Incredibles 2’)

The film boldly re-enters the arena of the family comedy without abandoning its ambitions to be a true superhero flick.

Bird’s dexterous script jumps from an action scene to a domestic squabble with astounding ease, never letting one overpower the other in terms of heft and spectacle.

The emasculating misadventures of Mr. Adventure as a stay-at-home father to a trio of impossible children are as exhilarating as the thrilling adventures of Elastigirl trying to save the city from the clutches of a mysterious villain who hypnotizes its victims through screens.

Incredibles 2 is simply a joy to watch from start to finish, with nary a dull joint to connect its muscular episodes.

More than just escapist fodder

What’s more is that Incredibles 2 isn’t simply some colorful escapist fodder that’s only meant to keep the kids quiet while managing to also entertain their adult companions.

The film actually feels subversive, especially in a sea of superhero flicks that has trouble in relating its superhero characters to the rest of normal humanity.

Bird endeavors not to make his film bigger and better than before. He has the wisdom to only update the material and make the film speak closer to the issues of this generation. Truly, the film’s audience is no longer the one that yearns for more superheroes. Its audience years for more superheroes that represent their wishes.

In this case, the film centers on a mother that works hard and a father that accepts the demolishing of antiquated gender roles. The film talks of a society without black-and-white divisions of what’s wrong and right, and what’s necessary and legal. Sure, Bird simplifies everything but there is no denying that the film reverberates a familiar echo.

Incredibles 2 outdoes its predecessor not only because it is louder and prettier, but because it feels much closer to home.

Smooth and smart

Incredibles 2, as opposed to its title, is a credible piece of entertainment.

While its being a sequel makes it seem like an unabashed cash grab, it is comforting to know that the film makes it a point not to feel pointless by relying on cheap eye candy and bumbling chaos to mesmerize its audience to dumb submission.

The film is smooth and smart. It is worth all the wait. – Rappler.com

 

Francis Joseph Cruz litigates for a living and writes about cinema for fun. The first Filipino movie he saw in the theaters was Carlo J. Caparas’ Tirad Pass.

Since then, he’s been on a mission to find better memories with Philippine cinema.