It has been 14 years since the first Incredibles movie came out as it turned out to be a revelation. So, was it too late? 14 years too late? Well, there have been many superhero movies coming out since them either revolutionizing or recycling the same formula that had either made fans rewarded, divided or disappointed. But, people were clamoring for another sequel but Pixar wanted to make more money with their more financially successful movies with Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Cars because of merchandising aimed more at children than adults. Granted, maybe it is because I have grown up and not have shopped for toys but I did not see that much toy merchandising surrounding The Incredibles, which they should have. Now, we have the sequel and I have to say: it is worth the wait.
We cut to the movie exactly where the first one left off where the Underminer (John Ratzenberger) is about to take on The Incredibles - Robert/Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), Helen/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Huck Milner) and Jack-Jack. They try to stop the villain from drilling any further into the city. They are joined by their friend, Lucius/Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson). The Incredibles stop the drill from hitting the town hall, but they are taken into custody as the cops are giving them flak as they caused damage to the city.
The family is taken back to Dicker (Jonathan Banks) at their motel, where he informs them that the Supers Relocation Program has been officially shut down because of their actions. Even though they had fun fighting crime, Bob and Helen tell the children that it is illegal to fight as Supers. While Helen and Bob are talking outside, Lucius tells them that a man noticed them and he wants to meet three of them in their original superhero costumes. Bob, Helen and Lucius arrive at DevTech, a company run by Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) and are joined by his sister, Evelyn (Catherine Keener). Because of his father being murdered by criminals as he was trying to get in touch with the superheroes, Winston wants to take the chance to get the Supers back in the spotlight. The Deavors want Elastigirl to become the face of the movement since she has a better tracking record for not causing destruction.
After Elastigirl accepting the offer, Winston moves the family to one of his houses and sets Helen up with a motorcycle to go off on her mission, leaving Bob to take care of the kids. As she completes her mission by saving the train cars from falling off the tracks, Helen tries to talk to the conductor, snapping him out of his trance as a message appears on the screen saying: "Welcome back, Elastigirl - The Screenslaver.)
This is a remarkable sequel that is as good as Finding Dory, Monsters University or even Toy Story 2. Yes, it is a lot better than the Cars sequels but not quite in that territory with Toy Story 3. The movie brings up another level of energy that matches the original in such a way that you care both about the characters and its story. This is a highly enjoyable and entertaining movie in terms of its comedic timing and action sequences. They are both first rate as you laugh and you get wowed by the details that went into its jokes and its action. Yes, there were a few scenes with Dash that were a bit ham-handed but it is fine. There is one moment that is predictable that sort of hurts the movie a little that I cannot reveal but it is a narrative decision that I've noticed in Pixar movies that has been done many times and some movies are better using it.
Elastigirl gets into the action now and she has the main mission of taking over and having some scenes of tense action. But, really, the excitement mostly happens at the household as Bob is taking care of the kids of doing some activities and chores in that house taken away from some James Bond movies. Jack-Jack is the scene-stealer because he tackles some hilarious and unpredictable moments that made me laugh and smile every time. He is such an adorable character and I would not mind see a Jack-Jack spinoff. And, yes, The Screenslaver is no Syndrome, but, the villain is quite good trying to tell us what this person's motives are and this person's schemes are inventive. (I will warn y'all if you have an epileptic in your group, make sure if it is ok to see it because it could potentially give them seizures.)
Director Brad Bird once again balances the humor and action in the theme surrounding family. The message is that any family can be incredible despite having any superheroes or having restraint. Life could be tedious but there is always an adventure out there. Michael Giacchino's score is still lively and unique and always plays to the moments in the action or in the light-hearted moments. Once again, this is another very good superhero movies that does not do much anything new, however, it really will please audiences thanks to the comedy from getting back to the routine to Mr. Incredible playing Mr. Mom and of course, Jack-Jack's actions. But, the action is quite remarkable and colorful. This is superb family entertainment for adults and children.
By the way, the short, Bao, preceding the movie is quite beautiful and emotional that it takes a few chances on its material to make it more pensive as to why the character did it. Now, that short is a great achievement. Hopefully, it gets the Oscar for Animated Short next year.
***1/2
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