‘A good Pixar movie’ is a phrase so often repeated that it has almost become a cliché so upon entering my local movie house to watch Incredibles 2 I was almost searching for a flaw in their latest cinematic output.
You’d think I would be disappointed when I failed to find any but instead I was too distracted by the brilliance of the latest addition to Pixar’s long line of successes.
I remember watching the first Incredibles (I was much younger and on a date with a girl that I was attempting to build up the courage to kiss) (disclaimer: I never did).
This meant I was distracted from watching the movie and have always treated it with a disregard that was undeserving.
Revisiting the movie a few years ago I realised the error of my ways and finally gave it the attention it required, setting my expectations high for the inevitable sequel. It is safe to say those expectations were not only met, but surpassed with the power of a sneezing Jack-Jack.
The film is exciting, fast paced, aesthetically beautiful but most importantly so gosh darn meaningful. As with any Pixar film the story must delve into the many trials and tribulations we face in modern life without feeling like a parable of what to do, or a bed time story your grandma made up to teach you ethics and the Inredibles 2 does this with great aplomb. Whether it be modern fatherhood, teenage angst, or simply finding your place in the world (a subject that will never get old if Pixar are in charge) the story of a super heroic family only serves to accentuate the lessons being learned.
The voice acting is brilliant, the action is streamlined and hypnotic, and the characters are well crafted and full of personality distinct from each other. The absolute scene stealer though is Jack-Jack, with one of the best action pieces being the battle with his new nemesis, the local Racoon (probably the closest we will get to a Guardians of the Galaxy/
Incredibles cross over). Whilst the movie isn’t as emotionally gut wrenching as past Pixar productions, what it lacks in feeling it makes up for in sheer fun. Maybe the reason behind that, however, is because I’m not a parent as I feel this is a movie made to resonate with the tired mothers and fathers of the world even more so than the kids.
The Incredibles 2 is, unsurprisningly, a brilliant movie that may not be as tear evoking as other Pixar movies but will most certainly keep you’re eyes pinned to the screen. If the Disney/Fox merger eventually goes through then lets hope Marvel look to this franchise for fantastic four inspiration as opposed to any other incarnation of a family with super powers.
