June 22, 2018
"Incredibles 2"; Director: Brad Bird; Voice Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly
Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huckleberry Milner, Catherine Keener, Eli Fucile, Bob
Odenkirk, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Bird, Sophie Bush, Brad Bird, Phil Lamarr
and Isabella Rossellini; Rating: ***
Picking up immediately after the
events of the first film, "Incredibles 2" can easily be viewed as an extension
of the original, rather than a sequel. The seamless transition between the films
is flawless and thus it does not matter if you are not familiar with its
predecessor, "Incredibles" which released 14 years ago.
Accompanied by
the best technology in terms of animation, which frees the imagination from the
shackles of gravity and reality, and allows the story to soar as it will, the
plot follows the Parr family.
The family with superhero powers continues
to make an effort to do good for the society. The plot takes off when during a
family outing, from the bowels of the earth arises The Underminer, who with a
gigantic drill creates havoc in the city by demolishing everything in its path.
The super family decides to face the villain, but without remembering that
superheroic actions are still illegal, so once their actions are finished, the
whole family is put behind bars. Fortunately for them, a mysterious benefactor
appears along with his sister. They assure the family that they would change the
opinion of the world leaders regarding the superheroes and to achieve this they
formulate a comprehensive PR (Public Relations) plan where Mrs. Helen Parr aka
Elastigirl is the face of the campaign.
While Elastigirl is busy trying
to save and impress the world, Mr. Bob Parr aka Mr. Incredible is house bound to
look after the children - Violet who has adolescence issues, Dash who has issues
with his studies and Jack Jack the infant with special abilities. This ends up
leaving Bob with a task he really doesn't want. Though cute, it causes a lot of
stress in his life, but also a lot of laughs for the audience.
Jack
Jack's misadventures are show-stealing moments of hilarity and Dash and Violet
both have their "incredible" moments on-screen.
Two fondly remembered
characters from the original, Edna Mode and Frozone are back, but rather briefly
and among the new characters, it is the wily Evelyn who makes her presence felt.
Helen's storyline is very solid and makes for some great additions in terms
of storytelling, but this is where the film doesn't quite get to the standards
set by the first edition. There are times that feel slightly predictable and
this bogs down the film a little.
But it is the action sequences packed
with the right amount of family bonding that makes this film entertaining and
stand apart. It adds that extra punch to the narrative.
The background
score by Michael Giacchino along with the voices of the ace star cast, lend the
right amount of dramatics to the characters.
Despite a typical colour
palette, witnessed in many superhero films, the visuals of the film along with
the 3D animation, are decent and exciting.
Overall, "Incredibles 2" is an
entertainer that would entice the young and the older audience alike.