In the day and age where studios are racing to churn out big-budget blockbuster superhero movies, one movie stands out as a beacon that all superhero movies should aspire to be. “People will trade quality for ease every time.” Incredibles 2 certainly strives to live by this motto. The film provides a satirical social commentary, and simultaneously maintains an intricate balance of humour, heartfelt moments, and innovative action scenes.
The plot revolves around the age-old debate of the accountability of superhero actions. The film begins right where the previous one left off; with the sudden appearance of the aptly named "The Underminer", who sets up the whole premise as the superhero family leaves a massive trail of destruction in their wake. This prompts a serious public outrage, and prompts the question: should superheroes be legal? Led by industrialist Winston Deavor, and his sister, Evelyn Deavor, Elastigirl leads the charge to redeem the reputation of superheroes, while much to his frustration, Mr. Incredible finds himself at home, taking care of the kids. Thrown into the mix is the antagonist "Screenslaver", a not-so-subtle reference towards the augmenting popularity of social media, and a critique towards the new generation's obsession with the internet and their online selves. Incredibles 2 didn't shy away from commenting on gender roles within society either. Having Elastigirl as the main protagonist, the film provides an inspiring female heroine, and a role model for girls to look up to, while moving away from the traditionally associated housewife roles attributed to women. Instead, the film succeeds in putting into perspective the importance of mothers in our lives, by showing the challenges encountered by Mr. Incredible in his attempt to take care of the children and manage the household. While Incredibles 2 recycles some old themes from the previous movie – particularly Violet's arc of the rejection and acceptance of her superhero identity triggered by events at school – it also successfully introduces new narratives. One such arc creates the profound realisation that Jack Jack's unpredictability mirrors the chaotic nature of life, as viewers realise the character, and his interactions with Mr. Incredible that leave him exhausted and broken, are metaphors for the tumultuous tendency of randomness throughout life that throws all plans askew. However, it's also portrays the hilarity and fun side of life that comes with this unpredictability, as Jack Jack's interludes were charming, funny, and adorable to all viewers. While Incredibles 2 may lack the frequency at which it spews out iconic dialogues and scenes, it finds a way to stand up to, and in in certain cases, even surpass the original, with its witty characters, charismatic story, and innovative use of superpowers in action scenes. It stands as a beacon for all superhero movies to come, and sets a really high benchmark to live up to. Overall, it is a sequel worthy of it's name. 10/10.
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June 2018
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