Genre: Animated Superhero | Director: Brad Bird | Release Date: 2018
The film follows the Incredibles as they try to restore the public's trust in superheroes while balancing family life.
Plot
Incredibles 2 makes a smart, immediate decision: it doesn’t try to top the first film’s ending, it pivots. Instead of following Bob’s midlife crisis again, the story flips perspective to Helen, putting Elastigirl front and center while Bob is forced into unfamiliar territory—domestic chaos. That role reversal isn’t just clever; it’s thematically consistent with what the franchise has always been about: identity, purpose, and balance. The film incorporates feminist ideas naturally, without speeches or finger-wagging, simply by letting Helen be competent, driven, and effective while Bob struggles.
Narratively, the film does a solid job continuing the family dynamics established in the original. Violet navigating high school, Dash grappling with limitations, and Bob bonding with Jack-Jack all feel like organic progressions rather than sequel padding. Jack-Jack, in particular, becomes a surprisingly effective narrative tool—his unpredictable powers inject humor while reinforcing the idea that this family is still learning how to function together.
The reintroduction of superheroes as a public institution gives the story forward momentum, even if the mystery behind Screenslaver is less airtight than Syndrome’s arc. Screenslaver works as a grounded antagonist—less operatic, more ideological—using media manipulation and hypnotic control rather than grand destruction. While the twist behind the villain may be predictable for some, the motivations are coherent and thematically relevant in a world addicted to screens and passive consumption.
The plot occasionally plays it safe and doesn’t push its ideas as hard as it could, but it remains tightly paced, character-focused, and thematically aligned. It’s not as lightning-in-a-bottle as the original, but it earns its continuation rather than coasting on brand recognition.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Performances
The returning cast steps back into these roles effortlessly. Craig T. Nelson once again gives Bob Parr a mix of strength, insecurity, and warmth, but this time he shines most when the character is overwhelmed rather than heroic. His comedic timing paired with genuine frustration makes Bob’s arc surprisingly relatable. Holly Hunter continues to be the spine of the franchise—Helen is confident, capable, and emotionally grounded, and Hunter’s voice performance balances authority with empathy beautifully.
Sarah Vowell’s Violet benefits from stronger emotional material here, particularly in her social anxieties and identity struggles, while Huck Milner brings more energy and personality to Dash, making him feel less like comic relief and more like a growing kid testing his limits. Jack-Jack, despite not speaking, is given an enormous amount of character through animation and sound design alone.
The new cast additions are strong across the board. Bob Odenkirk brings a likable optimism to Winston Deavor, while Catherine Keener’s Evelyn is a standout. Keener plays the role with restraint and intelligence, giving the character depth, charisma, and a believable edge. She doesn’t chew the scenery—she controls it. Sophia Bush’s Voyd is another highlight, bringing enthusiasm and sincerity that make her instantly likable, and she fits naturally into the ensemble.
Samuel L. Jackson’s Frozone gets more to do this time around, and his chemistry with Nelson remains excellent. Overall, the performances don’t just maintain continuity—they elevate the sequel by grounding its emotional beats.
Brad Bird’s direction is confident and precise. He revisits the themes of the original—family, purpose, societal control—without rehashing its story beats. Instead, he expands the world while keeping the narrative personal. That balance is difficult, and Bird makes it look easy. The film feels larger in scope but never loses focus on its characters.
Production
Visually, Incredibles 2 is stunning. The animation is richer, more detailed, and more expressive than its predecessor. The color palette is vibrant during action sequences and more subdued during intimate moments, reinforcing tone without drawing attention to itself. Character animation, particularly facial expressions, is top-tier and adds emotional nuance throughout.
The action is some of the best Pixar has ever produced. The motorcycle chase involving Elastigirl and the train is a standout—dynamic camera angles, clear spatial geography, and inventive use of powers make it thrilling without becoming chaotic. The diversity of abilities on display is used creatively rather than repetitively, which keeps the action fresh.
Michael Giacchino’s score is once again exceptional. The music seamlessly shifts between retro spy vibes, emotional beats, and high-energy action, enhancing the film’s identity. The sound design adds weight and texture to the world—powers feel impactful, environments feel alive, and nothing sounds flat or artificial.
The writing is sharp, the pacing is disciplined, and the dialogue flows naturally. While the film doesn’t take as many narrative risks as the original, the craftsmanship across the board is undeniable.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Incredibles 2 succeeds by evolving its characters rather than reinventing them. It delivers strong performances, polished direction, and exhilarating action while reinforcing the franchise’s core themes. It may not surpass the original’s cultural impact, but it proves that this world—and this family—still has meaningful stories left to tell. Incredibles 2 gets 5 out of 5.
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