Incredibles 2

(★★★★✩)

BRAD Bird’s first Incredibles film did extraordinarily well – angling its story around an unique family, while integrating political and legislative dimensions centering on “Supers”. It touched on the clichéd world of superheroes without becoming too clichéd itself.

It exemplified the mature themes of a stringent money-grubbing bureaucracy, the ungrateful public outcry against superheroes’ seemingly destructive nature, and the overarching idea and persona behind a superhero. All packaged in a cool action-adventure, familyfriendly, animated film.

Fast-forward 14 years, and we pick up where the previous film left off, only this time the sequel is better than its already-excellent predecessor.

The pulse-pounding actionpacked animation quality, the rich sound design and dark high-stakes danger, Michael Giacchino’s intense orchestral score, and the amply feasible character dynamics and development, all take a progressive curve in this superb cinematic hit.

The movie explores concepts of a superhero’s responsibility (and recklessness) towards public interest, the pains of relocation and mundane hiding, and influencing media, public perception and trust. Above all, the pressures of parenting.

With the return of endearing characters and voices, compelling newbies, humorous and action-y scenes aplenty, and nostalgic callbacks, this thrill-a-minute film entertains everyone full-throttle.

While certain revelations may be unsurprising to the keen eye, the payoffs are still big, making Incredibles 2 super-fun stuff indeed.

Edmund Evanson