Incredibles 2

(Cert PG, 118 mins)

The odds of a lightning strike on the same spot, 14 years apart, are astronomical so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised the long-awaited sequel to Disney Pixar’s masterpiece falls tantalisingly short of the genius of its predecessor.

Incredibles 2 is bigger in scope and ambition than the original and boasts thrilling action set-pieces as well as a familiar menagerie of endearing characters including diminutive fashion oracle Edna Mode voiced by writerdirector Brad Bird, whose ability to scene-steal has not waned since 2004.

The sequel exploits the burgeoning powers of the youngest and cutest member of the Parr clan — baby JackJack — for uproarious laughs, and there are some terrific sequences in which the adorable toddler cycles through his various powers to the mounting dismay of his exhausted father.

A rough ’n’ tumble encounter between Jack-Jack and a thieving raccoon in the family’s backyard is a tour-de-force of slapstick and visual gags, reaching a delirious crescendo when the baby starts firing green lasers uncontrollably from his eyes and his four-legged opponent realises that a garden parasol is no longer a safe place to launch an aerial attack.

The second film begins after the dust has settled from the showdown between villain Syndrome and protectors Bob Parr aka Mr Incredible (voiced by Craig T Nelson), Helen Parr aka Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and their children Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Huck Milner) and Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile).

Public affection is waning for the Superhero Relocation Program overseen by Rick Dicker (Jonathan Banks), which would make the Parrs obsolete.

Thankfully, ardent fan Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) and his technosavvy sister Evelyn (Catherine Keener) believe they can turn the tide and they propose that Elastigirl fronts an aggressive publicity campaign while Bob takes care of Jack-Jack.

A masked menace called Screenslaver emerges from the shadows and threatens the safety of the metropolis.

Elastigirl races into the melee, flanked by a motley crew of superhero wannabes comprising Krushauer (Phil LaMarr), HeLectrix (also LaMarr), Reflux (Paul Eiding), Voyd (Sophia Bush), Brick and Screech.

Incredibles 2 overcomes a sluggish opening 15 minutes to rediscover some of the old magic.

Bird’s sequel is effortlessly entertaining and when the script hits its mark, guffaws come thick and fast but memories of the flawless original film temper enthusiasm for this return to dysfunctional super-powered family life.

Elastigirl, baby Jack-Jack and dad Bob Parr in a scene from Disney Pixar’s Incredibles 2.