Incredibles 2 (PG)
It’s been a whopping 14 years since Pixar’s The Incredibles first hit cinemas. Since then we’ve had a solid decade of self-aware Marvel movies, various fourth-wall breaking comic book adaptations and so many rooted-in-reality takes on superpowers that gags about monologuing and the impracticalities of wearing capes are no longer going to cut it. That seems like it might initially be a problem for writer/director Brad Bird’s belated follow-up, but it’s a sign of how well constructed the characters are that it doesn’t take long to get swept up once again in the familial travails of Mr Incredible (Craig T Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and their super-powered brood. This time out Elastigirl is at the forefront of the action as a billionaire benefactor (Bob Odenkirk) hires her to prove to the public that fighting crime needn’t be as destructive as her husband’s methods have repeatedly proven. Of course the film can’t quite resist exploiting the obvious gender role-reversal gag of having Mr Incredible discover that looking after the kids is hard work too. And yet it’s difficult to dislike a film that delights so thoroughly in the slapstick opportunities afforded by baby Jack-jack’s nascent powers derailing his father’s best efforts at responsible parenting.