The Incredibles 2 - Not as incredible as it should have been

Back in 2004, PIXAR released an excellent animated film titled The Incredibles. Written and directed by Brad Bird and best described as a mostly more family-friendly version of Alan Moore's Watchmen, it's the story of a family of superheroes in living in hiding from a society that has declared superheroes illegal. It was a fun and witty tale about family and responsibility that also served as a semi-exploration of a political philosophy known as objectivism. Long story short, objectivism basically states that the world would be a better place if society would just leave the extraordinary people alone to do their own thing in their respective fields. Needless to say, there is a lot more to it than that, but that's a discussion for another time. Also, it is the only PIXAR movie that left the gates open for a potential sequel. Yet, for a variety of reasons, it never happened. Even so, fans of the film, myself included, were eagerly awaiting for Mr. Bird to deliver the follow-up, though he had stated that he already told the story he had intended with the first movie and never really expected to make a sequel. Fast forward fifteen years and two live-action failures later, Brad Bird has suddenly been encouraged to make his long-awaited sequel...and it should really have been better than it is.

Taking place immediately after the end of the first movie, it follows the superfamily after failing to apprehend a supervillain robbing a bank. Shortly afterward, they are approached by a wealthy business tycoon named Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) who loves superheroes and wants to help make them legal again. He approaches the family and lays out his plans to help change society's perception of superheroes using Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) as the kind of spokesperson. Meanwhile, Mr. Incredable (Craig T. Nelson) agrees to set aside his ego and be a stay-at-home-dad and watch over the kids. From then on the films becomes a mostly good adventure movie with some family comedy and charm thrown in for good measure.

What bothers me about this movie is that it feels rushed. I don't mean the pacing of the film is quick, it actually moves at a short but comprehensible pace. I mean its ideas are rushed. The film feels like it has five different views as to what it want's to be about, but it can't really decide which one it wants to put more focus on, so it kind of tries to juggle them all hoping one or two will land. It tries to be a family comedy, a classic adventure flick, a traditional superhero story, a political drama, and a feminist movie (my favorite part) all at once and never really commits to one in particular. It feels like Brad Bird grabbed all of his production notes out of order and penned the script in less than a week. Almost like he didn't have a script for this movie lying around all those years.

On the plus side, giving Elastigirl more focus this time around does make the film feels fresher as she is an excellent character, the animation is noticeably better and more advanced, the music by Michael Giacchino is stunning and epic, the action scenes are creative and fun, and most of the dialogue is witty and entertaining. Although, the MVP award has to go to the multi-powered baby Jack-Jack. He is the real heart of the movie.

While this may not be the grand return of a beloved franchise many of us were patiently waiting for, it is still a decent piece of work that has enough charm to it to easily forgive its shortcomings. If you enjoyed the first one, chances are you will also enjoy the sequel, but don't expect it to be the grand epic it's been building up to be...like it should have been.

Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes.

Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Maybe.

Why?
While it may have taken fifteen years to release, it doesn't feel like fifteen years in the making. It's still fun and has a decent amount to offer but, again, should have done more with the time it had to prepare.

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.