The skillfully-constructed, high-octane action sequences elevate this new ‘Incredibles’ movie to purely entertaining heights despite treading familiar ground. 

Rating: 3.5 stars / B+

“Done properly, parenting is a heroic act...”

The most impressive thing about this sequel to The Incredibles (2004) comes in the form of the music for the end credits, scored by Pixar’s favourite Michael Giacchino in what is one of his finest hours. The energetic and playful brass-heavy score with elements of jazz and ‘Pink Panther’ style homage gets a standing ovation for me, and I urge you to stay all the way till the end to indulge in the aural feast, which also includes three special character songs for Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible and Frozone. 

Coming 14 years after the success of the first one, Incredibles 2 sees Brad Bird returning to write and direct in what is the lengthiest Pixar movie to date. For two hours, we are thrust into a very familiar environment, literally picking up where the last film ended. In a way, this approach is a double-edged sword: in terms of storytelling economy, it doesn’t need time to plug in any narrative gaps; however, it also feels like nothing much has changed and we are getting a follow-up episode that finally made the light of day after being shelved a decade ago, or so it feels that way to me.

What elevates this sequel, however, are the skilfully-constructed, high-octane action sequences, which I daresay are even more thrilling than before. One has to experience the intensity of the climax’s final minutes, edited and scored to perfection, to understand what pure action entertainment is. Enjoyable in large scoops for the whole family, Incredibles 2 might possibly resonate more with parents than kids. As much as it is a crime-fighting superhero movie—the first film was popular way before the genre bug truly infected mainstream audiences—the latest instalment finds parenting operating as its core theme, including the modern scenario of the house-husband, who needs to take care of angsty kids while the wife brings home the dough.  

A reminder of the importance of family, and the support needed (including of close friends) to truly flourish as a single unit, Incredibles 2 may not be a really fantastic Pixar movie nor it is a sequel that we really need, but its invigorating style and lively visuals somehow make it worth the while. And scenes of Jack-Jack, the baby with a range of hidden superpowers, are surely worth the price of the admission ticket. 

Review #1,583 / © Eternality Tan http://filmnomenon.blogspot.sg/

Photocredit @ Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Incredibles 2 is now showing in cinemas everywhere. Get your tickets now!

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