A finely ‘tooned’ entertainer

Johnson Thomas

14 years after making a winning run at the Box-office, the creators of ‘The Incredibles’ move on to bigger and better things in “ Incredibles 2” – an upscale update that feels fresh, further developing the themes of the original while also establishing room for new territory. This is a smart, sassy, stereotype-trashing, exciting and funny family film. 

The world has turned against the superheroes - they had literally lost their halo and their livelihood until Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) and his sister Evelyn (Catherine Keener), come to the Incredibles with a plan. Elastigirl(Holly Hunter) becomes the ideal face representing the best qualities of the Superheroes while Bob Parr, Mr. Incredible(Craig T Nelson) faces his greatest challenge yet - taking care of the problems of his three children i.e. Violet, going through teen angst and an issue with romance; Dash who is always overeager  to join in the adventuring; and little Jack-Jack who suddenly and hilariously begins exhibiting a unbelievable spiel of superhero powers at unexpected moments. Reversal of roles notwithstanding, there’s much more in store for the Parr family to contend with than just bruised egos and consummate dare-devilry.

Bob, unused to being the benign house-husband feels down and out-of-sorts but eventually realises his responsibility towards his children and comes up trumps. His midlife crisis and transition feel so real that you forget that this is an animation film, altogether. ‘Incredibles 2’ actually tackles real-life issues with equanimity and panache. You wouldn’t expect that in an animated film…would you? 

There’s both freshness and verve in the manner in which real-life issues have been tackled here. Bird and team make a strong pitch for a tech-minimised lifestyle. The villain here is titled ‘Screenslaver’ – a play on digital gadget addiction which has literally enslaved the millennial generation. While Elastigirl is fighting that enslavement, Mr. Incredible is dealing with his kids’ ‘super’ enthusiasm and special skills. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Samuel L. Jackson’s voicing are impeccable while the tech specs are all comment worthy. Apart from the superb action, tangible real-life connect, smooth transitions and vibrant background score, there’s also an overflowing supply of wit and wisdom in this animated superhero family saga.