“Incredibles 2” picks up where the original left off, with Elastigirl stepping into the spotlight while Mr. Incredible stays home with the kids. The trade pays off. Director Brad Bird builds on the family drama that made the first film work, and the action sequences keep pace with Pixar’s best work.
Trailer, via Pixar.
Elastigirl Takes the Lead
The movie opens with the Parr family trying to balance domestic life and super-hero duties. Bird plays this tension for laughs and genuine feeling, letting Helen Parr carry the emotional weight of the story. Her scenes at home with the kids feel as sharp as her fights against villains.
The villain plot, led by the mysterious Screenslaver, drives the action forward without overshadowing the family thread. The film balances spectacle with character, a trick that doesn’t always land in sequels.
The Action Holds Up
The set pieces are the film’s strongest asset. A chase through San Francisco, a fight against a giant robot, and a finale that puts the whole family in danger all hold up under repeated viewings. The animation remains Pixar’s best, with character movement and city destruction rendered with care.
Minor Quibbles
Not everything lands. Some jokes miss their mark, and a few subplots strain the running time. The film also leans on familiar beats from the original, which keeps it from feeling fully new. These are small complaints against a strong picture.
The film’s heart is in the right place, and it shows.
What Works Best
- Elastigirl’s arc, which gives Helen Parr a chance to shine
- The action sequences, which top the original’s best moments
- The family dynamics, which ground the larger stakes
- The villain plot, which moves the story forward without slowing it down
The Verdict
“Incredibles 2” earns its place as one of Pixar’s best sequels. It respects the characters and the world it built, while still delivering big, exciting action. It isn’t perfect, but it comes close.
