There’s something wonderfully ironic about Incredibles 2: Elastigirl is out saving the city with grace and strategy, while Bob is at home fighting villains far more terrifying – teenage mood swings, “new math,” and a baby who casually opens portals. Those chaotic domestic sequences are where the sequel feels most alive, because Brad Bird again remembers that family life can be just as explosive as superhero work.
The film looks fantastic – the animation glow-up is obvious – and Giacchino’s swaggering brass returns in full force. Elastigirl’s chase-and-rescue set pieces are some of Pixar’s most confident action sequences. But the emotional weight isn’t as potent as the first film, and the Screenslaver twist lands exactly where you expect it to. The themes of media manipulation and trust are interesting, but they don’t cut as deep as the original’s midlife-crisis and family-identity storytelling.
Still, the movie has heart, momentum, and a clear affection for the Parrs. It’s fun, smart, and stylish… just not quite as resonant. A good sequel that knows exactly what audience it’s serving.
7/10: Energetic, sleek, and enjoyable.
