Fun, fast-paced sequel

Rating: 8/10 (6 February 2019)

Superheroes are still banned. Stopping crime (at least in superhero fashion) costs more than the crime itself, so justice is being delegated to the bean-counters. What little financial support "The Incredibles" have is drying up and a mundane existence looks imminent when hope comes in the guise of brother and sister media billionaires (Bob Odenkirk and Catherine Keener) who want to return superheroes to their rightful place as defenders of society. Unfortunately for Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), his wife, Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) is seen as more media-friendly and is chosen to be the first hero to get a public-relations makeover, leaving the hulking strongman to look after the kids, including baby Jack-Jack, whose powers are beginning to manifest. Just as Elastigirl's telegenic heroics begin to change attitudes, a new threat appears: a villain who can hypnotise us through the very screens to which we have become addicted. The clever story rolls along nicely, mixing Mr. Incredible's travails as a stay-at-home dad with his wife's enthusiastic stint as the family 'breadwinner' as the true nature of the threat is revealed. With a great script and voice talent, an imaginative story, and fun and fanciful imagery, the Incredibles 2 is a great follow-up to the excellent original.