The Best Pixar Sequel Since Toy Story 3

Rating: 8/10 (21 June 2018)

Thank God for Pixar. Each time I'm convinced every CG-kid's movie monstrosity looks like the same plastic, soulless bombardment of color as the next, they come along and remind us why they are the undefeated champs of animation. Even in their sequels, like their most recent Incredibles 2, there's a crispness and attention-to-detail that far exceeds their contemporaries. But Pixar has always been story first, and Incredibles 2 continues that tradition, giving us their best sequel since Toy Story 3.
Picking up right where the original left off, the Parr family-of-superheroes are still learning to juggle school, work and home life, all while trying to go unnoticed in a world that has made vigilantism illegal. When Elastigirl is offered a new job that will help supers gain back some public credibility, things only become more complicated, especially when Jack-Jack's powers start taking shape (a fight between the baby and a raccoon is the highlight of the film). The mid-20th century aesthetics are still wonderfully strong, and the action scenes are even more inventive, exciting and cohesive than the already stellar first one. Best yet, it beautifully presents a truly female-forward family adventure without ignoring the implicated difficulties of a changing time.
Like most sequels, it doesn't quite match the heights of its predecessor. Familiarity, plot clichés, flat jokes, and obnoxiously obvious twists are scattered throughout. However, what makes this series great is the family-life stuff, and director Bird clearly recognizes that. Marriage is hard; parenting is hard; family is hard; no superpower can change that, yet no difficulty can defeat true love. (SIDE NOTE: make sure to get there in time for the honest and hilarious pre-film short "Bao").