Weekender

At the Movies: “Incredibles 2” lives up to hype

“Incredibles 2” was a highly anticipated release this summer, especially for millennials.

Although most Disney movies are applauded for appealing to all age groups, the “Incredibles” franchise as special place in the hearts of that age group.

The first movie was released 15 years ago, right when most of millennials were going through crucial developing years.

Twitter and Instagram were flooded with memes arguing how the movie “belonged” to the age group, and not children. Teens and young adults everywhere anticipated the movie’s release like Christmas morning.

Some even dressed as the characters for the movie premiere. One image of a man dressed as Frozone, a character from the film, making the rounds on social media.

But did the film deliver? With $180 million at the box office on its opening weekend, it certainly came through financially for Disney.

That’s the highest opening weekend box office for an animated film ever. For comparison’s sake, the previous record holder belonged to 2016’s Finding Dory at $135 million.

Still will millennials love “Incredibles 2” as much as the first?

I’d say mostly yes.

The film, which picks up immediately after the events of the first film, captures the excitement and humor of the original.

Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl – and their children, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack – return to the big screen to save the day, and maybe even save each other with some good ol’ fashioned family values.

The plot follows Elastigirl returning to the superhero world to help make superheroes legal again, while Mr. Incredible begrudgingly stays behind to take care of the children.

The film has some of the best action scenes of recent films, animated or otherwise.

The fight scenes were fast paced and cohesive, with the smooth animation and score creating an adrenaline rush. Each character utilized their powers in creative and exciting ways, with no scene feeling contrived.

Of special interest is the use of Jack-Jack, the baby, and his powers throughout the film. The image of the family members using the baby as a laser gun is hard to explain out of context, but extremely memorable and easily spoofable.

One complaint, I have with the action is the much-discussed, strobe-light scene. If you aren’t aware, a scene in the film had rapid flashing lights which affected some audience members with epileptic conditions. The scene, which features Elastigirl and an antagonist fighting in a flashing room, deserved the complaints many have voiced across social media. As someone without a medical condition, the flashing still gave me a headache and made me nauseous, leading to me even looking away from the screen at one point. Although a brief scene, those with medical conditions which cause sensitivity to flashing lights should be wary.

The main villain of the film, Screenslaver, provided an interesting take on technology. Reminiscent of ‘hacker’ films of the ‘90s, the villain causes chaos multiple times throughout the movie by manipulating technology and utilizing brainwashing devices. Although the methods of mischief were fun, I found the final reveal of who the villain was to be too obvious and disappointing. The scenes in which the villain discussed motives were boring and uninteresting in comparison to the action and humor in the rest of the film.

In short, the film provided the humor and action “Incredibles” fans have been missing. The characters felt familiar but new, as new facets of their personality and powers were highlighted. Although there were some issues with the heavier scenes of the film featuring the main antagonist, it was a solid film which could entertain any age group.

4.5 out of 5 stars

This image released by Disney Pixar shows characters Bob/Mr. Incredible, voiced by Craig T. Nelson, right, and Jack Jack in “Incredibles 2.” (Disney/Pixar via AP)
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_AP18170697079983-1.jpg.optimal.jpgThis image released by Disney Pixar shows characters Bob/Mr. Incredible, voiced by Craig T. Nelson, right, and Jack Jack in “Incredibles 2.” (Disney/Pixar via AP)
This image released by Disney Pixar shows characters Bob/Mr. Incredible, voiced by Craig T. Nelson, left, and Jack Jack in "Incredibles 2." (Disney/Pixar via AP)
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_AP18170696476043-1.jpg.optimal.jpgThis image released by Disney Pixar shows characters Bob/Mr. Incredible, voiced by Craig T. Nelson, left, and Jack Jack in "Incredibles 2." (Disney/Pixar via AP)

Cabrini Rudnicki

At the Movies

Cabrini Rudnicki is a Weekender summer intern with a love of movies. Get in touch with Cabrini through the Weekender’s Brigid Edmunds at bedmunds@timesleader.com.