Cinema Trips - 'Incredibles 2'

After a fourteen year wait, we finally have Incredibles 2 come out on the big screen. Was it worth the wait? I feel this is a personal question where everyone will have a different answer, therefore I will be elaborating on why I had a good time with it and ended up liking it quite a lot.

With regard to the story, it is as could be seen on the trailer. It starts directly where the previous film left off and deals with Elastigirl making a positive influence to make heroes legal while Mr. Incredible takes care of the family. Just as the first did, this film also shows off this family dynamic, and further illustrates that the unit is strongest together rather than when they are apart, which is a great message to share overall.

In addition to the main plot, it explores the feelings of those that are ostracized by society. Being forced into hiding merely through perception alone. Not only that, it encourages those who are different to have more confidence in themselves and to be proud of who they are rather than hiding, because the strength to be yourself could inspire someone else in turn.

It also sends out a strong feminist message through its narrative, and at points directly addresses the place women have in society right now. Showing things from both the male and female perspectives, showing clearly that a woman should have the same opportunity as any man to do what they want in life, which is a message that we could stand to hear more of till we can get to the point where we can move on from calling those who are for equality within the treatment and status of women as feminist to calling anyone who is opposed to that notion as merely sexist.

Finally, the film shows how a single event could shape people in different ways, how a single event can form two ideologies that are the polar opposite of each other. Thus showing that everyone is different, and unique in their interpretation of interpretation.

The flow of events had a great cadence to it, with the pace being masterfully managed, where there was enough time to watch the characters react to the events after something significant had taken place. The comedy of the film is interwoven with the story and the situations the characters find themselves in. Each character has a moment to shine and no one member of the family has more time spent on them than the other, giving each member weight with great character writing and screen time spread out evenly. This balances the troubles of adulthood and childhood with sincerity. It ultimately feels like a natural continuation of the story while maintaining the spirit of the original.

The quality of animation made for a film that looked so stunning that if you were to pause it at any point, any frame would be pretty enough to frame and hang on the wall as a piece of art. In addition to that, the animation was wonderfully fluid, which helped in the action set pieces as they were incredibly kinetic. With a lot happening in every frame, the excellent direction guides our eyes to what should be focused on. This is pushed to the limit through the various new heroes that were introduced, all of whom had different powers that were used creatively.

Finally, the film is accompanied by terrific voice acting, and the great jazz-centric soundtrack made for a great experience. Occasionally reminding me of Batman 66.

Ultimately, if I were to recommend the film I would say to go see it in the cinema as it is a great time.