Movie Review - Incredibles 2

Incredibles 2 ***½ (out of 5) (PG) Regular readers have seen the term “sequel dropoff” frequently. It’s the norm for the next round to be a lesser edition, simply because of the missing novelty factor, if nothing else. I adored the first appearance of this family of animated superheroes struggling to find normalcy in an unappreciative society. It was energetic for the kids, and more than witty enough for their parents. The preceding Pixar short, Boundin’ was worth the ticket price on its own merits, and should have won that year’s Oscar.

Once again we get a fine opening short, Bao, that’s sweetly amusing, but a step down. As we then rejoin the family shortly after the events of their debut film, we find a similar struggle for a place in their culture, despite a new supermenace to defeat, and other complications. The comic star this time is really baby Jack -Jack whose powers are just starting to emerge, while well beyond his understanding to anticipate or control.

Fans of the first should be pleased with this product, so long as they don’t expect the same level of Wow! Seeing the original, and perhaps some of its DVD extras, first will greatly enhance anyone’s enjoyment of Round 2. Count on a resurgence of their distinctive supersuits for 2018 Halloween costumes, kicking off a slew of merchandising options for holiday wish lists. Plenty of ha-has now before the ho-ho-hos. (6/15/18)