Incredibles 2: Elastigirl shines in charming Pixar superhero sequel – CNET


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Incredibles 2: Elastigirl shines in charming Pixar superhero sequel

Review: Can you believe it’s been 14 years? Pixar remakes the superhero family for 2018, while staying true to the 2004 original.

With Infinity War, Deadpool and other caped crusaders dominating the big screen, you may be experiencing superhero fatigue. Super-powered animation Incredibles 2 isn’t the cure, but it could be the refreshing palate cleanser you need.

Released in the same year as Hellboy and Catwoman — when the Marvel Cinematic Universe was still years away — the original 2004 Incredibles was at the forefront of the current superhero boom. The story followed the adventures of the Parr family as they embraced their various superpowers for wholesome heroics rendered in a timelessly retro pop-art style. 

While this year’s sequel takes place straight after the events of the 2004 film, animation studio Pixar has given the superhero family a 2018 makeover. Every frame is packed with fantastic detail and cutting-edge animated magic while staying true to the original movie’s charming visual feel.

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The full Parr family is back, and most of the original cast too.

Pixar

The fantastic family, and most of the original cast, returns for the belated sequel. Craig T. Nelson voices Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter voices Helen Parr (Elastigirl) and Sarah Vowell is teenage daughter Violet. Huck Milner replaces the first film’s voice actor Spencer Fox as young son Dash Parr, as Fox understandably no longer has the same voice he did 14 years ago. Amusingly, though, Eli Fucile once again lends his voice to baby Jack-Jack.

It’s Elastigirl’s time

While all family members have their moments, the film’s A-story definitely belongs to Hunter’s Elastigirl. The world of the Incredibles is afraid of superpowered vigilantes, but Elastigirl is recruited by nostalgia-tinted PR guru Winston Deaver (Bob Odenkirk) to lead a campaign to legalize superheroics.

That leaves Bob Parr as a stay-at-home dad, juggling Violet’s boy troubles, Dash’s math problems and baby Jack-Jack’s burgeoning anarchic superpowers.

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Elastigirl takes the lead story for Incredibles 2, fighting so her family can be superheroes without breaking the law.

Pixar

You can see the eventual twist coming, but you have a good time getting there with funny dialogue and fast-paced banter. As in the first film, the super-fashionista Edna Mode (Brad Bird) hilariously runs away with the movie as she combines fashion tips with barbed witticisms.

Sadly for the rest of the supporting cast, the increased focus on both parents means Violet and Dash get relegated to the sidelines for most of the film, and family friend Lucius (aka Frozone and voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) only gets to pop in during a few key moments.

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So many details

Incredibles 2 keeps the glorious art style of the original film, but supercharges it with what feels like every animation upgrade Pixar has developed over the past 14 years.

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Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) is ready to freeze away.

Pixar

Animated hair swishes with more bounce and shine than a shampoo ad, while the fabric that makes up the family members’ costumes presses and moves realistically when they hug. Even the cartoon-style faces are packed with detail, changing subtly with the light in different locations.

Edna Mode is a highlight once again, showcasing all these cutting-edge animation techniques as her hair bobs and her gorgeous robe bounces while she hops across the screen.

These lovely little details come on top of the more eye-popping visuals created by the superpowers on show. New character Voyd (Sophia Bush) creates holes in the air much like the gun from Portal, making for dizzying fight scenes. Meanwhile, baby Jack-Jack piles up multiple powers including laser eyes and teleportation in comically chaotic fashion (my colleague Eric Franklin tallied up every one of his powers we can think of). 

More relevant than ever

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Bob Parr becomes a stay-at-home dad for Incredibles 2.

Pixar

In this era of peak superhero movie,  it’s certainly time for something a bit lighter after the amazing but emotionally exhausting Infinity War, and ideally something that isn’t burdened with years of complex continuity. Incredibles 2 succeeds by telling a family-friendly superhero story that also gives Pixar’s animators the opportunity to stretch their muscles.

And if this is the dazzling update Pixar has given the Incredibles, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year’s Toy Story 4.

Incredibles 2 will be released June 14 in Australia, June 15 in the US and July 13 in the UK.

First published 9 a.m. PT June 11. 
Updated, 6 a.m. PT June 17. 

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