nagoyasuzukiamerica.com – Incredibles 2, the much-anticipated sequel to Pixar’s 2004 hit The Incredibles, hit theaters in 2018, directed once again by Brad Bird. The film picks up right where the original left off, continuing the story of the Parr family—a group of superheroes trying to balance their extraordinary abilities with the challenges of normal life. With the same clever wit, heart, and action that made its predecessor a beloved classic, Incredibles 2 not only meets high expectations but also expands on the themes of family dynamics, heroism, and the evolution of societal roles.
While the first film was centered around Mr. Incredible (Bob Parr) and his mid-life crisis as a superhero, Incredibles 2 shifts focus to Elastigirl (Helen Parr), placing her at the forefront of the story. The film also delves deeper into the lives of the Parr children, particularly Dash, Violet, and the now more prominent baby Jack-Jack, whose powers are starting to emerge in unexpected ways. Throughout Incredibles 2, Brad Bird’s direction combines thrilling action sequences with important social commentary, offering a tale that resonates with both young viewers and adults.
Plot Summary: A Family of Heroes Trying to Reconcile Their Roles
The Incredibles vs. The Underminer
The film opens with the Parr family immediately jumping back into action. The Incredibles face off against the Underminer, a villain who wreaks havoc on the city as he attempts to steal a bank vault. This action-packed sequence establishes the family’s teamwork and highlights their various powers. However, despite their successful mission, the city’s government still insists on the ban on superheroes, keeping them from being able to operate legally or publicly. The battle against the Underminer and the public’s response further deepens the tensions between the superhero community and societal norms.
The result of their actions leads to the city authorities continuing their stance on banning the use of superheroes. This places a major strain on the Parr family, forcing them to confront their place in society, especially considering how much they miss being able to help and save others. This is when the film’s central conflict truly begins.
The Rise of Elastigirl and the New Heroic Role
Enter Winston Deavor (voiced by Bob Odenkirk), a wealthy businessman who wants to bring superheroes back into the limelight by shifting public opinion. He proposes a solution: he wants to hire a superhero to act as a public face of superhero work to prove their value and ultimately lift the ban. Winston’s sister, Evelyn Deavor (voiced by Catherine Keener), is a brilliant tech innovator, and together, they hope to convince the government to allow superheroes to work again.
Winston’s pitch for who should take the spotlight is surprising—he selects Elastigirl (Helen Parr), a hero with flexibility, agility, and a cool head, to become the new face of the superhero movement. Helen gladly accepts the offer, which leads to her becoming the new “public superhero,” while Bob (Mr. Incredible) takes on the role of the stay-at-home dad. The family dynamic is suddenly flipped, as Helen must balance her superhero career with the responsibilities of being a mother, while Bob must deal with the overwhelming challenge of being a full-time father to their three children.
Bob’s Struggle with Fatherhood and Family Life
As Helen begins her new role as the city’s superhero, Bob struggles with his new responsibilities. Not only does he have to deal with the daily routines of parenting, like helping Dash with his schoolwork and comforting Violet through her teenage angst, but he also must grapple with the loss of his former identity as a hero. While he initially finds it difficult to stay at home, Bob ultimately discovers the value in nurturing his children and embracing his domestic role.
His difficulties are compounded by the fact that Jack-Jack, the youngest of the Parr children, has recently developed a series of unpredictable and wild powers. The chaos surrounding Jack-Jack’s new abilities serves as a humorous and heartwarming subplot throughout the film. Bob’s frustration with parenting, especially while dealing with Jack-Jack’s unpredictable powers, creates both comedic moments and moments of genuine reflection.
The Introduction of Screenslaver and the New Threat
Meanwhile, Elastigirl’s superhero work takes a more dangerous turn when she encounters a new villain known as Screenslaver, a mysterious figure who uses screens to control people’s minds. Screenslaver’s goal is to manipulate the public’s perception of superheroes and prevent them from taking over the world. This new antagonist presents a technological threat that not only challenges Elastigirl physically but also pushes her to rethink the role of technology in society, particularly in the context of heroism and surveillance.
As Elastigirl investigates the Screenslaver’s actions, it becomes clear that the villain is more dangerous than anticipated. Alongside Winston and Evelyn Deavor, Elastigirl fights to uncover the true motives behind the Screenslaver’s plans while also working to clear the superhero community’s name in the public eye.
The Truth About Evelyn Deavor
Eventually, the truth about the Deavor siblings and their connection to the villainous Screenslaver comes to light. It is revealed that Evelyn Deavor, the tech genius behind the project to make superheroes mainstream again, is actually the mastermind behind Screenslaver. Evelyn harbors a deep resentment for the power structures of society and believes that superheroes disrupt the natural order. She manipulates Winston, Elastigirl, and the public to create a world where heroes are seen as the true threat to society, not the solution. Her motivations stem from a deep-seated belief that technology is the way forward, not the powers of individuals.
In a dramatic showdown, Elastigirl and Mr. Incredible, with the help of their children, must defeat Evelyn and restore order. However, the real victory comes when the family comes together to stop the villain’s plan and prevent the public’s perception of heroes from being permanently damaged.
The Family Reunited
As the film reaches its conclusion, the Parr family reflects on how their roles have shifted. Bob, who initially struggled with his new responsibilities as a father, embraces the idea that being a hero can take many forms. Meanwhile, Helen returns to her superhero career with a renewed sense of purpose and pride, but now with a deeper appreciation for the importance of family.
In the final moments of the film, the Parrs come together as a unit, reaffirming their bonds as a family and the understanding that they are stronger together, both as a family and as heroes. The film ends with the promise of more adventures ahead for the Parr family, but it also delivers a thoughtful message about heroism, responsibility, and how we define ourselves in modern society.
Themes and Messages: Family, Heroism, and Technology
The Importance of Family and Gender Roles
At its core, Incredibles 2 is a story about family. The film highlights the importance of teamwork and mutual support within the Parr family, as they work together to overcome their struggles and balance their heroic identities with their responsibilities at home. One of the key messages of the film is about the shifting dynamics of family roles, especially as Bob and Helen’s positions reverse, with Bob taking on domestic duties while Helen goes out to save the day. This theme touches on real-world issues of gender equality and the evolving expectations placed on men and women in modern society.
Bob’s character arc is about embracing the role of stay-at-home parent and coming to terms with the fact that being a hero doesn’t only happen in the spotlight. The film portrays the challenges of juggling career aspirations with familial obligations, and it does so in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Heroism in the Modern World
Another major theme explored in Incredibles 2 is heroism in the context of modern society. The villain, Evelyn Deavor, represents a distrust of traditional forms of heroism, believing that technological advancements should be the solution to society’s problems rather than individuals with superhuman powers. Through the story of the Parr family, the film explores the idea that true heroism is not about physical power or public recognition, but about the quiet, everyday acts of courage that help make society a better place.
The film’s commentary on the role of technology in heroism is particularly timely, as it raises questions about the balance between technology and personal responsibility. Evelyn’s belief that technology should replace superheroes echoes modern concerns about automation, surveillance, and the growing influence of technology in our lives. Incredibles 2 suggests that while technology can be a powerful tool, it should not replace the human qualities that make us heroic—like empathy, courage, and integrity.
The Value of Teamwork and Cooperation
The Parr family’s journey is also one of teamwork. As each member of the family faces challenges, they learn that their powers—whether physical, intellectual, or emotional—work best when combined. The film reinforces the message that, regardless of one’s role or abilities, working together as a team is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. This theme is reflected not only in the family’s battle against Screenslaver but also in their daily lives, as they support one another through both personal and heroic struggles.
Characters and Performances
Elastigirl / Helen Parr
Elastigirl’s character undergoes significant development in Incredibles 2. Voiced by Holly Hunter, Helen steps into the spotlight as the primary superhero of the film. Her arc explores her struggle to balance the demands of being a mother with the challenges of being a public hero. Helen is portrayed as strong, intelligent, and compassionate, and her role as a mother-hero is an empowering and relatable example of modern female strength.
Mr. Incredible / Bob Parr
Bob Parr, voiced by Craig T. Nelson, provides the film with much of its emotional heart. His growth as a father and his eventual acceptance of his domestic role provide a rich narrative, and his comedic struggles with domesticity offer both humor and insight into the pressures faced by stay-at-home parents.
Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack
The Parr children also get more screen time in Incredibles 2, particularly Violet, who deals with typical teenage angst while trying to control her powers. Dash, always the energetic and mischievous younger brother, struggles with his schoolwork and his inability to use his speed in public. Jack-Jack, who develops an array of unpredictable powers, provides much of the film’s comedic relief while also highlighting the complexities of raising a superpowered child.
The Villain: Evelyn Deavor
Evelyn Deavor, voiced by Catherine Keener, is a compelling antagonist. As a tech genius and the mastermind behind Screenslaver, Evelyn represents the threat of technological overreach and the desire for control over others. Her personal motivations, tied to her feelings of betrayal and a desire to “fix” the world, add layers of complexity to her character, making her more than just a villain.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Sequel That Expands the Incredibles Universe
Incredibles 2 succeeds not only as an action-packed sequel but also as a film that addresses important themes of family, identity, and the role of technology in our lives. The Parr family’s evolution is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering viewers a deeper understanding of what it means to be a hero in the modern world.
With stunning animation, well-choreographed action sequences, and a powerful message about cooperation and family, Incredibles 2 stands as one of Pixar’s finest sequels. It lives up to the legacy of the original while expanding on the themes that made the first film so memorable. Ultimately, Incredibles 2 is not just a movie about superheroes; it is a movie about the everyday heroes in our lives—the ones who care for us, support us, and work together to make the world a better place.