It's been too long, dahlings.

Incredibles 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to its 14-year-old predecessor. Brad Bird (Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol) returns to write and direct. The voice cast includes Craig T. Nelson (Coach), Holly Hunter (The Big Sick), Sarah Vowell (A.C.O.D.), Huck Milner, Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight), Catherine Keener (Get Out) and Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul). "Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is left to care for the kids while Helen (Elastigirl) is out saving the world". Can the most anticipated sequel of all-time deliver?

Dear Brad Bird, Pixar and the whole creative team behind Incredibles 2;

I've decided to write my review of this [fantastic] film in the form of a thank you letter. I have already written my thoughts on the first film (it may be a good idea to read that first for context). Incredibles 2 might just be one of the best sequels of all time. Bird knows exactly what worked the first time around and recreates that in a way that feels original and exciting. Nelson, Hunter, Vowell, and Jackson deserve to be recognised for delivering voice performances that are completely consistent with the ones they gave in 2004. For me, there is a lot of sentiment attached to this film and its predecessor, and I couldn't have wished for a better film. It is worth the 14-year wait. 

In 2004, The Incredibles was ahead of its game in terms of animation. 2018's Incredibles 2 shows just how much technology has advanced as the world and characters look better than ever (but still themselves). Not only are the characters well realised, but the colours are vibrant and the architecture is fascinating. Pixar's animation is never paint-by-numbers and Incredibles 2 is no exception. There is a great sequence where Elastigirl (Hunter) is battling the Screenslaver against a hypnosis pattern; it was stylish, creative and looked excellent. The superpowers are all cinematic and Edna Mode's hair has a life of its own. The animators should be praised for remaining faithful to the visual style of the first film, but also innovating that style so that it wows today's audiences. Can animation get much better? I'm sure Incredibles 3 in 2032 will demonstrate that. 

The Incredibles is my favourite film. Incredibles 2 comes very close. I love how the first installment commented on the tropes of the superhero genre. While there is less of that in the sequel, Bird inserts some subtle commentary on the genre and society. Some moments I noticed were when Elastigirl sees a young girl protesting - a usually touching moment between a superhero and superfan is turned on its head when the girl's sign includes a message from the villain. The villain, Screenslaver, hates everything about today's society - people are too passive and lazy. There are many small moments throughout the film that fans can dissect and interpret as satirical commentary. 

My favourite thing about The Incredibles and Incredibles 2 is the family. The Parr's are a family with a strong bond and work well together because of this. They are a family that I see qualities of in my own. Since my father passed away in 2007, Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible is the character I would most associate with him; my dad loved Pixar and The Incredibles was one of his favourites (along with Toy Story). Seeing Mr. Incredible on screen again was very heart-warming for me. There is a moment in the final act where Bob looks at Dash in adoration and it was very touching. Helen/Elastigirl is a lot like my mother. It was great to see a character I admire for her strength and willpower get an even bigger chance to shine and kick-ass. 

The family dynamic in Incredibles 2 is desirable but also realistic; this family does not have it easy and each member has their own struggles. This time around, Bob learns how to deal with the demands of parenting, Helen has to put her career first, Violet is having boy troubles, Dash is falling behind at school and Jack Jack is developing all of his powers. The film begins with the family working together to defeat The Underminer and ends with the family battling The Screenslaver. In between, they do get separated but this allows Elastigirl to showcase her skills and, in some quieter scenes, for Bob to learn the ropes of parenting. Helen and Bob's diverging scenes are equally entertaining but for different reasons; it is exhilarating to see Elastigirl in action and witness her solve the mystery, but it is also hilarious and comforting to see Bob dedicate himself to his children. 

Two characters stole the show. To everyone's surprise, Incredibles 2 creates a new duo that Pixar can create short films about and feature in future installments. I'm talking about Edna Mode and Jack-Jack. Edna is one of my favourite film characters anyway and while Incredibles 2 does not include much of the fashion designer, her brief appearance is everything I could have wished for. More one-liners, plenty of attitude and a hilarious connection with Jack-Jack - he even grows his own bob. Before Incredibles 2, Jack Jack was probably my least favourite member of the family. After Incredibles 2? He is one of the film's highlights. Jack Jack provides great comedy relief with his antics and ever-developing powers. Jack Jack vs the raccoon is one of the film's funniest sequences. 

The only critique I could understand somebody having is that Incredibles 2 follows a very similar formula to the first film. However, it does not feel like a role-reversed carbon copy of the first film, it feels like something new that follows the same beats. The reason Elastigirl is chosen to lead the project makes sense (she is not as messy and therefore is less of an insurance risk) and Incredibles 2 never feels like a preachy feminist, gender-swap flick. Anyone familiar with the first installment will likely see the third act reveal coming - the true identity of the Screenslaver is kind of obvious. Incredibles 2 may be predictable, but this works in the film's favour as the audience can analyse and suspect the villain from their very first scene. While this villain's trap is better disguised than Syndrome's, it is understandable why someone as smart as Elastigirl would be tricked. Incredibles 2 follows the formula of the first entry right up until the credits roll. 

I cannot fault Incredibles 2. It is worth the 14-year wait. Although I was always going to enjoy this film due to how much sentiment these characters hold, Incredibles 2 is a film the whole family can enjoy. The first film may remain my favourite, but Incredibles 2 comes very close. The animation is excellent, the story is thoughtful and the characters are incomparable. I couldn't have wished for anything more. I know my Dad would have loved this film just as much as he did the first. Incredibles 2 rightfully claims a very special place in my heart. Magnificent, Fantastic, Marvellous, Dazzling, sublime...Incredible (I had to). 

Thank you once again to Bird, everybody who worked on this film and everyone at Pixar. This film coincidentally released on my father's anniversary in America (June 15th) and the day before his birthday in the UK (July 14th) and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate his life, passions and our family than this film. You have delivered on every level. I just wish he could see it. 

Daniel.