It’s been 14 years; the wait is finally over. America’s favorite family of superheroes is back in Disney-Pixar’s new action-packed sequel, Incredibles 2. In the final scene of the first installment, the family of five suits up in order to fight crime together as a team, and it is precisely at that moment where the sequel picks up. As it turns out, the family dynamic is tricky to handle in any situation, and for the Parr family, this is especially true when taking out the bad guys. When the defeat of a certain villain results in the unfavorable perception of superheroes, the Parr family is forced, once again, back into hiding due to the illegality (and messy consequences) of their abilities. But when Mrs. Incredible is called upon to assume her younger identity of Elastigirl in order to change this perception, Mr. Incredible is left at home with the kids while mom heads off to work.

Sequels can be risky, but as is the case with all Pixar movies, Incredibles 2 is well done, and for the most part, serves as a brilliant production which sustains the momentum built by its predecessor. Like the first installment, Incredibles 2 very smartly juxtaposes the fast-paced ride of the retro spy flick with the comedic household issues of childrearing. Unmasking villains and sending them off to jail is done amidst bedtime routines and getting the kids off to school. Because of this, the film successfully transports the viewer into an entirely relatable yet fantastically enjoyable adventure that will no doubt prove to be a fun night out for the whole family.

Dove’s Perspective:

We award Incredibles 2 with a Dove Approved 12+ seal, though a few things should be noted before you head to your closest theater. As is the case with the first film, Incredibles 2 is not afraid to increase the tension with mature themes. In this sequel, kids will witness the murder of an innocent victim, the hypnotic brainwashing brought on by the villain, and the perilous situations that arise when a family of supers comes into contact with this psychopathic bad guy.

But in the end, Dove feels that these sorts of things ought not keep a family away if the kids are eager to see their favorite heroes on the big screen once more. A good conversation afterwards could prove highly beneficial, seeing as how the movie, in the midst of those dark and mature moments, is seeking to highlight the importance of supporting and loving your family no matter what and working together to see that evil comes to an end.

Please also enjoy our particularly-in-tune GM’s blog post And Now, The Real Elastigirl http://www.dove.org/now-real-elastigirl/