By: Sari Cohen | HFLF Contributor
Disclaimer: SPOILERS! Proceed at your own risk!
Perhaps Brad Bird took a cue from his eight seasons on “The Simpsons,” but picking up with the characters of “Incredibles 2” having not aged a day since the first movie came out 14 years ago, is a move he calls both “bold and weird.” That’s just one of the many things the writer/director put into perspective when he joined the cast to answer a few questions during the film’s recent press conference.
Creatively speaking, those types of moves are not really a surprise coming from Bird. His inspired visions and knack for imaginative storytelling have always been a recipe for great success. When Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures released “The Incredibles” back in 2004, it had been the only project pitched to Pixar that had come from outside of the studios. The movie not only went on to win Best Animated Feature Film of the Year at the 77th Academy Awards; it actually became the first Pixar film to win multiple Oscars. Fans of all ages have waited a long time to follow up with the Parr family and on June 15, they’re finally going to get their wish.
While (as mentioned above) some things will look the same to audiences, a lot has happened in 14 years; one of the more obvious changes being the giant leap forward in technology. Adding to the already pleasantly packaged picture, you can bet that these advancements are going to allow the characters to appear more nuanced and developed; making the entire world feel richer and more alive.
There will be some new additions to the cast, as well. Of course, we will see the return of our favorites like Jack-Jack and Dash. Certainly, Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) will be back – as will Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson). But fans will also discover a few unfamiliar voices thrown into the mix. Newcomer Huck Milner (who steps into the role of Dash), actually hadn’t even been born yet when the original movie was made. The youngster seemed to fit right in with the rest of his superhero family, who have all clearly formed bonds that expand beyond just what we see on the screen.
Most of what we will get to see in the sequel had already been in the works back when they were promoting the first film. The one evolving part, the one which seems to always fall into place last, is that of the villain. It was a factor that changed even after they had gotten a release date. Praise went out to production designer Ralph Eggleston and everyone else who had to keep adjusting constantly, in order to bring about the conclusion that Bird says he felt was the right ending for the movie. Watching it all play out, seeing it on the big screen together, was the first time the cast all saw the whole story and how Bird, as a great orchestrator, put all of the pieces of the puzzle together.
Spoilers aside, Holly Hunter agreed with co-stars Nelson, Jackson, and Bob Odenkirk, about certain ways “Incredibles 2” is much more than just your average superhero film. “I don’t think this is a message movie in any way,” Hunter said. It was luck that it just happens to be dovetailing with #MeToo and Time’s Up – obviously, time is up, she pointed out. “And it happens to be serendipitously reflected in this particular movie.”
There are many revelations happening throughout the film and Hunter’s character is no exception. As far as superhero movies go, Jackson (who would be an expert on the subject) explained how in this genre, the appeal is in how everyone works toward a common good, which always ends up bringing them together in a unique and interesting way. This film, in particular, ended up with a complexity that the cast described as if it were five different movies all working in concert together. One piece of “incredible” fabric that’s been woven together in a way that’s all very sophisticated.
“Incredibles 2” stands out in a world that is oversaturated with superheroes, because, at its heart, it is a story about family. It has always been about the family dynamic and the roles people play at different parts of their lives. In the end, it all comes down to family, which is one universal message fans of all ages can get behind.
“Incredibles 2” opens in theaters on June 15. Disney Pixar’s adorable computer-animated short film, “Bao,” will be leading the way on screen, dishing out some extra family fun for audiences to delight in.
Watch our premiere coverage below!
