"Incredibles 2" Review

We saw "Incredibles 2" last week at the drive-in, and let me just say that it was totally worth waiting over a decade for. It was definitely geared more toward those of us who were kids when the first movie came out, but it was still enjoyable for my younger siblings. As much of a void-filling movie as it is, there were many themes and messages throughout the film that were thought-provoking and refreshing coming from the entertainment industry.

  From a critic standpoint, there was at least one major plot hole that is still wide open, and the animation is slightly different. However, that was to be expected since animation styles have changed drastically in recent years and I didn't really notice it as the movie progressed. One thing I thought was absolutely hysterical as a nurse and someone with IBS was the superhero by the name of Reflux. You can about imagine his superpower! Overall, I thought that it was a very worthy sequel to a next to perfect original movie.

  To me, the best part about the movie was the fact that there are so many lessons and themes to learn from. It wasn't saturated with a liberal agenda. "Incredibles 2" focused on the nitty gritty of life with imperfect people who are focused on keeping their family protected, as well as the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. I'm going to focus on the main points I noticed, the ones I found to be the most important to both the plot of the movie and to think about as they pertain to our lives.

• Family is central. Outside of the Lord, family is by far the most important thing in the world. The Parrs realize that, so every decision they make is with their family and their marriage in mind.

• There is no win-lose in marriage. There is only win-win and lose-lose. Bob and Helen don't always see eye to eye on things, but ultimately they choose to come to a solution as a team. It's them against the world, and they know that they need to have each other's back. A husband and wife are a team, and a team that is divided against itself cannot withstand the weight of the world. In marriage, you win together and lose together.

• Hormones. Teenagers can be difficult. Violet is in the prime of hormones reigning the day. That is a natural state of being for adolescents. It can be very taxing and confusing for both the teen and their family. Ultimately, all that can be done is treating them with love, patience, respect, and support as they work to find themselves and sort through all of the changes they are going through.

• Family dynamics. I thought that the Parr family did a great job of representing many of the challenges and blessings of family life. Throughout the movie, there was a focus on the relationships between parent and child, child and child, husband and wife, and family and friend. No two families will be alike, but as a general rule all families have complex relationships among their members and with those outside of their relatives.

• Substance abuse is a thing. The villain is clearly an alcoholic. Unfortunately, this is an issue lots of people struggle with. It is a serious matter and it can cause serious strife in familial and working relationships.

• The main villain has a point. We are totally attached and dependent on our screens. The Screenslaver is the main antagonist in the film. As much as you love to hate her, she's got a point. As a society, our world revolves around technology, especially our screens. We've become zombies that don't know how to just sit and be without fiddling with a device of some kind. Our conversations are based on the latest fake news story or social media person gone viral. Even our medical and security businesses are entirely dependent on technology. Without the  technological dynasty we've created, we'd be lost. The Screenslaver brings to light just how lost we are. There is hope, however. Change starts with us. 

• Grief and grudges should not be taken lightly. The "bad guy" might have done some terrible things, but there are some reasons behind their actions. The Screenslaver's parents were killed in cold blood, and there were decisions made prior to their deaths that could have prevented the situation. Unfortunately, Screenslaver became blinded by a grudge and grief she didn't deal with. This turned into a hardened heart and a life of crime. While grief and grudges are not an excuse to do bad things, this movie does show that they are very powerful forces and should be handled carefully and promptly. 

• Media is skewed. Be careful. It is amazing what goes on behind the camera and newsreel that the public does not see. as viewers and responsible citizens, it is vital to view all media with a skeptical eye.

• Evil might win some battles, but good always wins the war. Throughout the "Incredibles 2" there is a constant tug of war between the heroes and the villians. Eventually it seems that evil has won the day. But it doesn't. Evil never completely wins. The Lord, Creator of All Good, has won the war before it even begun. Evil doesn't have a chance.

• Babies. I was floored by the major pro-life message in this movie! Jack-Jack's adorable laugh and baby waddle probably got every woman's estrogen levels to skyrocket in the 2 hours we were watching the movie. I would venture to say that he stole the show. Jack-Jack is the center of attention of everyone he comes into contact with, and throughout the movie there are many references the unlimited potential of a child. That is so true! Children are beautiful gifts from God to the world that only He knows what they are capable of. They are a source of joy and grace to families and, in the Parr's case, end up being the biggest hero of all. One could go so far as to say that Jack-Jack's role in "Incredibles 2" is a tribute to our own Savior. Jesus came as a baby with unknown potential. He is our live saver, our Hero.