Welcome to my first movie review for Team Mom 365! I am so excited to bring my love of movies to you on a regular basis. However, before I begin, I should probably let you know a little about my movie fandom. First and foremost, you should know I have a very eclectic taste in movies. At any given time, you could find me watching a classic Disney animated feature, a 60’s beach movie, a John Wayne western, a sports movie or a sweeping musical. Some of my favorite movies include The Sound of Music, Field of Dreams, Mulan, The Cowboys, Imitation of Life and White Christmas. As you can see I lean towards movies which strike an emotional chord with viewers whether it be a tug on the heart-strings or a rolling belly laugh. I like to see character growth from the start of the movie to the end and I am a sucker for happy endings which typically leave me in tears. I know. Why would you cry at a happy ending? I just do.
I will be honest from the get-go and say I am not an expert of the technical side of movie making. Therefore, unless there are lighting, sound or cinematography issues which detract from, or add to, the movement of the story then I likely will not comment on it.
I will grade movies on a scale of one star to four stars:
Incredibles 2 Movie Details
RATING: PG
RUNNING LENGTH: 1h 58 min
MAIN CAST: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson
SYNOPSIS: The Supers are again forced to live in the shadows of society but this time they have a champion in wealthy businessman Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn. To facilitate the rehabilitation of the Supers’ image in the eyes of the world, Deavor asks Elastigirl to perform some heroic feats leaving Mr. Incredible at home in charge of the family including burgeoning teenager Violet, mischievous Dash and super-in-the-making Jack-Jack.
SPECIAL WORD OF CAUTION
Before we begin, it has come to my attention that certain scenes in this movie have caused severe migraines and/or seizures. If you are someone, or know someone, with epilepsy, autism or photosensitive tendencies who are planning to view this movie please tell then to take precautions.
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Pixar has done it again! They have created a story, which is deeper than the surface plot would indicate. Sure the plot is a great foray into the ‘super’ genre with fantastic action sequences and a plethora of super heroes and villians, but behind that is a commentary on the role of being a parent with some in your face “truth bomb”. Here are five times Incredibles 2 hit you between the eyes with some hard parenting truths:
New Math in Hard
This is about way more than math. It is about helping your child feel a sense of accomplishment when they master something. While Mr. Incredible is watching the kids, he must help Dash with his math homework… new math. We have all been there… Multiplying from the left?!?! What kind of sorcery is that?!?! However, once you get into it and can see that first glint of understanding wash across your child’s face it’s one of those great parenting moments you will never forget. And to know you had some part in that understanding is an even great parenting accomplishment.
It’s Ok to be Good
Believe it or not, this is a hard concept to grasp. In a society where the bad seed often gets all the attention it’s hard to find someone who does good for good’s sake. Elastigirl and Mr. Incredible have a very simple motive: to help people. Their execution isn’t always on point but their heart is definitely in the right place. By their deeds and words, they are also trying to instill this important value in their children. Dash and Violet are coming to know the special powers they have been given are a blessing to help people as opposed to a curse they must endure.
Sharing the Parenting Load is a Super Power
Sometimes we have to take a step back to let our spouse pursue their dream or take the spotlight because it’s the ‘greater good’. It takes a strong person to accept this responsibility. This is Mr. Incredible’s struggle throughout most of the movie. He is very proud of Elastigirl and all she is accomplishing to rehabilitate the name of supers everywhere but he wants to be out there fighting the good fight alongside her. However, he also knows he needs to be with the kids and is really trying to do his best to care for them.
Teenage Girls Can be Drama Queens… But They Don’t Mean to Be
Without a doubt, every teenage girl has her moments but when you peel back the layers you will find a certain level of insecurity is behind every sassy comment, eye roll and slamming door. In this movie, Violet is dealing with coming of age, now mix in hormones, super hero powers, the instilled sense of doing good and a cute boy and all bets are off.
Parenting is a Heroic Act
It’s not easy and it’s not always fun but in the end being a parent is the most rewarding task any human being can undertake… super or not. From helping with math homework to making sure our kiddos are eating healthy meals, we are all super heroes in the eyes of our children. Edna Mode said it best, “Done properly, parenting is a heroic act.”
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Incredibles 2 is heroic in the way it represents parents everywhere. Showing us it’s ok we haven’t shaved in days… or weeks… and sometimes we might grunt and groan at the daily minutia of parenting, but we still love our kids to infinity and beyond and will do anything to protect them and the world we live in.
My only drawback on this movie is there wasn’t nearly enough of my own personal spirit animal Edna Mode. (For the record, there wasn’t enough in the original movie either.) However, her time on the screen is memorable. I would give this movie four stars but due to the limited screen time for Ms. Mode, I am dropping the rating .5 to a still very respectable 3.5. Go see it now while it’s in theatres!
GRADE:
Caution for the Littles
As you would expect, there are some pretty intense moments during the action sequences. However, they are typically interspersed with some humor to lessen the effect. There is also a tiny bit of what we’ll call “colorful” language but not nearly enough to dissuade you from taking your kiddos. By all means, take them! I am sure they will love this movie as much, if not more, than you.
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Sue Nowicki is an alumna of the 2014/15 Disney Parks Moms Panel. She is a team mom extraordinaire who has filled her time serving as secretary, navigator, head cheerleader, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist for her daughter’s travel sports team for 10 years before becoming a team owner in 2015. You can follow her on Twitter @TeamMom365.
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