INCREDIBLES 2 (2018) – My rating 7.5/10

Incredibles 2 is categorized as a computer-animated superhero film, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. It is Written and directed by Brad Bird and is a sequel to The Incredibles (2004) and the second full-length installment of the franchise. The story follows the Parr family as they try to restore public’s trust in superheroes while balancing their family life, only to combat a new foe who seeks to turn the populace against all superheroes. I don’t think this sequel measures up to it’s original but still a fun family movie.

The Incredibles, which consist of  Bob Parr / Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), who is the father of the family and possesses super strength and limited invulnerability; Helen Parr / Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), who is the mother of the family and has the ability to stretch her body into many shapes and forms; Violet Parr, (Sarah Vowell) the family’s daughter and first child, who can become invisible and project force fields for limited lengths of time; Dashiell “Dash” Parr, (Huckleberry Milner) the family’s troublemaker first son, who has superhuman speed and Jack-Jack Parr, (Eli Fucile) their infant son who has a huge variety of powers; as well as Frozone / Lucius Best, (Samuel L Jackson) the best friend and close ally of the Parr family who has the ability to create ice and freeze surfaces by manipulating moisture.

In this sequel, The Incredibles and Frozone battle The Underminer,  (John Ratzenberger) a powerful supervillain, criminal, bank robber, and terrorist whose ambition is to destroy peace and joy and has just appeared to terrorize Metroville. Despite preventing the destruction of City Hall, The Incredibles are unable to stop The Underminer from robbing a bank and escaping. The collateral damage caused by the incident outrages the government and prompts them to shut down the Superhero Relocation Program, leaving the Parrs without financial assistance. Tony Rydinger (Michael Bird) a classmate and love interest, discovers Violet’s superhero identity, forcing government agent Rick Dicker (Jonathan Banks) to erase his memory.

In the meanwhile, Lucius informs Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl of an offer from Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk), a wealthy businessman who wants to bring back the public’s faith in superheros. He and his sister Evelyn (Catherine Keener) a technical genus who has never encountered a problem she couldn’t solve,  propose sending the superheroes on secret missions that will be recorded and publicized as evidence of their importance.  Due to Mr. Incredible’s tendency to accidentally cause collateral damage, Winston chooses Elastigirl for the initial missions.  Accepting the challenge takes Elastigirl away from home, leaving Bob, who struggles with his new role as a stay-at-home parent.

Incredibles 2 continues with a story that is action packed and quite entertaining.  The film moves quickly, paralleling between Mr. Incredible’s new role as a stay at home dad vs his wife, Elastigirl’s action packed adventures as a solo action hero.  Mr. Incredible is dealing with domestic issues that are out of his comfort zone, with no help. Elastigirl is thoroughly enjoying her solo performance fighting and solving crime.  Incredibles 2 is well done and children everywhere will surly enjoy the movie.  You can see Incredibles 2 on Netflix. Check It Out!

[Incredibles 2 is Oscar nominated for Best Animated Feature Film]

 

MADAM SECRETARY – My rating: 9/10

Nicely done!  Stories are taken right out of the headlines and massaged Hollywood style, that often offer explanations and clears up current events or serves to entertain while showing us how the political system works.  Téa Leoni plays Elizabeth McCord (Madam Secretary).   Tim Daly plays Elizabeth’s husband, Henry McCord and Keith Carridine plays President Conrad Dalton.  Elizabeth and the President have a past working relationship as well as a friendship.  She was also a professor at a prestigious University when she was asked to serve as Secretary of State “SOS” which meant she would have to up route her family ( a husband and 3 kids) to Washington DC.  So far the subject matter of most episodes have been interesting and somewhat familiar.  I think Madam Secretary is more than a TV series, as it serves to inform us of the many sacrifices made to preserve the integrity, peace and reputation of the United States of America.  It’s very serious business, running a country.  The acting is superb and the cast of characters are believable.

The second episode dealt with a US Ambassador in Yemen (Paul Wellington, played by Tim Guinee) which paralleled our US Ambassador in Benghazi (Cristopher Stevens) who we know was killed a couple of years ago in a rebellion/riot about an anti-Muslim video.  However, in this episode, the ambassador survived, which is what I suspect were the profound wishes for the outcome of the attack in Benghazi.  Hillary Clinton, who was the “SOS” at that time, was called up by the senate to explain why better and timely protection was not provided.  She and the President were put under the microscope for answers.  In both cases the ambassador’s wife and children made it back to the US safely.  Madam Secretary airs on CBS and is time well spent.