Incredibles 2 (2018)

Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is left to care for the kids while Helen (Elastigirl) is out saving the world. (IMDb)

The superhero politics thread feels a little tired and uninteresting, and the other main catch-the-villain plot is nothing special either (though Screenslaver’s monologue about heroes and the people was a standout moment for both). Fortunately, the characters and humour are fabulous (awkward Violet is a delight–see her embarrassing mishap at the restaurant; the remarkable Jack-Jack is a riot–see his raccoon fight, inter-dimensional travel) and the animated action is excellent and thrilling.

7.5/10 (Really Good)

 

The Incredibles (2004)

A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world. (IMDb)

The bad: for some reason the exaggerated animated bodies rubbed me the wrong way this time around (see Mirage’s literal stick figure), and the return to superhero-ism seemed much too smooth and welcome given the fall-out to open the film. The good: pretty much everything else; the comedy’s solid (efficient Edna’s a hoot) and the action is top-notch, with the central family under study giving it a strong emotional element (the helicopter flight with Mom and kids is the best scene of the film).

7.5/10 (Really Good)

 

Raising Arizona (1987)

When a childless couple of an ex-con and an ex-cop decide to help themselves to one of another family’s quintuplets, their lives become more complicated than they anticipated. (IMDb)

Bursting with a brilliant and bizarre sort of energy right from its fast-forwarded how-we-met-story intro to its surprisingly touching final montage (both which star Cage’s excellent narration), with a wonderfully wacky premise serving as the foundation for some gut-busting slapstick (see the post-diaper heist chase with the dogs; the final baby bonanza) and outrageous secondary characters (see the obnoxious escapees Gale and Evelle; the redneck Glen and Dot and their destructive children).

8.5/10 (Amazing)