SUPERHEROES take many forms and in The Incredibles 2 they take the shape of a family of five. Disney Pixar’s long-awaited sequel to the original Oscar-winning film is about the Parrs who have all the same pressures and insecurities of any other family unit.

It’s just that in between family meals, homework and the mini dramas of everyday life they happen to wear Spandex and fight crime. Youngsters will love this immaculately presented and incredibly inventive animated adventure which has a really distinct style from Bob Parr’s chiselled chin to wider motifs like the shades of red and black that dominate the screen. But what takes the movie to another level is its sharp dialogue and knowing wit.

Director Brad Bird, who also made the original Incredibles, puts a great deal in the movie that parents will be able to relate to in a story that particularly focuses on challenging gender roles. Despite being made 14 years apart, The Incredibles 2 picks up the plot just seconds after the closing scenes of the first film.

‘Supers’ are still illegal and after failing to stop mole-like arch villain ‘the Underminer’ they are arrested.

The future seems bleak until the wealthy siblings of Devtech offer to run a PR campaign to change people’s perception of superheroes in a bid to change the law.

There’s one snag though – company owners Winston and Evelyn Deavor want Elastigirl/Helen Parr to lead the campaign leaving the slightly set in his ways Mr Incredible/Bob Parr out of his comfort zone as a stay at home dad. So while Helen battles a new foe called Screenslaver, Bob finds domestic life as much of a challenge as crime fighting, especially when baby Jack-Jack’s incredible powers begin to emerge to hilarious consequences.

There are plenty of big laugh out loud moments in The Incredibles 2 and it also features an incredible voice cast. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson reprise their lead roles to great effect and Better Call Saul fans are in for a treat as both Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks make a great addition to the ensemble.

RATING: 8.5/10

DAVID MORGAN