Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” lands in theaters this weekend 14 years removed from the 2004 original that showcased the world’s superpowered family, “The Incredibles”. After years of speculation and wonder as to why Pixar never greenlit this film (what seems like) ages ago, they finally followed through on the project and got writer and director Brad Bird back for the sequel. Picking up right where the first film left off, we are instantly whisked away into the realm of “The Incredibles” once more. Punches fly, kicks slam, force fields protect, and the family is right back at it once more; as if they never left. Pixar’s ability to cast voice actors delivers once more when Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter prove they’ve still got it in their roles as Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl. The playful chemistry and bond as husband and wife clash beautifully, and it evokes the perfect example of a standard husband and wife relationship. The themes explored here with the two shine brightly on common lessons learned in an everyday household. Setting the example, rules, laws, roles as parents, are the big takeaways in the family dynamic here. On a broader scope, Brad Bird technically toys with larger themes about media control, perspective, and roles in society. Heavier themes for the older audience members sitting amongst rows of children are the biggest takeaway from “Incredibles 2”. Where Bird excels is in his presentation, discussion, and execution of socio-political ideologies surrounding heroes. Not an easy task to complete, but to do it twice is a gold medal achievement. Some of animation’s best works contain proper commentary that layers the films they’re apart of, and “Incredibles 2” excels in saying something meaningful. As for “Incredibles 2” in that regard, despite it’s worthwhile engagement with it’s audience, it has to do a lot of heavy lifting for a struggling plot. Fortunately, this wasn’t the exact replica of “The Incredibles” many thought to believe, but “Incredibles 2” suffers from far too much predictability. Albeit a kid’s film aside, the plot leaves a lot left to be desired. Character work dazzles and diverts attention from clear cut issues toward the film’s struggle to keep it’s nose above water. These issues stems from the villain, Screenslaver. In the original, Syndrome was a hefty presence amongst the plot and he gave the story something worth fighting for around every corner. Here, Screenslaver lacks any sort of compelling presence. The character in concept is great, and the motivation is just as great, but you’re left wondering why the twist was spelled out to you early on. There’s a lack of connection between Screenslaver and the protagonists, and although the character’s motivations are set on a larger scale rather than basic, personable connections, it weakens the protagonists by proxy. Thus rendering “Incredibles 2” as a film that goes through basic stretches, rather than exploring more complex ones. Overall, “Incredibles 2” is nothing short of a great experience at the movies. Michael Giacchino delivers another great score for Pixar and his work here rivals that of the original. Bird’s ability to do great character work shines like a light in the sky again, and he makes a solid companion piece to the original. On one hand his character’s are kept afloat, but there’s a constant struggle within the storytelling aspect of the film. Whereas in the first film, the story is great because of the beautiful intertwining of themes being funneled through character to strengthen the plot and narrative of the picture. Here, it lacks that in a highly predictable, restrained affair that is able to barely click the belt back into place in a joyous endeavor that is worth five years of wait rather than 14. “Incredibles 2” gets a 78/100