I finally managed to see Pixar’s Incredibles 2 the other night and one of my first thoughts was that it’s definitely more mature than its predecessor. While the first Incredibles movie was just fun superhero fare, Incredibles 2 tackles more mature themes and the stray “cuss word” has even attracted some criticism. (A scene where Frozone, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson utters the phrase “What the” followed by the hint of the letter “F” to imply a swear word has been specifically referenced.)
The film’s writer and director, Brad Bird, recently took to Twitter to remind concerned parents that Incredibles 2 is not a “kids movie.” When one disappointed parent called out the “kids movie” for its use of cuss words, Bird offered a reminder that it’s a PG-rated film.
With all due respect, it is NOT a “kids movie”. It is animated, and rated PG. https://t.co/a6tGzoWvzy
— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) July 2, 2018
Bird also pointed out to another person who complained that the film failed to hold his four-year-old daughter’s attention that he shouldn’t be expected to write a movie to cater a four-year-old’s attention span.
She’s FOUR. Presumably, she watched the first one at home, where she could run around, do other things, etc. Are you really asking me to write to suit your 4 year old’s (age appropriate) attention span? Do you judge 2&1/2 hour Marvel or Lucasfilm movies the same way? https://t.co/SRGPrymgB8
— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) July 3, 2018
And while Incredibles 2 may have a PG rating, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves what that acutally stands for: “parental guidance suggested.” The MPAA’s film ratings website even says the following,
Parents urged to give “parental guidance.” May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.
I imagine that cursing would probably fall into this… And while cursing may be more adult than what Disney and Pixar are known for, a lot of their movies contain scenes that aren’t entirely suitable for children: the death of Nemo’s parents, Bambi’s mother being hunted, most of Snow White; it all comes second to telling a good story.
What do you think? Was Incredibles 2 too kid-unfriendly? Should they have toned things down, or was it fine as is? Let us know in the comments!
