Why The Screenslaver is Pixar's Stupidest Villain [Incredibles 2]

Summary

The video offers a critical analysis of *The Incredibles 2*, focusing on why the villain Evelyn, aka Screen Slaver, fails to live up to expectations. The creator argues that her motives are weak, her technology unrealistic, and her schemes illogical, often backfiring in ways that help the heroes. Comparisons to Syndrome from the first film highlight how deeper character development and coherent motivations make for a more compelling antagonist. The video also critiques the sequel’s missed opportunities in world-building and character expansion, ultimately expressing hope that *The Incredibles 3* will recapture the depth, narrative cohesion, and thoughtful plotting that made the original movie a classic.

Takeaways

• 😕 Evelyn/Screen Slaver is a weak and predictable villain, with her identity revealed too early in the plot.
• 🤯 Her motivations are flimsy, largely based on a single event involving her father, making her grudge against superheroes unconvincing.
• 🛠️ The technology she uses is inconsistent and scientifically implausible, particularly her ability to control multiple people simultaneously.
• 🎭 Screen Slaver’s societal commentary about media and laziness is irrelevant to the plot and has no impact on the characters’ growth.
• 📉 Her plan to make superheroes illegal is poorly thought out and often counterproductive, inadvertently helping the heroes instead of hindering them.
• 📺 Ludo-narrative dissonance occurs as superheroes are portrayed as unpopular, yet all characters encountered in the movie support them.
• 🔍 Evelyn’s schemes lack backup plans, making her easily defeated once her control devices are removed.
• 💥 Key plot points, including hijacking trains and news stations, fail to advance her goals and sometimes directly aid the heroes.
• 🎬 Syndrome from the first movie is praised for his nuanced motivations and complexity, highlighting the sequel’s shortcomings in villain development.
• 🌟 The first movie is celebrated for its character depth and world-building, while the sequel is criticized for narrative gaps and underdeveloped characters.
• 🤞 There is hope that The Incredibles 3 will return to strong storytelling, rich characters, and careful attention to detail.

Q & A

Why does the reviewer consider Screen Slaver a failed villain?

Screen Slaver is considered a failed villain because her motivations are weak, her plans are illogical, her technology is implausible, and her actions often contradict her stated goals.

What makes Evelyn an obvious suspect from the beginning?

Evelyn is an obvious suspect because she demonstrates advanced tech skills, openly disagrees with her brother and father, and shows resentment, making her intentions predictable early on.

How does the technology used by Screen Slaver contribute to plot inconsistencies?

The hypnosis technology allows simultaneous control of multiple people and instant reactions without explanation, making it scientifically implausible and inconsistent with how events unfold.

In what ways do Evelyn's societal opinions fail to impact the plot?

Her commentary on humans being lazy and media-controlled does not affect the heroes' actions, personal growth, or the story's main events, rendering it irrelevant.

How do Evelyn’s plans contradict her stated goal of making superheroes illegal?

She often creates situations where superheroes can save people, inadvertently proving their necessity, rather than undermining them to achieve her goal.

Why is the control goggles aspect of her plan problematic?

The goggles are an obvious flaw because they can be easily removed, quickly dismantling her plan and showing a lack of foresight or backup strategies.

How does the reviewer compare Evelyn to Syndrome from the first movie?

Syndrome is considered a more effective villain because his motivations are nuanced, connected to the protagonist’s actions, and drive character development, whereas Evelyn deteriorates under scrutiny.

What examples from the movie illustrate the failure of Evelyn's plans?

Examples include hijacking a train and news station where Elastigirl is present, unnecessarily revealing her plan, and waiting until superheroes are legalized to act, which undermines her goals.

What criticism does the reviewer have about the relevance of Evelyn's goals to the heroes?

The reviewer points out that her goals do not challenge or change the heroes; there is no reflection or growth from her societal commentary, unlike in the first movie.

Why does the reviewer think The Incredibles 2 is disappointing compared to the first movie?

The reviewer finds it disappointing due to weak villain development, illogical plot points, underdeveloped character motivations, and less effective world-building compared to the first movie.

What is the reviewer's hope for a potential Incredibles 3?

The reviewer hopes Incredibles 3 will return to the depth, rich character development, careful world-building, and well-considered details that made the first movie successful.