Inside Out 2 (2024)

Director: Amy Poehler

Star Cast: Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Kelsey Mann

Genre: Animation, Comedy

Runtime: 1h 36min

7.3/10

“Inside Out 2” masterfully carries forward the emotional journey begun by its predecessor, preserving the core elements that endeared the original to audiences. This sequel masterfully delves into the complexities of puberty, friendship, and the coexistence of emotions, all while introducing new feelings like Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Nostalgia, and Ennui. Each new emotion adds depth to Riley’s experience as she navigates this pivotal stage of her life.

The original emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—are more developed this time around, reflecting how they've grown alongside Riley. The film’s narrative feels particularly relevant as it explores the nuances of adolescence, highlighting how our emotions evolve and shape our identities. While there’s a shift towards balancing Riley’s outer and inner worlds, which may lead to less exploration of the inner landscape than in the first film, this change allows for a fresh perspective on Riley’s life.

The wit is sharp and clever, punctuated by stunning visuals that showcase Pixar’s animation prowess. Maya Hawke’s portrayal of Anxiety is especially noteworthy, capturing the essence of that overwhelming feeling we all recognize during our formative years. There are moments that may not feel as engaging as the original, but the film’s themes resonate deeply, emphasizing the importance of every emotion in our lives.

The narrative hits all the right beats, balancing light-heartedness with depth. The playful nod to “Dora the Explorer” is a delightful callback that underscores the film's cleverness. As the emotions work together in Riley’s headquarters, the introduction of new feelings brings a fresh aesthetic to HQ, making the emotional landscape visually engaging and humorously chaotic.

While the first film had a more structured emotional exploration, “Inside Out 2” embraces the complexities of adolescence with a lively and colorful approach. The film effectively captures the anxiety of making decisions and the self-doubt that often accompanies this stage of life. As a parent, watching this with your child is bound to spark discussions about emotions, making it a rewarding experience for both.

Pixar has always excelled at creating films that resonate across age groups, and this sequel is no exception. While I generally appreciate Pixar’s inclination towards standalone stories, the need for sequels like this is clear. “Inside Out 2” delivers on its promise, blending wit and emotional depth while inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotional journeys.

In conclusion, “Inside Out 2” is a wonderful addition to the Pixar canon, filled with stunning visuals, relatable themes, and a vibrant exploration of emotions. It might just be a contender for the best-animated film of the year, and it leaves us eager for more complex emotional narratives in future installments. If you feel a twinge of anxiety while watching, you know the film has succeeded in its mission.

What’s your driving emotion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!