Inside Out 2 Is A Heartfelt Sequel With Shortcomings – Movie Review

Inside Out 2 navigates teenage turmoil with new emotions.

The first ‘Inside Out’ film, a groundbreaking animated feature from Disney and Pixar, took us on an emotional journey inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. It introduced us to her core Emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—as they navigated the complexities of growing up and the challenges of a big move. The film was widely praised for its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, and stunning animation, quickly becoming a beloved favorite for both children and adults. Now, a decade later, the highly anticipated sequel ‘Inside Out 2’ arrives in theaters, promising a new emotional rollercoaster.

This sequel had me feeling all sorts of things. The new Emotion, Anxiety, kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s amazing how the film tugs at the heartstrings and makes us laugh. Amy Poehler and Maya Hawke nailed it, but Phyllis Smith as Sadness has always stood out for me. The rest of the voice cast is excellent, too, contributing to the emotional rollercoaster.

The plot of “Inside Out 2” centers on Riley, now a teenager, as her mind’s headquarters undergoes a sudden transformation to accommodate new Emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, who’ve long run a successful operation, face uncertainty with the arrival of Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke. Amy Poehler returns as Joy, joined by a stellar cast including Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, and newcomers like Ayo Edebiri and Paul Walter Hauser. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the film aims to explore new emotional territory but doesn’t fully succeed in its execution.

However, this film felt outdated.

It has been almost ten years since the last one, and it doesn’t seem to have evolved visually. I was disappointed by the bland visual style, which lacked the sharpness and detail I expected. Given Pixar’s reputation, I anticipated an upgraded version of the first film. Unfortunately, the story felt boring at times and over the top. The immense pressure placed on 13-year-old Riley seemed unrealistic. Maybe I’m out of touch, but I don’t recall billions of crazy thoughts at that age. Then again, I wasn’t a teenage girl, so what do I know?

The movie, set during the early stages of puberty, diverges significantly from this theme. I’d recommend “Turning Red,” which tackles it indirectly but effectively for that subject matter. The hockey angle in “Inside Out 2” felt lackluster, and making Riley highly unlikable to most of the film was a turnoff. While plenty of lessons were to be learned, and I did relate to some situations, this wasn’t the quality project I expected from Pixar, especially with Bob Iger back at Disney.

The plot of “Inside Out 2” centers on Riley, now a teenager, as her mind’s headquarters undergoes a sudden transformation to accommodate new Emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, who’ve long run a successful operation, face uncertainty with the arrival of Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke. Amy Poehler returns as Joy, joined by a stellar cast including Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, and newcomers like Ayo Edebiri and Paul Walter Hauser. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the film aims to explore new emotional territory but doesn’t fully succeed in its execution.

Verdict

I give Inside Out 2, 3.5 out of 5 stars. After this sequel, I find myself with little interest in revisiting the world of ‘Inside Out.’ Despite its flaws, this sequel offers some relatable moments and valuable lessons. However, I’m curious to see how audiences, particularly young children, will receive the film.

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