Just when we thought things were looking sad for the box office, along comes Inside Out 2, which is the best Pixar film since Soul (2020). The animated film is a delightful return to the vibrant world of Riley’s emotions HQ, showcasing Pixar’s masterful blend of humor, heart, and dazzling visuals.
Directed by Kelsey Mann, the film continues Riley’s journey into adolescence, a phase ripe with new emotional challenges and discoveries.
The film opens with Riley (Kensington Tallman), now a teenager, grappling with the complexities of growing up. Two years after moving to San Francisco, 13-year-old the teen is about to enter high school. The familiar emotions—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Lisa Lapira) have created a new section called “Sense of Self,” where Riley’s core memories and beliefs are stored. Joy, aiming to keep Riley’s sense of self positive, has invented a mechanism to push negative memories to the back of her mind.
When Riley is invited to a weekend ice hockey camp, hoping to join her school’s team, the Firehawks, a “Puberty Alarm” goes off, leading to mind workers upgrading the emotion console. The emotions find Riley overreacting to their inputs, and new emotions—Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos) and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser)—arrive.
REELated:
These new emotions clash with the old ones, particularly with Joy, who wants Riley to have fun, and Anxiety, who wants her to make new friends as her best friends Bree and Grace will attend a different high school.
Hawke’s Anxiety stands out, bringing a fresh dynamic that complements and sometimes conflicts with Poehler’s Joy. The interactions between these emotions are both humorous and poignant, reflecting the nuanced reality of teenage life. Jay Austin Johnson’s “Pouchy” is also a welcome addition to the group.
Visually, Inside Out 2 is a triumph. Pixar has elevated the animation to new heights, creating a rich, colorful world that mirrors Riley’s internal chaos and growth. The imaginative design elements, such as the “sar-chasm” and the evolving landscape of Riley’s mind, are both clever and insightful, adding depth to the storytelling.
The narrative deftly balances humor and emotional depth, making it accessible to both children and adults. The film addresses important themes such as personal growth, the pressure to conform, and the importance of self-acceptance. While some critics note that the new emotions are not as instantly iconic as the original ones, they contribute significantly to the film’s exploration of adolescence.
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to resonate with a broad audience. It captures the angst and excitement of teenage years while offering a comforting message about embracing one’s true self. The humor, ranging from slapstick to witty puns, ensures that the film remains engaging throughout.
Inside Out 2 is a worthy sequel that expands on the original’s themes with creativity and sensitivity. It’s a visually stunning, emotionally rich film that will likely become a new favorite for families. Pixar once again proves its prowess in storytelling, making the film a must-see cinematic experience this summer.
And for anytime of the year for that matter.
BOTTOM LINE: Inside Out 2 is the best movie of the year so far. It is a REEL SEE.
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