Inside Out 2 Review: A Captivating Teen Drama – Geekster
When I realized that Inside Out was released in 2015, which is now 9 (!) years ago, I was taken aback. Pixar took their time to create a sequel, despite the huge success of the first film. While Inside Out 2 may lack some of the wow factor of the original, the storyline still works and resonates.
In the mind of a teenager, Riley (Kensington Tallman) is now 13 years old, on the brink of leaving middle school for high school. Before embarking on her journey, she attends a hockey camp with her best friends, only to find out they are going to a different school. In an attempt to make new friends, Riley tries to join the high school hockey team.
The familiar emotions still control her mind: Joy (Amy Poehler), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Liza Lapira), Fear (Tony Hale), and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). Just before Riley leaves for camp, the puberty alarm goes off on their console, introducing new emotions: Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser).
While the original group aims to protect Riley’s self-awareness, the new group focuses on guiding her to make the right decisions to achieve their goal of not being alone. This clash leads to the original group being banished, as they try to save Riley’s old beliefs before she undergoes a permanent change.
Maintaining the theme of relatability, Pixar excels at creating a nuanced and universal storyline. The focus shifts from “islands” or core memories to the next stage of growing up: developing one’s own personality. The film beautifully captures the complexities of adolescence and the process of self-discovery.
The addition of new emotions, especially Anxiety, adds depth to the narrative. Anxiety’s influence on one’s thoughts and personality is portrayed effectively, resonating with many viewers. While some new emotions receive less screen time, each character adds a unique dynamic to the story.
The animation style remains visually stunning, with detailed character designs and vibrant colors. The music, though different from the original, complements the story well, creating a cohesive viewing experience.
Overall, Inside Out 2 is a worthy sequel that expands on the original concept in a fun and engaging way. The voice cast delivers exceptional performances, and the animation continues to impress. Don’t miss the chance to experience this captivating story on the big screen.