MOVIE REVIEW
'Inside Out 2' Is A Good Sequel That Focuses On Puberty
By Sal LoCicero | July 1, 2024
Disney and Pixar are back with their first major release of 2024, ‘Inside Out 2’. After five years of overwhelming financial losses, the studio has put out their most crucial project yet. Not only is this a sequel to one of Pixar’s most acclaimed features, it is one that may also determine what the future looks like for the animated company.
Taking place two years after the original, Riley is now 13 and going into High School. Her emotions; Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust are all trying to navigate Riley through this big change, however, when four new emotions; Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui introduce themself, Anxiety starts to take control over Riley’s mind, while Joy and the other emotions go on an adventure to stop Anxiety from causing any more damage.
The first movie brought a unique and clever premise to the big screen and delivered on its potential, offering a sweet and simple story that many could relate to. When a sequel comes along, usually Pixar succeeds - unless it’s the ‘Cars’ trilogy. While not all of their sequels live up exactly to their predecessors, they still offer more than enough substance to keep the story running fresh. ‘Inside Out 2’ mostly repeats the structure of the first. Joy (Amy Poehler) travels through Riley’s head to fix her emotions, only this time she has brought the whole gang with her.
However, the themes have slightly changed. Since Riley is now a teenager, the writers (Meg LeFauve & Dave Holstein) appear to have aimed the storyline more towards teenagers and young adults. Given how the younger audience who saw the first back in 2015 are now fully grown. Children will be able to enjoy the gorgeous animation and cute humor, but - as usual with Pixar - older audiences will appreciate the relevant message that will feel personal to them.
The cast of the new characters, which include Maya Hawke (Anxiety) and Ayo Edebiri (Envy), are fantastic additions. There is another character introduced named Pouchy (James Austin Johnson) who is a comedic scene-stealer and by far the funniest part of the movie.
Director Kelsey Mann tries his best to capture the magic of Pete Docter’s work (co-writer, and director of the first film). The writers (Meg LeFauve, and Dave Holstein) take the same storytelling approach as before - for better or worse. The last act is fantastic, it dives deeper into its themes about puberty and it will stay with you long after the credits roll.
‘Inside Out 2’ is definitely a step up for Pixar, it recreates (most of) the spark that has kept both them and their movies at the top.
Grade: B+
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