INSIDE OUT 2 Review

Follows Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions.

Inside Out (2015) was a masterpiece. Easily one of the best Pixar films that was ever produced during that time of theatrical releases. That opinion of course is subjective, but It was such a great visualization of the mind, with all of its intricate complexities that make up the human brain. With all the details that went into making such a film, it was still a fun filled adventure that mostly all audiences could enjoy, no matter what age. After nine years and with no sequel it’d be hard to believe the next chapter could surpass it as far as quality, but it may be safe to say that Inside Out 2 did just that and more.

This sequel is simply magnificent, and an argument can be made that it exceeds the first film on every level across the board. Just as our minds grow with maturity, thought, and intellect as we get older, so does this film, and it contains such a luxurious visual display to convey that. This film continues to expand at the same rate that the experts say outer space does. What makes it so unique is how the main character Riley (Kensington Tallman) encounters new emotions as she gets older. This already is a concept that every human being in existence can relate to. A child barely knows how to comprehend the emotions of stress, anxiety, or embarrassment, but these are feelings that are inevitable as we grow into adulthood. Riley is dealing with these new emotions, on top of every other emotion she had to deal with in the past film, which makes life more challenging each day, and the film that much more entertaining.

BELIEF SYSTEM – In Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” Riley’s Sense of Self is made up of all of her beliefs, each of which can be heard with the pluck of a string. Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) and Joy (voice of Amy Poehler) deliver key memories to this formative land. “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters June 14, 2024. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The way the film is edited deserves tons of praise as well. A great story can always be written well on the page, but it takes a high level of talent to bring that to life on screen. Not only does every emotion in every character contain it’s own color on the rainbow, the visual design of each emotion is spot-on and matches reality too. The constant switching from character to character, and emotion to emotion, couldn’t be any smoother. Our minds race back and forth firing on all cylinders at times, and that’s the same way the emotions in this film trigger back and forth. Something else that wouldn’t be surprising is if actual scientists were brought on board to help storyboard this film, because it’s that complex and overwhelming or hard for any audience member to understand.

This is important to note, because from a writing stand point this film can be a therapy session for grown adults and/or a teachable moment for young children going into adolescence not knowing how to control their emotions or what to do when some emotions are taking over other ones. It’s so ground breaking and creative that this film should be a mandate taught in schools for dealing with mental health issues. It’s also so nostalgic; bringing you back, or at least myself, to my childhood, reminiscing on all the great memories I had and even how to cope with the bad ones.

WHO’S THERE? – In Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Fear (voice of Tony Hale) and Disgust (voice of Liza Lapira) aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety (voice of Maya Hawke) shows up unexpectedly. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters Summer 2024. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

In addition to this, the film is also hilarious. Jokes come from all different angles for, again, both children and adults. The level of humor was spot on with the more adult-themed comedy that will fly over a young child’s head, while still providing at least some visual entertainment for the younger crowd while still keeping the other crown sustained. It was a perfect balance between the two, and it wouldn’t be surprising if adults walked out more satisfied with this end product than the kids themselves.

One of the most important story elements was another aspect we all go through in life, and that’s the lengths we go through to try to fit in. Whether we’re in a new town, with new friends, or in a whole new environment, this thought process can make some people go crazy. The way this was illustrated in the film was top tier perfect.

WHAT IS HAPPENING? – In Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Fear (voice of Tony Hale) and Disgust (voice of Liza Lapira) are awakened to an alarming reality: everything is changing now that Riley is 13. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters Summer 2024. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The voice casting was a great choice as well. Everyone delivered their lines and voice acting to the best of their ability, or at least it felt that way. Even if someone in the cast didn’t return from the first film, it was barely noticeable, if at all. The transitions were again smooth in this area of the film which also deserves some praise.

This film is also full of emotion. Make sure you bring tissue, because you just may shed a tear or two, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I’d think there could possibly be something wrong if you didn’t, but of course that’s a joke. For a while it seems as if Pixar lost its magic in the past few years. A while back they were known as one of the best studios in Hollywood by some, knocking out homeruns left and right in their sleep, and now with Inside Out 2 it feels like we’re headed back to that era of greatness. This film should be seen by as many people as possible from all walks of life, because it’s nearly impossible for it to not resonate with you.

My Rating : 9.5/10