Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’ Review: A Fun and Fast-Paced Sequel

In the world of animation, high anxiety has always been a driving force behind some of the most iconic stories. From the Brothers Grimm to Hans Christian Andersen, and from Betty Boop to Pinocchio, the theme of overcoming fears and doubts has been a staple of the genre. Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ (2015) was no exception, tackling the turbulent emotions of an 11-year-old girl named Riley as she navigated a big move to San Francisco.

A New Chapter for Riley

The sequel, ‘Inside Out 2’, picks up where the original left off, with Riley now 13 and facing new challenges and insecurities. The story is simple yet engaging, as Riley hits puberty and struggles to balance her old friendships with the allure of a new, cooler crowd at summer hockey camp. But as she navigates this new social landscape, her emotions are in turmoil, and Joy, the leader of the emotion management center, must accommodate new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment.

Summer hockey camp

The Emotions Take Center Stage

The new emotions, voiced by a talented cast including Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, and Adèle Exarchopoulos, bring a fresh dynamic to the story. Anxiety, in particular, is a dominant presence, reflecting the real-life doubts and fears that many teenagers face. The film’s creatives have acknowledged the challenges of portraying these emotions on screen, and while the pacing can be busy at times, the end result is a genuinely human-made film that explores the complexities of adolescence.

The emotions take center stage

A Solid Sequel

‘Inside Out 2’ may not be perfect, but it’s a solid sequel that builds on the strengths of the original. The wordplay is witty, and the animation is, as always, top-notch. Phyllis Smith returns as the voice of Sadness, alongside some new voices for familiar characters. The film’s focus on Riley’s inner life, rather than dramatic plot twists, makes for a more nuanced and relatable story.

A solid sequel

What’s Happening on the Inside

In the end, ‘Inside Out 2’ is a film that celebrates the complexities of the human experience. It’s a reminder that what’s happening on the inside – our emotions, our fears, our doubts – is just as important as what’s happening on the outside. And that’s a message that resonates long after the credits roll.

What’s happening on the inside