I attended a free screening in exchange for this honest Inside Out 2 review.
INSIDE OUT 2 is the 28th major motion animated picture from PIXAR and Walt Disney Studios. It has a notable cast, including Maya Hawke, Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Kensington Tallman, Lilimar, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Grace Lu, Yvette Nicole Brown, Sarayu Blue, Flea, Ron Funches, Dave Goelz, James Austin Johnson, Bobby Moynihan, Frank Oz, Paula Pell, Paula Poundstone, John Ratzenberger, Kendall Coyne Schofield, June Squibb, Kirk Thatcher, and Yong Yea. Rated PG, it’s a family-friendly movie.
INSIDE OUT 2 returns to the mind of Riley, now a teenager, and facing the feelings of puberty. All the emotions from the first movie are still there and they are surprised when a whole new group of emotions show up. This happens just as Riley and her friends have been invited to a special ice hockey camp by the local high school coach after winning a championship game. Riley sees this as an opportunity to find a spot on the high school team along with her hockey teen idol.
Going to camp brings out many emotions, especially after finding out Riley’s best friends will not be attending the same high school next year. Riley has to make many hard choices during camp, and her teenage angst is in play.
Paralleling Riley’s camp is Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust meeting the new emotions, especially Anxiety, who seems to be pushing all of the buttons. Literally and figuratively. As the old emotions are pushed to the side, Joy takes it the hardest. Joy has carefully been managing Riley for years, and Anxiety and Joy go toe-to-toe in the fight to control Riley.
As the original emotions are pushed out, Anxiety takes control, and Riley has a hard time adjusting to the possibility of new teammates, impressing the coach, and making the right choices, even when she knows what’s in her heart.
Lead by Joy, the original emotions attempt to revolt, and their journey back to the mind is full of challenges, just like Riley’s time on the ice. As Anxiety rages, things go haywire, and time in the penalty box might be what Riley needs, while the emotions have an epic battle of wits.
This movie tackles the authentic emotions of a teenager and shows a teen facing problems and finding resolution. Riley and her emotions learn that balance is needed between the emotions of Joy and Anxiety, Sadness and Anger, Fear and Disgust, Ennui, Envy, Embarrassment, and even Nostalgia tries to jump into the fray. They have to work together for stability and can’t pick and choose what to retain or throw away for a healthy mind and Riley’s Sense of Self.
INSIDE OUT 2 brings the action and adventure we expect from PIXAR and Disney in this new film and keeps the audience’s attention for this coming-of-age movie. Retaining the sentiment of INSIDE OUT, the new movie is entertaining and heartwarming while reminding us to help children find their sense of self as they navigate childhood into the teenage years.
Look for fun pop culture references sprinkled through the movie, which add to the enjoyment. Don’t forget to stay through the credits for a surprise at the end.
INSIDE OUT 2 is the perfect family film to start your summer vacation. The all-new feature film releases only in theaters June 14, 2024.
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