Disney/Pixar is back with a film worthy of much love, adoration, and critical acclaim. The studio has returned in a big way with a sequel to a movie loved by both general audiences and critics alike. The filmmakers behind Inside Out 2 have done an extraordinary job of further developing the world within Riley Anderson’s mind and taking it into some exciting and entertaining directions that feel genuine and heartfelt but also very amusing.
Now a teen, Riley (Kensington Tallman) heads into the trials and tribulations of puberty, and this massive change challenges the work of emotions: Joy (Amy Poehler), Anger (Lewis Black), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Liza Lapira). When these facets of Riley’s mind feel like they have things under control, the pubescent era of Riley’s life changes everything. Once puberty strikes, the crew must adjust to the arrival of new emotions: Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser).
I would love to share more about this remarkable take on Riley’s next stage of life, but, as usual, I do not wish to spoil too much. Just trust me when I say that Inside Out 2 is the sequel that the first movie deserves and hits all of the right emotional notes, which should resonate with both teens and adults who can remember what their teen experiences were like.
Written by Meg LeFauve, Kelsey Mann, and Dave Holstein and directed by Kelsey Mann, the film does an exceptional job of recreating the teen experience and the intense emotions that come with this stage of human life. Mann and her crew mix drama and humor beautifully, just like in the first movie.
Though some of the characters have been recast, the new voice actors have a perfect grasp of them. There is no weak link among the cast. Everyone performs excellently, with much fervor and passion for this film.
It truly makes me happy that this movie is getting released in theaters and deserves its theatrical run. Inside Out 2 earns its place at the cinema; therefore, people should not take that for granted. Be sure to pay top dollar to see this movie with family members of all ages. It is beautiful, family-friendly entertainment that is tastefully done, but it is also lots of fun.