Inside Out 2

Inside Out 2

Teenager Riley's mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.

  • Released: 2024-06-12
  • Runtime: 100 minutes
  • Genre: Animation, Drama, Family
  • Stars: Amy Poehler, Steve Purcell, Maya Hawke, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, June Squibb, Ayo Edebiri, Paul Walter Hauser, James Austin Johnson, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Yvette Nicole Brown, Sarayu Blue, Ron Funches
  • Director: Kelsey Mann
 Comments
  • FreeFallAnnie - 3 July 2024
    "Of course I'm delusional!"
    Some of the things I enjoyed.

    1. When the new emotions were introduced, I enjoyed how the base emotion connection of Fear to the newer more nuanced emotion Anxiety "we're going to get along."

    2. The inclusion of micro-expressions - paying homage to Paul Elkman's work (consultant - tv series Lie to Me is based on his consultancy) was fun to see! I love how a concept like micro-expressions was able to weave into an animation 'for kids'.

    3. The notion that projections of the future can be helpful or/and harmful was a lovely ode to the power of the imagination.

    4. I laughed at the brain'storm', and the sar-chasm. These make my punny brain happy.

    6. How there was a gradual escalation of small anxieties accumulated, and matched how they then began to influence Riley's behaviour. The consistency made sense and showed change over time.

    7. Yet again, there are lessons for Joy to learn - a nod to the complexities of being human and having to adapt to change.

    8. Joy admitting to being delusional. Yes. Positivity is hard to maintain, and often takes imagination and selectively attending to reality.

    9. The sense of self was beautiful. I'm researching agency in complexity science and the emergence coming from within stranded from memories and sense of self? Heck yeah. I'm here for it.

    Bonus 10. I was just writing about Piaget's child development theory - and realised how on point the movie is with the idea of self-focus. As ChatGPT put it - this self-focus is not just about being selfish or self-centered; it's a critical part of development. Adolescents, for instance, are navigating physical, emotional, and social changes that require them to focus on their identity, feelings, and relationships.
  • amry510 - 1 July 2024
    Should be required viewing for teens
    Absolutely loved the first movie and its message, and this sequel is no exception. The writers did a spectacular job evolving the story as Riley grows up and experiences new, more complex emotions for the first time. Heartwarming for all new reasons with a great message about accepting all sides of you that make you who you are.

    May go over the heads of some younger viewers but there is enough there to keep them entertained with the addition of some new funny characters as we explore further into Riley's mind.

    Truly happy with this addition to the Pixar family and one of the best animated films in the last few years.
  • Quethinks - 30 June 2024
    A colorful film with an emotional core
    Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the massively successful Inside Out, a Pixar film that came out in 2015, which next year will make it 10 years old. At first, I was a little nervous when they announced Inside Out 2 at D23 in 2022 it seemed to me at least that they just wanted to cash in on a beloved IP like Inside Out, and I'm glad to say that Inside Out 2 does not feel like a cash grab and feels like an earned sequel.

    Inside Out 2 follows 2 years after the first movie with Riley turning 13 and the struggles that come with being a teenager, like friendship, popularity, and most of all, new emotions. The new emotions are Anxiety, Envy Embarrassment, and Ennui or boredom and I think they're worthy additions to the cast with them giving enough screen time as the main emotions.

    I also think the voice acting is amazing in this, with Amy Poehler doing another fantastic job as Joy and Phyllis Smith as Sadness, but I must mention that Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling do not come back as Fear and Disgust.

    However, the character I like the most is one of the new emotions, that being Anxiety, voiced by Stranger Things member and Ethan Hawke's Daughter Maya Hawke with voicing the character like she drank seven Red Bulls which in the movie shows she does that. Now the movie does this clever thing of not making Anxiety a villain but more of an antagonist, with her motive just simply being she wants to help and make Riley better.

    Which I think is a great thing to do because Anxiety isn't this thing that goes away after a while, it's a thing that sticks with a person for all their life and maybe fades into the background as a person grows up, which I think is a good lesson to teach the older kids in the audience. So, making her this misguided person instead of an upright, evil emotion.

    The animation is also beautiful with the character looking so realistic in a cartoony way and the lighting and colors popping more which isn't shocking since animation technology and the medium as a whole have had a huge upgrade within the last 9 years with it looking as clean and life like it has ever been before.

    I also loved the places the main emotions go outside of headquarters, being creative and awe inspiring to look at and explore with the main 5 with creative ideas like a brainstorm being an actual storm of emotions or the stream of consciousness being whatever the person is thinking at the moment flowing through the river and other fun ideas throughout the film.

    It certainly expands the ideas of the first movie, with one of the main new concepts introduced being the belief system, with it being down at the bottom of Riley's mind with being a bunch of strings that are formed by combined emotions that make up who a person is as an individual. The new emotions try to "ruin" by putting negative beliefs.

    Also, Riley feels like a flesh and an important character instead of a blank slate for the plot to happen. Riley actually has desire and motivations and goes through an arc herself with her wanting to fit in with popular kids and join the cool hockey team, which is the Fire Hawks. There is also a scene at the climax where she has a panic attack, which I think the movie handled well and was a nice representation of what it is like to have one.

    Now this film isn't perfect, with one of my grips being that Joy goes through the same character arc as the first one, with her needing to learn that she can't be the singular emotion controlling the belief and emotion systems but instead that all the emotions even the negative ones need to control the console board when they are needed.

    Even though this is pretty much the same lesson of the first movie for Joy with her not letting Sadness control the console since she in her opinion thinks Riley shouldn't experience negative emotions like Anxiety or Sadness but learns the value of said emotions and finally lets those emotions control the console when Riley requires them. I also think it isn't as emotional as the first one, with some dialogue feeling like the movie is grabbing you by the face and yelling "THIS IS THE MESSAGE OF THE MOVIE"! Or "THIS PART IS SUPPOSED TO MAKE YOU CRY, CRY NOW PLEASE!!" with some lines being "Maybe when you grow up, you feel less joy..." or "You can't beat Anxiety". But in the end, it didn't bother me that much watching it.

    So, in general, Inside Out 2 is a great sequel with it expanded on the original even if I don't think it ties with the original in terms of emotional weight but with stunning animation, a stellar voice cast, and an emotional lesson and core at the center and fleshing out the main human character not to mention making the villain not a villain I think Inside Out 2 is a worthy contender of good if not amazing animated Pixar sequels which are few and far between in terms of quality.
  • jwang-24033 - 19 June 2024
    This is what Pixar and Disney movies should be as!
    Inside Out 2 is a masterclass in storytelling, animation, and emotional depth. The sequel surpasses the original in every way, delving deeper into the complexities of growing up and the power of emotions. The film's themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of emotional balance are expertly woven throughout the narrative.

    The animation is stunning, with vibrant colors and creative visual representations of the mind's inner workings. The voice cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.

    What truly sets Inside Out 2 apart, however, is its ability to tackle tough topics with sensitivity and authenticity. The film confronts the challenges of adolescence, social pressure, and the struggles of maintaining mental health with remarkable insight and compassion.

    This movie is a testament to the magic that happens when Pixar and Disney combine their creative forces. It's a must-see for audiences of all ages, and a reminder that the best stories can inspire, educate, and uplift us in profound ways. Don't miss out on this cinematic treasure!"
  • abphadore - 19 June 2024
    Inside Out 2: A Heartfelt and Whimsical Journey Through Growing Pains
    "Inside Out 2," directed by Kelsey Mann, brings audiences back into the vibrant and intricate world of Riley's emotions. This sequel to Pixar's 2015 hit "Inside Out" continues to explore the complexities of growing up, delivering a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that resonates with both children and adults.

    The film picks up a few years after the original, with Riley now navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence. As she faces new challenges and experiences, her emotions-Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust-are joined by new characters representing emerging emotions that come with teenage life, such as Embarrassment and Anxiety. The interactions between these characters provide a rich tapestry of emotional dynamics, offering a deep and nuanced exploration of human psychology.

    Amy Poehler returns as the voice of Joy, bringing her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm to the role. Phyllis Smith as Sadness once again provides a touching counterbalance, highlighting the importance of embracing all emotions. The new additions to the cast, including voices for the new emotions, seamlessly integrate into the existing ensemble, adding layers of depth and complexity to the narrative.

    The storyline of "Inside Out 2" is both imaginative and relatable. It delves into Riley's struggles with identity, social pressures, and the quest for independence. These themes are handled with the sensitivity and insight that Pixar is known for, making the film a poignant reflection on the universal experience of growing up. The narrative cleverly balances humor and heartache, ensuring that audiences of all ages are both entertained and moved.

    Visually, "Inside Out 2" is a feast for the eyes. The animation is stunning, with the mindscape of Riley's brain even more elaborate and colorful than before. The creativity in depicting the internal workings of the mind, from memory storage to abstract thought, is both imaginative and scientifically insightful. The world-building within Riley's mind continues to be a standout feature, with each emotion's realm reflecting its unique characteristics in a visually engaging way.

    One of the film's strongest points is its ability to address complex emotional and psychological concepts in a manner that is accessible and engaging. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own emotions and mental health, promoting a message of self-acceptance and the value of understanding one's feelings. The movie also emphasizes the importance of communication and support from loved ones, underscoring the role of family and friends in navigating life's challenges.

    The music, composed by Michael Giacchino, beautifully complements the film's tone, enhancing both the whimsical and poignant moments. The score is both uplifting and introspective, perfectly aligning with the emotional journey of the characters.

    "Inside Out 2" successfully builds on the foundation of its predecessor while exploring new emotional territories. It is a testament to Pixar's storytelling prowess, offering a film that is entertaining, educational, and emotionally resonant. The movie's ability to blend humor, adventure, and profound life lessons ensures that it will be cherished by audiences for years to come.

    In conclusion, "Inside Out 2" is a worthy successor to the original, capturing the magic and emotional depth that made "Inside Out" a beloved classic. It is a touching exploration of the human experience, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of our emotions. Whether you are revisiting the world of Riley's mind or experiencing it for the first time, "Inside Out 2" is a cinematic journey that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.