Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2
A sequel that features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced.
Manuel Frangis reviewedMarch 17, 2025
I just watched Inside Out 2, and I would give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. This sequel to Pixar's 2015 hit takes us back into the mind of Riley, who is now navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence. While the film offers some charming moments and introduces new emotions, it does not quite capture the magic of the original.
The story picks up with Riley entering her teenage years, a time filled with new experiences and challenges. To reflect this, the film introduces new emotions like Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui. These additions are colorful and bring fresh dynamics to the ensemble, but they lack the depth and development that made the original emotions so memorable. Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, stands out among the newcomers, adding a layer of realism to Riley's internal struggles. However, other new emotions feel underutilized and do not leave a lasting impression.
The animation is, as expected from Pixar, top-notch. The vibrant color palette and imaginative depiction of the mind's inner workings are visually stunning. Each scene is crafted with meticulous detail, making the world inside Riley's head a captivating place to explore. The animation effectively conveys the chaos and complexity of teenage emotions, even if the narrative does not always match up.
One of the film's strengths is its exploration of mental health. By personifying Anxiety, the movie acknowledges the challenges that come with growing up and the importance of addressing one's feelings. This is a commendable effort to introduce younger audiences to complex topics in an accessible way. However, the execution sometimes feels superficial, lacking the emotional depth that Pixar is known for.
The humor in Inside Out 2 is hit or miss. There are moments that elicit genuine laughter, particularly when the emotions interact in unexpected ways. Yet, some jokes feel recycled from the first film, leading to a sense of déjà vu. The film tries to balance humor with heartfelt moments, but the emotional beats do not resonate as strongly this time around.
The pacing is uneven, with certain segments dragging while others feel rushed. The plot follows a familiar trajectory, making it predictable for those who have seen the original. This lack of novelty diminishes the overall impact of the story. While the first film offered a fresh perspective on how emotions influence behavior, the sequel struggles to provide new insights.
The voice cast delivers commendable performances. Amy Poehler returns as Joy, bringing her signature enthusiasm to the role. Phyllis Smith's Sadness continues to be a standout, offering a nuanced portrayal that adds depth to the narrative. The new additions to the cast, including Maya Hawke as Anxiety, do their best with the material given but are hindered by the script's limitations.
One of the film's shortcomings is its reliance on nostalgia. While it is enjoyable to revisit beloved characters, the sequel leans too heavily on familiar elements without offering substantial new content. This approach may appeal to fans of the original but does not do much to advance the story or characters.
In conclusion, Inside Out 2 is an enjoyable film that offers a glimpse into the complexities of adolescence. However, it falls short of the emotional resonance and originality that made its predecessor a standout. While it is worth a watch for fans of the original, it may not leave a lasting impression. It is a decent sequel but lacks the spark that made the first film truly special.