Inside Out 2 is a dazzling return to the world inside Riley’s mind, where Pixar once again demonstrates its unparalleled ability to combine stunning visuals with profound storytelling. The film’s gorgeous animation feels like an upgrade from the original, capturing the familiar look while elevating it to new heights. This enhancement in visuals aligns perfectly with the maturation of Riley and her emotions, making for a seamless and captivating viewing experience.
Visually High Emotional IQ
The animation in Inside Out 2 is nothing short of breathtaking. Pixar has outdone itself, creating a vibrant, visually rich world that mirrors the chaos and complexity of Riley’s growing emotions. The enhancement of the visuals not only adds polish but also reflects the film’s deeper themes, illustrating the tumultuous journey of adolescence with stunning clarity. The animation brilliantly captures the chaos of emotions, a genius visual representation that resonates deeply.
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One of my favorite aspects of the film is its inventive and brilliantly apt design and construction. Concepts like “sarcasm” being an actual chasm, bottled emotions representing repressed feelings, and Imagination Land being repurposed for envisioning possible outcomes are not only clever but deeply insightful. These elements guide audiences through Riley’s mind while offering tools to better understand and envision their own emotional landscapes.
“Emotional” Performances
The heart of Inside Out 2 lies in its genuine and thorough understanding of emotions, brought to life by stellar performances across the board. Amy Poehler’s return as Joy is endearing and incredibly relatable, embodying true leadership, growth, and the process of understanding. Poehler’s performance showcases Joy’s evolution, capturing the character’s essence with a depth that is both touching and inspiring.
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Matching Poehler’s brilliance is Maya Hawke’s Anxiety, a character that doesn’t directly oppose Joy but offers a different perspective that often clashes. Hawke’s performance is tremendous, stealing scenes with a portrayal that avoids the stereotypical anxious persona and instead embodies the calculating, unbound ideation machine that anxiety truly is. This nuanced depiction adds a rich layer to the film’s emotional tapestry.
A Brilliantly Layered Story
The narrative of Inside Out 2 is a masterclass in storytelling, using every available component of filmmaking to tell its story. The film balances its characters, themes, and issues with incredible finesse, creating a packed yet coherent narrative that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. The visual enhancements add a layer of polish, but it’s the film’s heart and understanding of emotions that truly shine.
The introduction of new emotions like Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui adds depth to the story, reflecting the complexity of adolescence. These new characters complement the original emotions, enhancing the super reality within Riley’s mind and offering new dimensions to her emotional journey. Their interactions are both humorous and poignant, providing a richer exploration of the teenage psyche.
A Geniusly Imagined Production
The production value of Inside Out 2 is exceptional, with every frame crafted to perfection. Robrecht Heyvaert’s cinematography is inspired, capturing the essence of the original while adding fresh, dynamic elements. The film’s use of lighting, color, and visual effects creates an immersive experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant.
The set design and action set pieces, particularly the final showdown, are spectacular. The environments within Riley’s mind are vividly brought to life, each one meticulously detailed to reflect the emotional states they represent. The integration of the new Emotions’ headquarters, with its expanded console and renovated spaces, is a brilliant touch that visually communicates the upheaval of adolescence.
Some Bad Thoughts
If there’s one area where Inside Out 2 could be critiqued, it’s the somewhat U-shaped flow of the story. The first and third acts are powerful and cohesive, but the second act feels a bit jumbled and incohesive. While this might not be universally adored, I personally felt it reflects the chaotic nature of puberty incredibly well, capturing the overthinking, anxiety, and rapidly disconnected random thoughts typical of the teenage years. This jarring vibe, while noticeable, I feel ultimately adds to the authenticity of the film’s portrayal of adolescence and anxiety. But I can also fully see how it may lose some and feel remarkably weak compared to the powerful beginning and end.
Emotional Excellence
Inside Out 2 is a truly spectacular film, a more than worthy sequel, and a brilliant envisioning of the complexities inside all of us. It’s a film that uses every tool in the filmmaker’s arsenal to tell a deeply moving and visually stunning story. With heart-touching performances, particularly from Amy Poehler and Maya Hawke, and a narrative that balances humor, emotion, and insightful metaphors, Inside Out 2 stands as a shining example of Pixar’s storytelling prowess. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves great animation and a heartfelt exploration of the human mind.
For being a classically Pixar-level of storytelling and enabling many to visualize and understand their own emotions, I give Inside Out 2 a
9/10
Inside Out 2 hits theaters on June 14, 2024. Also, Inside Out 2 has a post-credit scene after the credits roll.
About Inside Out 2
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Director: Kelsey Mann
Writers: Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein
Producers: Mark Nielsen
Executive Producers: Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera, and Dan Scanlon
Production: Pixar
Distribution: Walt Disney Studios
Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Maya Hawke, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Kensington Tallman, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan
Synopsis: Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as 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.
Are you ready to get all up in your feels with Inside Out 2? Which emotion leads you? Do you miss puberty? Let us know your thoughts on Discord!
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