“Maybe this is what happens when you grow up, you feel less joy”
Pixar movies have a knack for tugging at our heartstrings and stirring up emotions. Last weekend, I revisited Inside Out , a film I hadn’t seen since since ages. Its clever storytelling and poignant message about the importance of all emotions made me laugh and reflect, ultimately ending in a tearful conclusion.Seeing 11-year-old Riley navigate her feelings once again was a reminder of why a sequel was so well-deserved. So, how does Inside Out 2 measure up in terms of emotional impact? While it didn’t evoke the same strong reaction as its predecessor, the sequel offered another heartfelt story that, with its humour and breathtaking visuals, still managed to win me over.
Inside Out 2 dethroned Frozen II, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie with nearly $1.5 billion in box office earnings.According to The Mirror US, the Pixar and Disney sequel to Inside Out has surpassed the global box office top record with $1.46 billion compared to the Frozen 2019 sequel, which amassed $1.45 billion according to Disney.And we can sure understand why! Lets dive into a detailed review of pixar’s most hit animated movie .
In Inside Out 2, Riley is now 13 and dealing with the complexities of puberty. Her emotional team—Joy , Sadness, Anger , Fear, and Disgust —remains intact, though they’re joined by new emotions brought about by Riley’s transition into adolescence. On her way to hockey camp, Riley receives unexpected news that disrupts her high school plans. Joy and the gang soon find themselves grappling with new emotions, including Anxiety, a ringleader with wild hair and wide eyes. Anxiety’s arrival causes Riley to shift her focus away from Joy’s optimism.
As Anxiety takes charge, Riley begins to change herself to fit in with older hockey kids, particularly the star player Valentina. Although she finds a sense of belonging on the rink, she hides her true self, starts consuming questionable protein bars, and distances herself from her friends.
Staying true to the essence of the original film, Inside Out 2 follows a journey to save Riley’s mental headquarters. The new world within Riley is captivating, but the adventure includes fresh destinations, like a prison-like realm holding Riley’s secrets and the far reaches of her mind where Joy has been stashing her bad memories. With Anxiety and Joy both influencing Riley’s emotions, the stakes are higher than ever.
In the end, Inside Out 2 maintains the heart and humour of its predecessor while venturing into new emotional territory. Riley’s journey through adolescence is depicted with sensitivity and insight, capturing the turbulence and growth that come with this stage of life. The new emotions and settings add fresh dimensions to the story, enriching the exploration of Riley’s inner world.
While the sequel may not hit the same emotional highs as the original, it succeeds in delivering a thoughtful and entertaining narrative. The film’s ability to balance humour, stunning animation, and a meaningful message ensures that it resonates with audiences, even if it doesn’t quite replicate the tear-jerking impact of the first movie.
As you watch Inside Out 2, you’ll likely find yourself reflecting on your own experiences and emotions, much like the first film prompted. The sequel’s approach to dealing with the complexities of growing up, combined with its imaginative visuals and engaging characters, makes it a worthy addition to the Inside Out universe.
In essence, Inside Out 2 continues to ask the intriguing question of what’s happening inside someone’s head, offering both a nostalgic return to a beloved world and a new perspective on the emotional landscape of adolescence. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the series, this film provides a heartfelt and entertaining journey through the intricate workings of the mind.
