After almost a decade, Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2 has finally hit theaters. In this highly anticipated sequel we are introduced to new emotions in Riley’s mind as she abruptly starts to undergo puberty.
How is the story?
Riley’s five primary emotions from Inside Out have gotten used to believing they are the only emotions Riley has and will ever need. We see that with age she has started to develop beliefs about the world. Now thirteen years old, Riley begins to experience puberty and everything changes. As many teens know, with puberty comes new and heightened emotions. *spoiler alert* As Riley and her friends finish up middle school, they find out they are assigned to different high schools, meaning Riley will enter high school alone. Inside Out 2 introduces Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and “Ennui”-French for boredom. In hopes of making Riley’s transition into high school perfectly smooth, Anxiety and her team of new emotions push Riley’s core emotions to the side, upsetting Joy especially, changing Riley’s character in the process. Anxiety’s takeover starts to impact Riley’s relationships with her friends and family.*end spoiler alert*
This is a very relatable story for young teens going through puberty, as it aims to normalize the changes teens face and the beliefs they form. As a teen myself, I have felt Riley’s new emotions in real time. It is comforting to know that teens everywhere are not alone in navigating these heightened feelings. Inside Out 2 successfully highlights the idea that puberty is a rocky road but it is just another healthy growth stage in life.
Special Effects:
The animation is very cutesy in both Inside Out and Inside Out 2. The character designs are most endearing and cleverly thought out. I mean who doesn’t completely crumble over a big pink guy like Embarrassment. I also love how Joy always seems to have a glowing aura around her. Through thick and thin, she is truly a beacon of light for Riley and the rest of the emotions. The animation is very well suited for kids and teens, but is also widely enjoyed by adults.
The “Sar-chasm” scene was probably one of my favorites in the movie. I like how they utilized not just visual effects, but also sound effects to enhance comedic aspect of the movie. It also shows Riley’s capability to be sarcastic, implying character development.
What’s the target audience for Inside Out 2? Is it alright for young kids? For adults?
Inside Out 2 is rated PG. It is a family friendly movie. Concepts of puberty and anxiety might confuse younger kids, but they will still have a fun time watching as the movie is geared towards kids.
This movie is also beneficial for parents of children who have yet to reach puberty. It gives them valuable insight into what a child is feeling and gives them a better grasp on what signs to look for when the day comes.
Are there any ideal moments for Bathroom Breaks?
The run time of Inside Out 2 is 1h 36m.
If you need a bathroom break, it would be best to make a trip during the second half of the movie in the scene when Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust ride an avalanche of Memory Orbs back to headquarters.
Final thoughts:
The Inside Out franchise has taken the chance to explore the complexity of an adolescents mind through this sequel. I really enjoyed the addition of new emotions into the mix. The new characters in Inside Out 2 were funny, frustrating, and heartwarming all at the same time. I would love to see even more characters embodying new emotions in future Inside Out projects. I am looking forward to future tales about Riley’s development. Perhaps it will take place during her freshman year in college. As we’ve discovered watching Riley’s developmental path, it’s a journey worth taking.
Overall Rating: A-
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Pros: Relatable
Cons: Ending was a bit rushed
Inside Out 2 official Movie Trailer:
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