Inside Out 2 is the continuing adventures of the emotions that live in our heads. Two years after the events of the first film Riley (Kensington Tallman) is 13. She loves two things in particular: her two best friends and hockey. An opportunity arises for the three of them to attend a skills camp that could ultimately determine their future teams. Right before, Riley learns that her mates are going to a different high school, so the camp will be the last time they play together. The friends want to goof around and have a good time. But Riley also knows that if she can impress the coaches, she’ll be in with the other older players. This conflict of priorities spills over into the personification of Riley’s mind. Joy (Amy Poehler) wants Riley to hold onto her core values of being a good, and kind person. Anxiety (Maya Hawke), a newly formed emotion, wants Riley to make the team whatever the cost. As the emotions choose sides, they battle for control of Riley’s teenage destiny.
What works in Inside Out 2 is the cleverness in portraying puberty. Writers Dave Holstein and Meg LeFauve (Inside Out) imbue playfulness at every turn as they toy with puns and expressive visual gags. With a stacked voice cast, audiences will relish how each emotion navigates the others. The interactions are a harmonious balance of humor and compassion. Looking more broadly, the film’s core is a thoughtful examination of growing up amidst a swirl of choices that feel momentous. There’s an empathetic relatability that flows through the breezy runtime. All in all, Inside Out 2 is a very cute and entertaining journey.
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People who didn’t connect with the first movie may find similar issues with Inside Out 2. While this follow-up is a natural continuation, a large majority of the narrative feels simply like a variant of its predecessor. While several new emotions join the party, the gist of the arc is the same. The emotions have competing interests, and several of them go on an adventure. Audiences expecting something fundamentally different may be disappointed. Furthermore, Inside Out 2 plays things incredibly safe. Parents might be a little frustrated to see that Riley’s poor decisions don’t have commensurate consequences. As such, the film feels a little more like an afterschool special than a deep dive into the complexities of adolescence.
Inside Out 2 is a great, cozy pick for family movie night. While the stakes may feel low, there’s enough adventure and humor to keep the proceedings playful. What it lacks in originality (thanks only to the creativity of the first film), Inside Out 2 makes up for in accessibility. Recommended for all ages.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Inside Out, The Incredibles II, Finding Dory
Inside Out 2 is now available for purchase or rent on digital platforms.
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