Inside Out 2
★★★★ 1/2
The first time I saw a trailer for Inside Out 2, I was literally mad. I hold the first movie in such high regard that I didn't think there was any way a sequel could do it justice. The original set such a high bar with its brilliance and emotional complexity that I was convinced no follow-up could come close.
Well, I had to eat my words because Inside Out 2 is one of the better sequels, not just in Pixar's portfolio but in films overall. This movie once again made me rethink the way I react and respond to emotions. The fact that Riley, the character in whose brain all these emotions live, is about the same age as my daughter probably contributes to my love for this film. Watching everything unfold reminded me so much of my daughter's life—how she reacts to certain situations and the things that bring her joy.
Whether it's through friends or a sport she cares deeply about, we are tied to Riley's plight. And although at times it is very stressful—because let's admit it, we all remember the pressures of being a teenager—it's all packaged with humor and lightness. What these films have always done well is paint all emotions as essential and good in their own way.
In a world where we often discount prevailing emotions, Inside Out 2 shows that there is a purpose to them all. The introduction of new emotions, including Anxiety, played brilliantly by Maya Hawke, demonstrates that although anxiety can be destructive, it has a meaningful and purposeful intent. I was afraid Inside Out 2 would lean heavily on everything that worked in the first movie and not be original, but instead, like Riley herself, it expands its world in more complex ways and even touches on fun elements like sarcasm and nostalgia.
It's cliche to say a Pixar movie is one for the whole family, but Inside Out 2 proves once again that no matter your age, you will not only enjoy this movie but also learn from it, no matter what stage of life you are in. This is easily one of my favorite films of the year.
