'Inside Out 2 (2024)' is a colourful sequel that focuses on the next stage of Riley's development: becoming a teenager. Along with that change comes new emotions, chief among them anxiety. It has become somewhat of a trope for modern media to include representations of anxiety - and panic attacks, in particular - and it's easy to write off its inclusion as an attempt to cash in on what's 'trendy' (some films simply don't warrant its inclusion and handle it really clumsily because of that), but this is the perfect forum for it. The film is able to incorporate anxiety and dive into the importance of maintaining good mental health, presenting the emotion as something perhaps a little difficult to control but still as vital as everything else going on in your head. While the character essentially acts as the antagonist, she isn't a villain; she has Riley's best intentions at heart, after all. The flick is able to showcase her as both friend and foe in a way that feels really true to life, and ultimately follows in the footsteps of its predecessor in positing that a more complex internal life is what's needed for a more complex external one. That is to say, the movie isn't about eradicating anxiety, but rather learning to work with it. It's a good - and important - message and it's delivered really well.
Pixar know how to make an emotionally resonant story, and this is no exception. The cathartic climax is so affecting it brings tears to your eyes. The problem is that this resonance doesn't last very long, and it's easy to wonder if the emotionality is somewhat cheap because of it. Is it just a combination of the right music and the right sentimental dialogue, or is there something deeper going on? Is there something more universally true and profound being said? While I do think that there genuinely is poignance to be found here, it's somewhat disappointing that it doesn't stick with you for as long as you'd expect. The studio have managed occupy your brain and heart for much longer in the past, and there's a sense that much of this effort is ever so slightly throwaway. This is a minor complaint, though, because the fact that the flick is able to make you feel something - truly feel something - is definitely admirable. Furthermore, it's something that will likely hit home a lot harder for those who truly need to see it. While it still works as a universal experience, it naturally aims a little older than the previous picture. As such, it will probably act as a good tool for pre-teens / young teens experiencing similar changes to Riley to better understand their own situation, and perhaps act as a catalyst between them and the parents they're maybe reluctant to talk about these new feelings with.
In terms of actual plotting, the piece is pretty conventional. It follows the established formula almost exactly as it's written, never truly surprising or subverting cliché. In a way, though, that simply makes it more efficient at delivering its themes and doing so in a fun, bouncy, lighthearted fashion that balances levity with weight in a way that ensures everyone in the audience will remain engaged. It doesn't talk down to anyone - except in a purposefully knowing way that doesn't really count because it winks so hard while it does it - but it doesn't overcomplicate things, either. The characters develop slightly over the course of the story, even if things sometimes feel a little bit rushed, and there are a variety of entertaining set-pieces that coincide with the more drama-focused external elements which influence them. The film incorporates a variety of puns to represent internal processes such as thought (brainstorms) or instinct (sarcasm), and it's always enjoyable when one of these clever visuals pops up. The picture is fairly funny on occasion, too, and the voice work is strong across the board.
In the end, this is an entertaining sequel with lively animation, vibrant visuals, intelligent concepts, important messages and lots of heart. It's emotionally resonant and fairly profound in its own accessible way. It's a really good effort.
Pixar know how to make an emotionally resonant story, and this is no exception. The cathartic climax is so affecting it brings tears to your eyes. The problem is that this resonance doesn't last very long, and it's easy to wonder if the emotionality is somewhat cheap because of it. Is it just a combination of the right music and the right sentimental dialogue, or is there something deeper going on? Is there something more universally true and profound being said? While I do think that there genuinely is poignance to be found here, it's somewhat disappointing that it doesn't stick with you for as long as you'd expect. The studio have managed occupy your brain and heart for much longer in the past, and there's a sense that much of this effort is ever so slightly throwaway. This is a minor complaint, though, because the fact that the flick is able to make you feel something - truly feel something - is definitely admirable. Furthermore, it's something that will likely hit home a lot harder for those who truly need to see it. While it still works as a universal experience, it naturally aims a little older than the previous picture. As such, it will probably act as a good tool for pre-teens / young teens experiencing similar changes to Riley to better understand their own situation, and perhaps act as a catalyst between them and the parents they're maybe reluctant to talk about these new feelings with.
In terms of actual plotting, the piece is pretty conventional. It follows the established formula almost exactly as it's written, never truly surprising or subverting cliché. In a way, though, that simply makes it more efficient at delivering its themes and doing so in a fun, bouncy, lighthearted fashion that balances levity with weight in a way that ensures everyone in the audience will remain engaged. It doesn't talk down to anyone - except in a purposefully knowing way that doesn't really count because it winks so hard while it does it - but it doesn't overcomplicate things, either. The characters develop slightly over the course of the story, even if things sometimes feel a little bit rushed, and there are a variety of entertaining set-pieces that coincide with the more drama-focused external elements which influence them. The film incorporates a variety of puns to represent internal processes such as thought (brainstorms) or instinct (sarcasm), and it's always enjoyable when one of these clever visuals pops up. The picture is fairly funny on occasion, too, and the voice work is strong across the board.
In the end, this is an entertaining sequel with lively animation, vibrant visuals, intelligent concepts, important messages and lots of heart. It's emotionally resonant and fairly profound in its own accessible way. It's a really good effort.
