BY JOHN LLOYD T. PANIZALES
PIXAR and Disney have once again combined their creative forces to deliver “Inside Out 2,” the much-anticipated sequel announced in September 2022 to the 2015 hit that introduced us to the complexity of emotions. This film follows the dynamics of the now-teenager Riley as she navigates through adolescence, providing a fresh, thought-provoking narrative that is entertaining and emotionally resonant.
The film begins with Riley facing the challenges of high school, friendships, and the pressures of growing up with Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, returning with their distinct personalities and interactions, guiding Riley through yet another of life’s challenging phases. This time, however, they are joined by new, enigmatic emotions that come with being a teenager, namely Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui (boredom), with a few appearances of Nostalgia. These new additions bring fresh humor and depth to the story, as the team must learn to function as a single unit in headquarters.
The film tackles themes such as identity, mental health, establishing relationships, and the importance of embracing all of our emotions and not just nitpicking on one. “Inside Out 2” is rated as a PG movie, advising parental guidance for children, as understanding emotions may be challenging to grasp with such young minds. However, with its ability to appeal to audiences of all ages through colorful characters and an engaging plot, children and adults can navigate discussions on psychological and emotional growth together. The film strikes a perfect balance, making it a meaningful experience for families to watch.
“Inside Out 2” maintains the stunning animation quality that the production teams are known for, with vibrant visuals that bring the abstract mind to life in a way that is both imaginative and relatable. The animation sequences are even more inventive, with detailed and visually captivating elements flowing through the expertly crafted storyline, blending humor, adventure, and a plethora of other emotions that tug at the heartstrings.
The voice cast delivers stellar performances, with Amy Poehler (Joy), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Maya Hawke (Anxiety), Ayo Edebiri (Envy), and the rest of this sequel’s crew bringing characters to life with much enthusiasm and depth, showing an astonishing lineup of talent, which is seamlessly integrated into the story, adding new layers to the narrative.
Ultimately, it tells that a burst of a single emotion does not make up a person. Instead, we are but threads of every memory carefully woven together, which may seem chaotic when viewed one by one, but once seen holistically, we start to realize the beauty in these dynamics, forming each unique individual. It’s only a matter of acceptance that we attain the peace we seek as each emotion balances out.
“Inside Out 2” is a successful sequel, introducing new, relevant topics. The film is now available in SM Cinemas nationwide, available even on IMAX, starting June 12, 2024. Stick around until the credits roll to appreciate the team behind such a rollercoaster of emotions and who knows, you might even get to discover Riley’s deepest, darkest secret!/PN
