Full of JOY, because it feels great to be back at headquarters with all our friends. Inventive visuals plus a funny and sweet story about the chaos of puberty, Inside Out 2 is Pixar perfection.

Inside Out 2 Review

It's hard to believe it's been almost 10 years since we first met Riley's anthropomorphized emotions– Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear, and Disgust. Inside Out, quickly became a favorite amongst moviegoers, myself included, for the way it cleverly approached how our emotions drive our lives. We laughed at dream productions (Rainbow Unicorn, I'm still your biggest fan) and cried as Bing Bong faded away. This film wasn't just relatable, it also served as a tool to help children and adults communicate more effectively about their feelings. In short, Inside Out was groundbreaking in ways far beyond its visual flair.

Beloved as the original is, Inside Out 2 has some big shoes to fill. But no need to be anxious or fearful, this sequel is one of the best ones we've seen in a long time. Director Kelsey Mann and his team have successfully expanded the concept and appeal of this world in every way fans could hope for. As Riley grows so does her brain and there are wondrous new places that are explored which open the door for visual gags and verbal quips that are guaranteed to make you laugh. Although there is no “take her to the moon moment” in this one, there are still sweet and tenderhearted moments that will have tears in your eyes. It's Pixar perfection.

Picking up after the end of the original, Inside Out 2 begins with Riley (Kensington Tallman) turning 13. She's a good kid, with great friends, who is looking forward to hockey camp and high school. Everything at headquarters is running smoothly thanks to the teamwork of core emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Liza Lapira). But when puberty hits all of sudden headquarters is demolished to make way for new emotions– Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser). It's pure chaos that results in Anxiety taking over and banishing Joy and the others. But Joy won't give up and that means they must find a way to save Riley before her sense of self is forever altered.

Pixar has done it again both visually and with the story itself. The landscape of Riley's mind has never looked so brilliant and fascinating. The animation team at Pixar has truly outdone themselves as the emotions explore new aspects of her brain. From the back of the mind to the belief system, this world is truly delightful. So many textures, colors, and small details, your own brain will be enthralled as you take it all in.

As with other Pixar projects, there is a visual language running as a current throughout the film. Subtle and more obvious changes that occur depending on which emotion is in charge at the time. Without spoiling anything, it is obvious the difference between Joy and Anxiety when it comes to how Riley's headquarters looks and feels. Anyone who has ever dealt with anxiety will immediately “get it,” thinking that is exactly what it would look like.

When it comes to the story, written by Mann along with Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, parents and teens might be sitting there with that TikTok audio running through their minds– is this play about us? The overly emotional responses to simple questions, the illogical worries for things that likely won't happen, and the smell?! Yes my friends, this is about us. It's filled with clever jokes, puns, and core memories that will have even the grouchiest person grinning. Inside Out 2 will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next as the constant flow of sincerity and tenderness break through the humor at just the right moments. At its heart, it's a beautiful story about navigating growing up and the emotions that come with it. A big hug to say, it's going to be alright, we can get through this together even if there are major bumps along the way. It will make you feel seen in ways you never realized were possible.

Of course the heartstrings couldn't be pulled without stellar vocal performances. Hale and Lapira are perfectly suited to take over as Fear and Disgust, dare I say you won't really notice the change. Returning cast members, Poehler, Smith, and Black, effortlessly step back into their roles. Black is still angry, but gets a chance to show more of Anger's multifaceted personality. After all, not all anger is explosive. Smith is still pleasantly mopey while also being more confident after her and Joy's adventures in the first film. Poehler is as infectious as ever with her energy and light you can hear shining through Joy's voice. But Joy can also feel disheartened and Poehler does an incredible job walking that line between dwindling hope and the desire to persevere. It's one of the several times I found tears in my eyes.

Each new emotion feels like they were made for headquarters, sorry Joy. Embarrassment might not say much but just like his human counterpart Walter Hauser, he can convey so much with a few grunts, gasps, and whimpers. Exarchopoulos is hilariously bored as Ennui yet gets little boosts if energy when needed. Much like any teen lounging on the couch. Edebiri gives Envy all the excitable energy she needs. Her design is super adorable as well with those big eyes and sweet face.

But it's Hawke's Anxiety who takes centerstage at the console. She doesn't just act distressed and impatient all the time, she imbues Anxiety with a strong desire to help. Like any good villain, because Anxiety is as close to a villain as you're going to get here, she believes in her cause. Hawke throws it all into Anxiety, a sense of self preservation, internal torment, and a frantic need to plan. It's one of the most accurate portrayals of anxiety and what it feels like when that is what is driving you I have seen on film, let along in a children's movie.

Back in March, I had the privilege to preview the first 35 minutes of Inside Out 2. Sitting there, I just knew this one was going to have a special place in the hearts of so many. Like the first one, it won't just be parents or even children who will connect with it. That's because this idea of figuring out who you are and navigating complex emotions is universal. However, I do think parents of tweens/teens and the kids themselves will find Riley's journey to be familiar and therefore will be ever-so-slightly more endeared to the story.

VERDICT

Inside Out 2 is funny, heartwarming, and visually delightful. It feels like coming home as we step back into the world of Joy and all the other Emotions that live in Riley's mind. Like Riley, the story has grown up from the first one, tackling the complexities of figuring out our identities while tackling new emotions and changes that seem to come around every corner. It's a sequel that understands how to expand its universe in a way that is both compelling and convincing, to deliver something that is as affecting as its predecessor. Come prepared to laugh but have some tissues handy as well.

Inside Out 2 is in theaters June 14. It is rated PG for some thematic elements with a runtime of 96 minutes.