Inside Out 2 Review – The Essence of Adolescence

It's been nine years since we discovered Riley's world of emotions, and we've never been the same since. Experiencing the complexity of how opposing emotions work together inadvertently, Upside down gave us the full scope of the inner workings of our mind. Now, fans of this enlightening film have the exciting opportunity to revisit their favorite emotions in the highly anticipated sequel, Inside Out 2.

In the last entry, Inside Out 2 finds us a year after the events of the first film. Now a new teenager, Riley (and her current emotions) must learn to work together with her new emotions: Envy, Boredom, Embarrassment, and Anxiety. But things change when Riley's emotions clash over her perception of herself and whether or not this will be best for her in the end. Our beloved returning cast of performers (Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) are joined by newcomers Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser and Kensington Tallman.

New and old (emotional) friends

Kelsey Mann, one of the minds behind the writing team that created the 2015 film The good dinosaurand the story supervisor for the 2020s Ahead, takes the reins of his first feature film. Mann's history of creating emotionally evocative family dynamics in his stories shines as only a film of this caliber deserves. Returning to the role of Joy, SNL alum Amy Poehler gives a familiar, heartfelt and high-energy performance. Her vocal performance and comedic timing create memorable moments in the film that will make the audience angry. But with that same energy, the return of Lewis Black as the voice of Anger is a fun experience! The veteran actor and comedian steals the screen with every rage-filled statement and fiery indignation. And who can forget Phyllis Smith's incredible performance as Sadness? His morose and melancholic vocal range is just as depressing as in the first film, and we still love him for it!

In addition to our original cast, we also find a host of other exciting new features. Ayo Edebiri, star of the hit series The bear, adds a playful but persistent personification of Envy. French actress Adèle Exarchopoulos will make moviegoers relive her adolescence in the role of Ennui, the apathetic emotion always on the phone. But at the head of this group of emotions is the incredible, distraught performance of actress Maya Hawke, best known for her role as Robin in Stranger Things. Hawke's portrayal of the emotion of anxiety is nothing short of a masterclass in vocal performance. His manic breathing, rapid speech and intense delivery of his character will be an unforgettable performance.

Will this make me cry (again)?

As previously mentioned, Mann's experience in integrating complex feelings into family dynamics works well in the film. Her ability to touch multiple emotional chords in each scene showcases her abilities, not only as a writer but also as a director. The film's story delves into the psyche of teenagers fitting in, coming out and rising, all while trying not to appear to do so. Between the delicate balance between portraying a serious, naive teenager and acknowledging the pitfalls and honest mistakes we all made as teenagers, this film breathes new life into the coming-of-age archetype. adulthood.

At the heart of this journey is a truth that every human being on this planet can relate to: change is hard. Whether you face it in your workplace, school, or home, no one likes to deal with change, especially if it's inevitable. Inside Out 2 shows us that despite the overwhelming storms of change we face daily, we can find true inner peace and a sense of calm that comes from just being our true selves.

While Inside Out 2 isn't quite as heartbreaking as the first film, it will still stir up those long-forgotten feelings that only your teenager will remember. Disney-Pixar's salutary efforts to provide another opportunity to see our favorite films grow with us are paying off. This will give not only parents but most adults the opportunity to dissect the film and discover what applies to their own lives.

In all, Inside Out 2 it's a great journey of the mind and adolescence (without going through puberty again)! The care and work put into the film is fantastic, from the writing to the direction, and especially to the wonderful cast who brought it to life. It's films like this and filmmakers like Kelsey Mann that will continue to show that every great film has something to offer everyone.

Rating: 4.5/5 Atoms