My quick rating – 7.0/10. Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film, Inside Out 2 continues Pixar’s exploration of the mind’s inner workings, this time diving into the chaos of teenage emotions. Riley (Kensington Tallman) is now a teenager, and her mind headquarters undergoes an unexpected renovation to make space for new emotions—most notably, Anxiety (Maya Hawke). While Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust have long held things together, Anxiety’s arrival shakes up their dynamic, forcing them to confront the inevitable changes that come with growing up.
The introduction of new emotions feels like a natural evolution of the story, reflecting the complexities of puberty in a way that’s both amusing and insightful. The film does a fantastic job of portraying how emotions can conflict and even overpower one another, especially in high-pressure situations like competitive sports. The idea that emotions should be left out of the game is a great takeaway, subtly woven into Riley’s experiences.
The returning voice cast remains excellent, with Poehler once again shining as Joy and Lewis Black delivering a perfectly grumpy Anger—though his comedic talents are somewhat restrained in this family-friendly setting. The animation is as vibrant and dynamic as ever, and the inclusion of Pouchy (James Austin Johnson), a nostalgic callback to childhood imagination, adds a clever mix of traditional animation within the CGI world.
While Inside Out 2 retains the heart, humor, and creativity of its predecessor, it doesn’t quite capture the same groundbreaking magic. Still, it’s an entertaining and meaningful film that balances fun with emotional depth, making it a great watch for all ages.
A handful of streamers along with Amazon have this animated sequel for you.
Plenty of streaming options to choose from including Amazon.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this one taking the Oscar for animated feature or not?