"Inside Out 2" revisits challenging adolescence, exploring fresh feelings with expertise.
Pixar's animation powerhouse, once a sure hit, has faced some challenges since "Toy Story 4" five years ago. This can partly be attributed to questionable choices like "Onward" and the influence of external factors like the pandemic.
As a result, it's understandable that a nostalgic look back to a popular 2015 film that showcased Pixar's creativity and ability to address childhood concerns in a relatable way for both children and adults would be appealing.
In "Inside Out 2," directed by first-time feature filmmaker Kelsey Mann, Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman), now a teenager, is flustered with balancing hockey, excellent academic performance, and maintaining a positive self-image. The lead emotion, Joy (Amy Poehler), remains the same, accentuating the good while keeping the bad in check.
However, when puberty kicks in with more mature emotions like Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Shame (Paul Walter Hauser), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Joy's control over Riley's mind becomes challenging.
These new emotions, led by Anxiety, take over the command center, asserting that Riley's life is more complex now. This is evident when Riley encounters some unexpected news before attending hockey camp, where her performance could impact her transition from middle school to high school.
Although there have been many movies about adolescence, the unique selling point of "Inside Out" allows for an engaging exploration of the complexities of growing up, fitting in, and holding onto your inner child.
Pixar tackled similar themes in "Turning Red," which unfortunately had a record release against strong competition and lacked the established elements that could have drawn in a broader audience. But "Inside Out 2" raises the bar with its top-notch storytelling and captivated me with its development.
With movie theaters struggling at the box office and a need for family-friendly films, "Inside Out 2" has the potential to be a significant commercial success. It seems simple on the surface, but Riley's experiences delve deep, showcasing the beautiful chemistry of emotions and the fascinating journey of growing up.
"Inside Out 2" will premiere on June 14 in US theaters and is rated PG.
Source: https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2023/06/inside-out-2-premiere/
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The film's marketing strategy might highlight the return of popular characters and the introduction of new emotions, specifically Anxiety, as a way to drum up interest in entertainment circles. With the addition of Maya Hawke's voice acting as Anxiety, the film may attract fans who enjoyed the original's exploration of emotions during adolescence.
