Pixar has done it again with Inside Out 2, a must-watch for all kids, who are either growing up or have grown up. The sequel to the 2015 movie Inside Out has hit a home run with its story, plot, execution and education, things that made the original flick memorable.

Not only does this film serve as a reunion with Riley and her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — it features new emotions and the older ones deal with their introduction. Remember, in the original film, Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) was a hockey-loving 11-year-old, whose world turned upside-down as her family moved to San Francisco. In this sequel that takes place two years later, Riley is a teenager and if that doesn’t spell trouble, I don’t know what does.

With new challenges come new emotions, and a dosage of humour and excitement. Anxiety is the best of them all, an orange-collared emotion that worries a lot and imagines the worst possible things that could happen. The story shows that it does this to try and prevent bad things from happening to Riley.

Envy motivates Riley to pursue what others have, while Embarrassment hides his face inside a hoodie, in response to Riley’s embarrassment. Ennui shows when Riley feels bored, speaks in a French accent, and mostly lies on a couch, listening to music. Finally, there is Nostalgia, who resembles an old aunt who comes up with anything related to her history.

With the arrival of new emotions, things change for the better (for the new entrants) and worse (for the older ones). Led by Joy (Amy Poehler), how the original emotions make a comeback after being banished is what makes this sequel worth your time, money and emotions.

Kids will enjoy the bright, lively animation and the funny moments between the emotions. With a cast of such vast characteristics, one would have wondered whether the film does justice to the viewer’s emotions, but Pixar managed to handle it well. After all, they made Turning Red just a couple of years back, which tackled the issue of growing up for girls.

Overall, Inside Out 2 is a great movie for kids because it’s entertaining, easy to understand, and it helps them learn about their feelings in a fun way. If you liked the first movie, you’ll enjoy this one too!

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 31st, 2024