Inside Out 2 (2024) : Disney Movie Review
The first movie’s little girl is now 13 years old and things are getting out of control up there. When adolescence starts barging in, our favorite gang – Joy, Sadness and co – will have to change things up quite a bit.
Meet Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke. This nervous nelly bursts onto the scene like an espresso-fueled chipmunk and puts poor old Headquarters through its paces while Joy ( Amy Poehler ) tries desperately to keep everything under control.
Pete Docter ’s seat has been taken over this time by Kelsey Mann and he doesn’t miss a beat. The man knows how to make people laugh until they cry before tugging at their heartstrings moments later.
There isn’t a single dull color in sight when it comes to Riley’s mind which will leave your TV screen begging for more saturation on every frame so densely packed with detail that you’ll wish time could stand still.
This is not just another version of the same old thing. “Inside Out 2” really grabs that concept and runs with it, exploring the messy business of growing up in a big way – like these folks snuck a peek into every teenager’s diary and decided to put it all on screen!
Voice Acting Talent
As for the voice acting talent – wow! While Joy (Amy Poehler) is still clearly at the center stage, everybody else gets their moment too. Phyllis Smith’s Sadness will make you want to hug her, while Lewis Black’s Anger is pretty much guaranteed to make you snort-laugh.
But it’s Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, who really steals the show. This character is a walking bundle of nerves that feels so familiar I had to laugh. I mean, we all have a little Anxiety living rent-free up there in our heads, don’t we? Seeing someone else act it out like this is both hilarious and weirdly comforting.
The movie also brings in some cool new ideas. There are different core memories! Personality Islands have to grow and change! This is not what happens in a teenaged brain – at least, not according to the first film. It’s like they took everything up a level, and let me tell you, I am here for these upgrades.
Message of “Inside Out 2”
“Inside Out 2” is not afraid to deal with the hard stuff. It addresses mental health issues directly and lets people know that it’s okay not to be okay all the time. This message is very relevant today when everyone is trying so hard to look perfect on social media.
The way they show the internet inside Riley’s head is brilliant. It’s funny, yes, but it will make you think twice before taking your next selfie.
But don’t let me make it sound like some kind of serious public service announcement – this film moves at a pace that will keep you enthralled throughout. You could be zooming down action-packed memory lanes one minute and snickering at Anger’s latest outburst the next – and it strikes just the right balance every time.
Music
Can we talk about the music for just a second? Michael Giacchino has really outdone himself this round. His score captures every teen high and low: from ecstatic joy to soul-crushing self-doubt. Make sure you grab one at the door on your way out!
Fear not, parents – you’re not the only ones who’ll enjoy this. Riley’s mum and dad are back for another round butting heads with their stormy teenage offspring. The way they can’t seem to connect with her is just too real.
And the best bit? Riley’s first crush. We&ve all been there when our insides felt like some kind of emotional wrestling match! It’s funny ’cause it’s true – or should I say, painfully true. I don’t know how they do it at Pixar, but this really speaks volumes (shouts actually) about my years as an acne-ridden teen.
So many levels people! Little kids will love all those cartoony characters running around being silly while grown ups pick up on every single subtle reference to how weird puberty can be.
Trust me, folks. This is Pixar at the top of their game. Don’t miss it!
