The animated Disney/Pixar movie Inside Out 2 opened exclusively in theaters on June 14. Following its opening weekend, it was a blockbuster smash, grossing well over $150,000,000. The success was to be expected, as the film was heavily promoted, and Disney has that guaranteed magic.
But how did Inside Out 2 fare regarding its performance and structure? Did the new emotions match our own, when it comes to realistic representation and expression? Luckily, our review will answer these questions and more.
The Parent Watch Inside Out 2 review
Starring Amy Poehler as the infectious Joy and newcomer Maya Hawke as the relatable antagonist Anxiety, the plotline centers on these two characters as they “battle” to make Riley’s life a perfect balance.
But there’s no such thing as a “perfect balance,” especially when you’re a young teenager trying to fit in and working to be the best one can be, in both personal and social respects. It’s emotionally conflicting, and Inside Out 2 carves out a storyline that kids and their parents can enjoy without being overbearing.
Riley has entered puberty and, along with it, comes with a new line of emotions, including Ennui (Boredom), Envy, and Embarrassment, who all join the over-hyped Anxiety. Riley has set a lot on her plate, and the core emotion is Anxiety, who only wants the teen to be socially accepted by a group of older girls with shared interests and achieve her hockey goals. While these feelings are entirely normal for any child and even adults, stressing about them and disallowing things to happen naturally could cause a nervous breakdown or even a panic attack that could only throw things off-course.
Following the five core emotions' return to headquarters after encountering new characters and obstacles, Joy takes over the console and reminds Anxiety that she, as well as the others, don’t get to choose who Riley is; that comes from all her memories, experiences, teachings, and personal growth, woven into a multi-pointed and outlined star. It isn't defined by one emotion, but all are connected uniquely to the individual.
As it turns out, Joy and Anxiety come to a mutual agreement. If Anxiety is about to go into her overwhelming mode, then Joy will help ease the situation and give her temporary clarity. It’s a nice image, as we can’t physically see what goes on in our minds, but we can imagine the climax.
In the film's conclusion, Riley is still the bubbly, happy, and excelling girl we all know her to be, only with continuing developmental growths and unforeseen challenges that will continue to educationally shape her. She’s not perfect, and she knows it, but what she does know is that she’s Riley Andersen, and she’s living her best version.
As someone who lives with high-functioning anxiety, Anxiety’s personification of the disorder is a true reflection. There are times when you’re overwhelmed with so much that you feel like a storm is about to take hold, except it comes without warnings. Another emotion tries to calm the impending disaster, and you work the emotion to help break it down. Usually, my contributing emotion is reality, partnering with relief, and with that said, it often settles the storm. However, as I mentioned, an attack can come without warning, so it’s critical to identify the factors and take needed breaks.
Anxiety is by no means an enemy or the "bad guy" when it comes to our mental health and well-being. In fact, anxiety can make us realize needed improvements or whether we should reconsider our goals if they're realistically out of reach if attempted on enough tries.
As the disorder is appearing more in younger generations, having a movie like Inside Out 2 could create open discussions between parents, their kids, and psychiatric professionals. Kids must know that it's okay to have anxiety, especially now that social media is expanding and more young people are joining its platforms. Kids must understand that not everything depicted online is reality, and nearly every piece of content is filtered. While we can't control what's posted online, we should have some degree of control over what we see.
Inside Out 2 does a remarkable job of emotional exploration while keeping the story lighthearted and fun. I can see why Disney wanted to have Inside Out 2 as an exclusive theatrical release. The big screen, colorful imagery, surround sound, and vibrations pull you into the film, making you feel like you’re a part of the story and connecting with the characters.
Inside Out 2 bonus blurbs
- A 2D animation was incorporated into the "suppressed emotions" narrative. Bloofy is a purple construction dog who's a Disney character mashup of Goofy and Mickey. His name is inspired by Blue from Blues Clues, Bluey, and Goofy. Bloofy's companion is a yellow fanny pack filled with supplies for whatever job needs to be done. Bloofy and his pouch serve as annoyances for Anger, who immediately gets annoyed by their informal introductions.
- Some speculate Ennui fades into the background, erasing the character's purpose. As she is boredom, that emotion lives in the background, as it thrives on nothing to do. She is sort of an active party wallflower, but is well aware of the surroundings.
- Nostalgia made a couple of brief appearances, and while we don’t get the emotion until we’re thirty (at least for me), she will have fun with Riley when she gets older.