Movie Review: INSIDE OUT 2

One of the tricks of making a succesful sequel is to capture the essence of what worked in the first film and then expand upon that to open up the world (or universe) that the first film is cemented in.

With the new Pixar film, INSIDE OUT 2, the ability to expand and grow is made just that much simpler for the main character in this film is growing herself.

Taking up a few years after the original INSIDE OUT film, this one follows our protagonist, Riley, as he she enters her teenage year and…gulp…high school! With these changes, Riley develops a new emotion (to go along with Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness)…Anxiety.

It’s an interesting concept to delve into and Writer/Director Kelsey Mann handles it with a deft hand, not diving too deep into the subject, but getting deep enough to give the film emotional resonance and a strong sense of purpose.

Like the original film, the voice cast is stellar. Amy Poehler (Joy), Phyllis Smith (Sadness) and Lewis Black (Anger) all return and are aided by the additions of Ayo Edebiri (Envy) and, especially, Maya Hawke as Anxiety making this film the strongest Pixar outing since…the last INSIDE OUT film in 2015.

A return to form for Pixar as this film delivers fun for kids and interesting, deep dives into themes that will satisfy the adults that accompany them.

Letter Grade: A-

8 stars (out of 10)…and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)