Approaching Inside Out 2 with a fair dose of skepticism, I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike some of Pixar's sequels, which I've found lacking in that fresh and innovative Pixar creativity, this film stands out. It's an intelligent and warm production that resonates deeply with both children and adults, making it a film that the whole family can enjoy. Pixar has managed to create a sequel that honors the original and expands its emotional landscape in unique and meaningful ways, even if it doesn't quite capture the same magic as the original.

The story picks up a few years after the events of the first film, with Riley now entering the tumultuous phase of adolescence. Riley's journey begins as she prepares to attend a week-long hockey camp, which is crucial for her future. Adding to her stress, Riley discovers on the way to camp that she will be attending a different school than her two best friends. This revelation triggers a flood of emotions as the camp will determine whether she makes the team and potentially what her new friend group will be. Among these new emotions are Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), with Anxiety taking center stage. Introducing these emotions not only adds depth to Riley's character but also is a powerful educational tool, providing viewers—both young and old—with a better understanding of emotional intelligence and the complexities of human feelings.

One of the film's standout features is its clever expansion of the world built in the first film. The internal workings of Riley's mind are now more intricate, with new areas and constructs that mirror her growing complexity. We get lovely visual conceptualizations of repressed emotions, sarcasm, and Nostalgia (June Squibb), and this imaginative setting allows a more comprehensive exploration of Riley's psyche, offering a fascinating and relatable depiction of the adolescent experience.

Adding Maya Hawke as the voice of Anxiety is a brilliant casting choice. Hawke brings a palpable sense of urgency and unease to the role, capturing the essence of Anxiety in a way that feels both authentic and approachable. Anxiety plays a significant role in the new film, often driving the plot forward, playing out multiple forward-looking scenarios in Riley's head, and preparing for every possible negative outcome. Anxiety literally takes over the whole of Riley's inner life. This new dynamic between the emotions is more complex, reflecting Riley's evolving emotional landscape. Joy, voiced again by Amy Poehler, remains a central figure, but her role is more challenging as she navigates the new emotional terrain and tries to fight off Anxiety for control of Riley's psyche.

The film also delves into themes of self-discovery and identity, which are universal experiences that we all go through. As Riley begins questioning who she is and where she fits in the world, we can't help but see ourselves in her journey. The emotions of those facing challenges and growth mirror this journey, making it a film that speaks to the heart of the human experience of growing up.

Visually, Inside Out 2 is gorgeous. Pixar's animation has reached new heights, with stunningly detailed environments and expressive character animations that bring emotions to life in vibrant ways. The depiction of Riley's mind is particularly impressive, with creative visual metaphors that illustrate her internal struggles and triumphs. The detailed animation captivates viewers, immersing us into Riley's world and making her journey feel real, creating a visually stunning experience that will leave you spellbound and wanting more.

One of Inside Out 2's most commendable aspects is its ability to tackle complex emotional issues without ever feeling heavy-handed or preachy. The film's perfect balance between entertainment and education offers valuable lessons about emotional health and resilience, enlightening viewers of all ages. This is no small feat and a testament to the skill and care with which the film was crafted, leaving us with a deeper understanding of our emotions.

I only have a couple of reservations about the film. As good as Hawke is as Anxiety, the role occupies a considerable portion of the film and doesn't allow the rest of the supporting cast, new and old, to flourish. The supporting cast members shine in those moments but are very few and far between. My last reservation is that this film doesn't quite live up to the impossibly high bar set by the original.

Inside Out 2 is a worthy successor to the original, expanding its emotional universe in natural and compelling ways. It's a film that manages to entertain while offering profound insights into the human experience. With stellar performances, particularly from Maya Hawke as Anxiety and a richly imagined world, Inside Out 2 stands out as one of Pixar's finest sequels. Whether you're a fan of the original or new to Riley's story, this film offers a rich and intriguing exploration of the human emotional landscape, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

— 4 / 5 ⭐