- INSIDE OUT 2
- Starring: Any Poehler and Maya Hawke
- Directed by: Kelsea Mann
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hr 36 mins
- Disney
Emotions. Whether or not we want to admit it, they rule us. And every time we think we finally have them under control a new one comes along to stir things up.
Meet Riley (Kensington Tallman). Living happily with her parents and playing hockey, she spends all of her time with her best friends, Grace and Bree. Things are going well and the girls have been selected to attend an off-season hockey camp to prepare for next season. To top the day off, Riley has turned thirteen. Quite a lot going on but under the supervision of Joy IPoehler), the transition appears to be going smoothly. Now say hello to Anxiety.
Perfectly melding story and animation together, “Inside Out 2” is another feather in the cap that is Disney/Pixar. Ever since “Toy Story” this company has turned out film after film that resonate with audiences all over the world.
If you’ve ever worried about anything in your life, you’ve dealt with anxiety. Sometimes even the smallest thing makes you worry. Here Riley is hit with a double shot of problems – Bree and Grace will be attending a different school next year so they will no longer be able to play hockey together combined with Riley’s desire to make the team no matter what. Things get even more complicated when the team’s star player, Valentina (Lilimar), a player Riley admires, takes an interest in her making the team. Suddenly rational decisions are thrown out the window as Anxiety muscles herself into taking control from Joy.
And while Anxiety plays a central role we still get humorous visits from earlier emotional favorites like Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. They must team up to protect Riley from Anxiety and their methods are rather fun.
The animation, as to be expected, is brilliantly rendered and the story smart and captivating. While it doesn’t pack the emotional wallop of “IF,” it’s still a great film to take the fmily to.
On a scale of zero to five, “Inside Out 2” receives ★★★★