SPOILER ALERT: Read at your own risk.
Inside Out is one of the Disney cartoon movies that even adults are excited to watch. And now that Inside Out 2 is here, it is safe to say that fans of any age went to the cinemas to experience and witness Riley grow as a teenager. As I watched, I found myself reflecting on my own thoughts and emotions, much like Riley.
The Puberty Alarm Went Off!
In the first Inside Out movie, Riley explored the challenges in her life as they moved to a new place. Now, in the new installment, our gal’s Puberty alarm goes off, and she wakes up like a stereotypical angsty teen.
The original emotions were still there: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. And, of course, leave it to Joy to forget one of the most important lessons from the first film: throwing away certain memories to keep Riley happy and to establish good belief systems.
But, this time around, not only the five and Riley were affected by the circumstances, but also other emotions such as Anxiety, Ennui, Envy, and Embarrassment. The movie goes deeper into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the often overwhelming changes that come with growing up.
Filled With A Play On Words
As a creative myself, I love wordplays. Inside Out 2 brought that and more to the point where my friend and I glance at each other whenever a particular wordplay or expression is shown on-screen. We had two favorites: the literal BRAINSTORM, where ideas were flying in a tornado, and the ANXIETY ATTACK, wherein Anxiety was zooming like The Flash around Riley’s console, seemingly attacking Riley’s mind.
Aside from that, there were quotes from the characters, such as Joy’s eye-opening statement, “I don’t know how to stop Anxiety; maybe we can’t. Maybe this is what happens when you grow up; you feel less joy.” It was one that hit me right in the feels.
Is It Worth The Hype?
Visually, Inside Out 2 is stunning. The animation is top-notch, which is a no-brainer since it’s from Disney and Pixar! The voice acting remains superb, with standout performances that show the nuanced emotions and struggles of the characters.
Its plot, while initially predictable, takes the viewer on a rollercoaster of emotions with unexpected twists and turns. It even has a heart-wrenching segment that had me reaching for my non-existent tissues. But it’s not all tears, there are also moments of laughter thanks to its clever humor.
However, does it live up to the hype? In many ways, yes. Inside Out 2 expanded beyond its original story while remaining relatable for viewers of all ages. It also teaches the lesson that it’s OK to have imperfect beliefs and that each experience is important for one’s growth, be it receiving a poor grade on a test, failing in a stage performance, or even sometimes forgetting the value of some people simply because of poor judgment and decision-making skills. Nonetheless, Riley and the characters learned, and that’s what’s important!
How about you, Sugboanon? What do you think of Inside Out 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
