POPZ-CULTURE Movie Reviews – Inside out 2 (2024)
By: Marton Szakadath
Genre: Animation, adventure, comedy
Age limit: 6
Directed by: Kelsey Mann
Written by: Meg LeFauve, Dave Holstein, Kelsey Mann
Starring (voice): Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman
Puberty is a time of conflict and challenge. Both physical and emotional changes accompany growing up. „Who am I?” becomes a central question, and finding oneself is fraught with difficulties. We were curious to see how Pixar Animation Studios, which provides quality entertainment for young and old alike, would tackle this very complex topic.
Inside out 2 is a solid sequel. From the first episode, it was clear that Riley’s entry into adolescence would be another exciting chapter. But we didn’t expect to see such an outstanding film.
Riley recently turned 13. High school is on the way. She and her friends are going to hockey camp, where she’ll have the opportunity to become the new member in the team of her future school. As she contemplates her new goal, the „puberty alarm” goes off, and new feelings arise in her mind, turning her inner world upside down.
It is worth starting the long list of positives with these new emotions. They are brilliantly crafted, and their whole look authentically portrays the turmoil of adolescence. The most memorable of them all is the character of Anxiety, who is central to the message of the film, in addition to moving the plot forward. As well as meeting new characters, we visit many new locations in the Headquarters and beyond with a classic adventure film approach.
The story itself doesn’t have any twists and turns, but that’s why it’s so good. There is a much greater emphasis on the everyday situations that most of us are familiar with, situations that we have all most likely experienced. Perhaps most of us have preferred not to admit to liking a film or a song for fear of being seen as a boor in the company we wanted to belong to. It is scenes like this that make this movie a truly personal experience.
There are few things we can say as negatives. What was a little lacking, however, was the presentation of the relationship with the parents, which also presents many difficulties at this age. The plot leaves little room for this, focusing more on school relationships. As for the music, we would have liked to have heard some catchy tunes like in Toy Story or The Incredibles.
What did Inside out 2 offer us? A great humorous, educational, literally emotional journey. Light-hearted and serious moments are interspersed with a great sense of rhythm. At just over 90 minutes, it’s a meaningful animated film that conveys valuable ideas. One of this year’s best. The target audience is over 12-13 years-old viewers, but we think younger cinema-goers will also enjoy the well-written setting and characters.
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