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Ready for an emotional adventure? Pixar's Inside Out 2 is the perfect choice!
Released on June 14, 2024, this 1-hour 36-minute film continues the story of Riley Andersen, who is now a teenager. Here's a closer look at the new movie!
New Features
Riley's Teenage Emotions
With Riley becoming a teenager, the film introduces four new emotions to her internal team from left to right in the picture:
Anxiety: A frenzied, over-cautious emotion always planning for the future. Anxiety is depicted as a bundle of nervous energy, often caught up in worst-case scenarios.
Envy: A small, aquamarine-colored emotion with large eyes, constantly feeling jealous of others. Envy’s character brings a fresh perspective on how comparisons and feelings of inadequacy affect Riley.
Ennui: A moody, purple character with bangs, embodying a blend of boredom and fatigue. Ennui captures the sense of disinterest and tiredness that Riley experiences during her teenage years.
Embarrassment: A pink, comically oversized emotion that hides behind a hoodie. Embarrassment represents the awkwardness and self-consciousness that come with adolescence.
These new emotions align perfectly with Riley’s transition into adolescence, reflecting the complexities and challenges she faces.
Sense of Self
Another significant addition is Riley's Sense of Self. This feature is visualized as a series of lowing blue strings intertwined and held in a white container. The Sense of Self is so influential that it can override Riley's emotions and influence her actions. This portrayal emphasizes that while emotions play a crucial role, Riley has the ultimate control over her decisions, showcasing her growing self-awareness.
Changes in Brain Islands
The film also introduces changes to Riley’s brain, where new "Islands" have formed. These include:
Fashion Island
Science Island
Boy Band Island
Tragic Vampire Romance Island
Returning Islands from the first film—Hockey, Friendship, Honesty, and Goofball—are also present. However, there are notable changes: Family Island has diminished in size, symbolizing Riley’s evolving relationship with her family, while Friendship Island has grown, reflecting her increased focus on friendships. These changes vividly illustrate Riley’s development and the shifting priorities that come with growing up.
Brief Plot Description
Inside Out 2 follows 13-year-old Riley as she goes on to high school and a weekend ice hockey camp. The story centers around her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—who manage her "Sense of Self," a repository of memories and feelings shaping her beliefs. When Riley learns that her best friends will attend a different high school, Anxiety takes over, trying to mold Riley into someone who can fit in and impress her new peers. Anxiety's interference leads to Joy and the other emotions being exiled, creating a struggle to restore Riley’s Sense of Self before Anxiety disrupts Riley's personality!
Emotional Health in Inside Out 2
Emotional health is a significant theme in Inside Out 2. Pixar continues to explore mental health through Riley’s experiences, reinforcing that it's okay to experience a wide range of emotions. The film underscores that all emotions, even those often viewed negatively, serve important roles. For example, Anxiety, though disruptive, ultimately helps Riley prepare for future challenges. The movie also delves into how personality develops, showing that understanding oneself can be a messy and complex journey.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Complex New Emotions: The introduction of new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui adds depth to Riley’s emotional landscape, reflecting the nuanced experience of adolescence.
Self-Discovery: Riley’s exploration of her identity and self-worth is portrayed with great sensitivity, highlighting the complexities of growing up.
Cons:
Cluttered Narrative: At times, the film feels overloaded with new elements, which can impact the overall coherence and flow.
Character Depth: The portrayal of Riley sometimes makes her seem more like a puppet controlled by emotions rather than a fully developed character with her own agency and viewpoints.
Favorite Moment
One of my favorite parts is Riley’s secret enjoyment of the cartoon Bloofy’s House. This preschool show, featuring a dog named Bloofy and his fanny pack sidekick Pouchy, provides a humorous and nostalgic contrast to the film’s deeper themes. The depiction of this show is both entertaining, reflects Riley's hidden interests.
What’s Next for Inside Out?
Given the unresolved questions from Inside Out 2 and the accidental introduction of the emotion Nostalgia, there’s potential for Inside Out 3. Future installments could explore additional emotions such as guilt, regret, and hope. It might also introduce perspectives from Riley’s parents, offering a new angle on family dynamics and emotional experiences.
Where to Watch it!
Inside Out 2 is currently in theaters and will be available exclusively on Disney+ starting September 25, 2024. For more details, check out the official trailer and the final trailer below.
Tickets and Showtimes: Find the latest information here.
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