On the first day of summer, the hottest day of the year, we all piled into our car and headed for the Cinépolis to watch Inside Out 2. 

This theater is very different than the typical theater. We bought the tickets online; no attendants would direct you to your seats. We went to the theater studio for our movie and found our seats. The server came and took our order for dinner before the movie started.

What, you said theater? Dinner inside a theater? Why yes, at this theater, you can order a full dinner and even alcoholic beverages, snacks, and everything else you fancy before the movie. The best part is the recliner padded leather seats, making the experience even more comfortable when watching the film.

After we were done, we ordered our food and got ready for dinner. The light was off, and the movie started playing. I was still determining what to expect since it’s a cartoon movie, which I didn’t think would be any different from the others. 

It was not a typical Pixar movie. The Inside Out 2 storyline picks up where the first movie left off, exploring new challenges in Riley’s adolescence. The way the film showed Riley’s external experiences with her inner struggles shows how human changes and growth shape one’s emotions, and it’s more critical in teenagers.

This combined approach not only entertains but also shows viewers a deeper understanding of everyday emotions through different stages of life. I especially love the little characters that are people’s emotions, such as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. 

The movie continues to explore the main character’s emotions, Riley, using these characters, delivering an intriguing journey that blends heartwarming moments with profound insights into typical teen emotions. Through characters like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Embarrassment, and Anxiety, we see the complexities of human emotions.

As expected from Pixar, the animation is stunning and imaginative, with vibrant colors and intricate details bringing Riley’s mind’s internal and external workings to life. Pixar was so good at showing abstract concepts like core memories, personality islands, and the subconscious, making it visually delightful and captivating for audiences of all ages from start to finish.

The film’s success would be due to its characters. They are animated figures with relatable personalities, each with arcs and quirks. My favorite character is Joy. She has infectious optimism and is one of those friends you want on your side. Sadness’s endearing vulnerability and other emotions’ unique traits make them entertaining but deeply relatable, something every one of us experiences as a teen.

The voice cast was outstanding in their performance, adding emotion, depth, and authenticity to these characters, making them much more relatable and real. Through these characters, Inside Out 2 lets us explore complex emotions and topics so that younger viewers can understand and make it engaging for adults. It explores complex issues like identity, changes, and the importance of emotional resilience.

Overall, Inside Out 2 is a worthy continuation of its predecessor, offering an exploration to entertain and teach us about our daily emotional struggles with our emotions. The stunning animation and fun and upbeat storyline make this film memorable and worthwhile to watch with families and friends, especially with your younger siblings.

Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the world of Riley’s mind, Inside Out 2 is a must-watch. This movie will leave you thinking about your emotions and their complexities long after the film ends. 

Here’s to a great movie experience!

Bella H.

Inside Out 2  is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.