Inside Out 2 (2024)

I thought this week, we’d try something a little more recent. I have finally had the chance to see Inside Out 2, a film that makes me think of myself. I’m not really sure if I’d call that a good thing, but either way, this was still a fun and engaging experience for me and I think it would be for a lot of people, both adults and kids. So, Riley has now entered puberty and is experiencing new and complex emotions. This includes: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. And if you’re unfamiliar with Ennui, it’s a French word that describes a feeling that combines tiredness and boredom. Something I am not proud to say, I’ve experienced quite a bit in my life. I guess that would include more intense moments with me as I’ve struggled with a lack of social interaction, stimulating activities, or changes in my routines, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, back to the plot. So, as Riley tries to adjust to her teenage years, her old emotions face the possibility of being replaced. And as the story progresses, you feel yourself becoming more engaged with it, in a very humorous and heartwarming way.

     Just like the first movie, the film is very fast paced and keeps the surprises coming. Also, as someone who is from the Bay Area, I do enjoy watching San Francisco being represented. Pixar gets it right most of the time and there have been times where they haven’t. But when they do get it right, they prove that they are still one of the best when it comes to ingenious storytelling, great animation, relatable characters, and memorable film experiences. I will say, in terms of being relatable, the film captures those moments perfectly. Maybe a little too perfectly for someone like me.  At least in this film, there are times where it makes sense to be stressed, unlike moments with me where it probably doesn’t. I still enjoyed the movie and that counts for something. Even if you’re not a so-called “aspie” like me, you will still find relatability in this story as you see Riley go through all the problems that come with puberty and whether that’s a good thing in your case or not (honestly, I’ll let you be the judge of that), you’ll still have fun either way. That much, I can guarantee.

     To be honest, I wasn’t sure a sequel was necessary when I heard the news that this film was going to come out, but even if it isn’t, there is no denying that it is a worthy follow-up to the first movie. And in my opinion, it takes what people liked from the first movie and improves upon it, which I think worked pretty well. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a movie that hit so close to home, but this one very much succeeded in that regard. And I have to give Pixar credit. When it comes to relatable subjects in their films, they know how to handle it well.  Like I said before, I wasn’t sure if a sequel was necessary, but this movie does offer the same amount of time and effort that they put into the first movie and for that reason, I would give this movie a 9 out of 10. And this isn’t just a movie for aspies like me, but a heartfelt and moving story for anyone who has ever felt the struggles of growing up.