Review of Inside Out 2
I recently watched Pixar’s Inside Out 2. Unfortunately, it was a mediocre and disappointing sequel. Unlike Toy Story 3, which showcased the potential for sequels to surpass their predecessors, Inside Out 2 failed to justify its existence.
The expanded roster of emotions led to an overcrowded cast, resulting in poor screen time distribution and underdeveloped characters. The introduction of new psychological elements like the “belief storage” and “stream of consciousness” were not as impressive. In fact, Soul, another Pixar film released between Inside Out and its sequel, offered a more impactful visual experience.
The storyline was also lacking.
The plot, centered around Riley’s hockey camp, lacked significant events and remained at a low level of conflict. Befriending a senior at camp might be a major concern for a teenage girl. However the episodes were disjointed and failed to coalesce into a memorable narrative.
On a technical level, Pixar’s experimentation with 2D flat characters and early 3D polygonal game characters was interesting. However, these were mostly used for comedic purposes and did not convincingly integrate into the story.
A good sequel should make the original feel like a setup for a greater narrative.
Inside Out 2 fell short in character development, storytelling, and technical innovation, offering nothing new or exciting compared to the first film.
Reflecting on Inside Out,
the original film depicted the events inside the Emotions’ Headquarters through the experiences of 11-year-old Riley Andersen, who moves from Minnesota to San Francisco due to her father’s new job. The challenges of a new home, school transfer, and even thoughts of running away were effectively portrayed.
The strengths of Inside Out are endless. Both the Emotions’ Headquarters and the real world were captivating. Children could relate to Riley’s struggles with school and family, while adults could connect with the adventures in her mind, reminiscing about their own youth and finding warmth and reconciliation.
Post-COVID, the film industry has shrunk,
and people have discovered numerous alternatives to traditional cinema. While the strategy of drawing audiences back with sequels is understandable, failing to reinterpret or enhance the original will drive away the hard-won viewers. In the end, Inside Out 2 only managed to replicate the charms of its predecessor without bringing anything new to the table.
Max