INSIDE OUT 2
(PG) 96mins
★★★☆☆
Entering the cinema with high hopes for a heartfelt sequel can be a mix of emotions.
The anticipation for the same captivating characters and an equally enchanting story as its predecessor is often paired with a hesitant excitement.
The profound emotional touch of a Pixar film often results in a flood of tears.
When revisiting the beloved cast of Inside Out, the expectations were undoubtedly sky-high, as audiences were introduced to Riley, now a 13-year-old teenager, and her inner workings navigating a challenging period in life.
With Joy (Amy Poehler) reigning over the mind’s operations, she and her loyal crew of Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust have thus far maintained a harmonious state for Riley.
However, a cacophony alarms signify the onset of puberty and with it, a host of new emotions infiltrate Riley’s psyche.
Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui, representing teenage indifference, join the established crew.
The complexities of adolescence are well captured, as Riley’s hockey camp experience coaxes out a seemingly altered personality, leading to tensions with friends.
The battle for control within Riley’s mind intensifies as new emotions vie for dominance, sidelining the original team.
The odyssey across the expanse of Riley’s memories resumes as familiar faces scramble to salvage essential moments from the clutches of youthful turmoil.
Unfortunately, sequels with lofty expectations might resemble that second album syndrome—a more convoluted narrative marred by too many influences, a pace that’s simultaneously chaotic and sluggish.
A pivotal scene lingers too long, and the wit of its predecessor appears diluted.
Reinvigorating the charm of a narrative centered on psychological characters was a tall order, one that this sequel couldn’t quite meet.
Despite its ambitions, the flick fails to stir up the Pixar enchantment necessary to carry audiences on a whirlwind ride of feels.
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