... Read moreOkay, so I just had to share my thoughts after watching Inside Out 2! The original movie was already such a comfort for so many of us, helping us understand our feelings, but the sequel? It takes it to a whole new level, especially with Riley growing up and facing those big teenage emotions.
The new characters are absolutely brilliant, and honestly, so relatable. Let's talk about Anxiety first. Oh my goodness, her introduction is phenomenal! She's this energetic, slightly frazzled orange character, always planning for every possible worst-case scenario. As someone who's definitely dealt with anxiety, seeing her personified like that on screen, trying to "help" Riley but often making things more complicated, was incredibly insightful. Pixar really nailed the feeling of having anxiety try to take over the control panel. It sparks so many conversations about how we cope with fear and worry.
Then there's Envy, a smaller, teal character who just wants what everyone else has. It's such a common emotion, especially during adolescence when comparisons are rife. Seeing her interact with the other emotions, and how her presence influences Riley's decisions, is a clever way to show how envy can creep in and affect our self-perception. It makes you think about those moments when you wish you had something someone else did.
Embarrassment is another fantastic addition, a large, shy, pink character who just wants to disappear. We've all been there, right? That cringeworthy moment where you just wish the ground would swallow you whole. His portrayal is so sweet and poignant, highlighting how vulnerable we can feel when we've messed up or done something awkward. It really humanizes those moments of awkwardness.
And let's not forget Ennui, the purple, almost bored-looking character who embodies that 'meh' feeling. As Riley navigates social dynamics and tries to find her place, Ennui perfectly captures that adolescent apathy and disinterest. It’s a subtle but powerful addition, showing how sometimes, we just don't care, and that's an emotion too!
What I loved most about Inside Out 2 is how it brings these new emotions into the existing dynamic with Joy, Sadness, and Anger. It’s not about getting rid of the new emotions; it’s about learning to live with them and integrate them into Riley's evolving personality. Joy, for example, really struggles to understand Anxiety's motivations, which feels so real. The film beautifully illustrates that all emotions, even the seemingly 'negative' ones, play a crucial role in shaping who we are.
The cast (not just the voice actors, but the characters themselves) truly makes this "emotion movie cartoon" a masterpiece. Each character, old and new, feels so distinct and brings a unique perspective to Riley's inner world. It's truly a Disney Pixar movie about emotions that speaks to all ages, reminding us that it's okay to feel everything. If you haven't seen it yet, go for it! It's an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. What new emotion resonated most with you?