Inside Out 2 (English) Ratings
Star Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman
Director: Kelsey Mann
Ratings: 3.5
Review
The story crafted by Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve is truly remarkable. The screenplay, skillfully penned by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, is of the highest quality and showcases great imagination. The dialogues further contribute to the overall entertainment value of the film.Kelsey Mann’s direction is straightforward yet effective. Handling a film like this is no easy task, especially for a debutant, but he succeeds admirably. Building upon the template set by the first installment, Kelsey does justice to it while also propelling the story forward. Certain elements, such as Mount Crushmore, featuring Riley’s crushes in the form of Mt Rushmore, and the carnival with hot air balloons representing Riley’s interests, are particularly impressive. Moreover, the film raises an important point about the significance of different emotions and the chaotic nature of the mind during early adolescence. The portrayal of anxiety and the depiction of a panic attack in the climax are incredibly authentic and relatable.
On the flip side, for those who have watched the first part, there may be a lack of novelty in terms of storytelling and plot. Once again, Joy is out of headquarters and must find her way back, or else she will face challenging times. Despite the filmmakers’ efforts to inject freshness into the narrative, it doesn’t quite capture the same level of awe as its predecessor. In short, the first part was exceptional and set a high benchmark, making it difficult for the sequel, although still a great film in its own right, to match its impact.The performances in Inside Out 2 are stellar. Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith deliver outstanding voiceovers. Maya Hawke shines in her portrayal of Anxiety, capturing the essence of the character perfectly.
Kensington Tallman impresses, and Lilimar is a perfect fit for the role of a popular player. Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Liza Lapira, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Yvette Nicole Brown (Coach Roberts) provide capable and commendable support. James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of Pouchy is adorable. The music by Andrea Datzman effectively complements the film’s mood and theme. The cinematography by Adam Habib and Jonathan Pytko is satisfying, capturing the essence of the story. As expected, the visual effects are outstanding, taking the film to another level. Maurissa Horwitz’s editing is sleek and seamless.
Overall, INSIDE OUT 2 is an entertaining film that appeals to viewers of all ages. It has made a decent opening at the box office and has the potential to surprise audiences.
