Movie Review: Inside Out 2

Changes for Riley!

 This was a much anticipated movie in our familly.

When the first movie came out in 2015 we had just begun our journey in foster care through houseparenting. It was such an amazing way to gain perspective into the mind and how our experiences shape us. I will never forget watching one of our teenage foster boys weep as family island fell. I do not think I ever looked at our children who had come from broken places the same again. Inside Out became one of those movies I referenced many times after that when dealing with hard things. I truly think it should be a requirement for all foster parents to watch! 

Our son had recently gotten very excited for the long awaited sequel and we were thrilled when the release date fell over his bday weekend. 

And much to our surprise it was available in our local theater in 3D!

This new movie sees Riley turning 13 and exploring new emotions as she enters into her teen years. My own son turned 12 two days after we watched the movie, so it was a perfect timing to launch us into some great conversations about changes coming his way soon!

In this movie we are introduced to four new emotions- Embarrassment, Anxiety, Envy and Ennui. (There is also the hint of a fifth emotion to come in possible future movies named Nostalgia.)

Riley continues to be a part of an ice hockey team and while she is away at a sports camp some major changes happen with these new emotions. 

Overall, we really enjoyed the movie a lot. My son's only complaint was that another new character, a repressed memory of Riley's who annoys her, was really annoying. But that was sort of the point, so, I guess they did a good job. I think it reminded him of a similar character from his childhood who grew to embarrass him as he got older, so really it just hit too close to home. 

 

I think that it is hard for a sequel to live up the original but Inside Out 2 makes a good attempt. It definitely gave us some good talking points as the family of a tween. Just like the original, it had me exploring how my own emotions can work together. I love the message that no emotion is completely right or wrong, but that they all can be useful in their own way when working in tandem with each other. 

Our son has already been talking about how he can't wait for the next one to hopefully come out! 

It is a great movie to take the whole family to, but especially if  you have tweens!

 

We give it 4 out of 5 stars.