Riley just hit her teenage years, which means she’s dealing with things like braces, restless nights, and getting a bit snappy with her parents. Plus, she’s feeling pretty shaken up now that she knows her besties, Grace and Bree, will be going to different high schools after summer. But before all that happens, Riley’s off to a three-day hockey camp with them. She’s hoping to fit in with a new group so she’s not left out later on.

This new group is an older hockey team who sees her as kinda awkward—except for Viv, the team leader. Viv decides to take Riley under her wing. Meanwhile, in Riley’s mind, there’s a lot more going on! There are new emotions at play like Ennui (fancy word for boredom), Envy, Embarrassment, and Anxiety—the last one being especially troublesome for Riley’s usual emotional crew led by Joy.

Inside Out 2 tries something cool: it explores how Riley grows up. The character of Riley was inspired by Pete Docter’s daughter (he was the director and writer of the first movie). This time around he’s stepping back as just the executive producer while Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein jump in to handle the script.
Alright, so you know how the first Inside Out was all about emotions like little characters running around in your head? Well, Inside Out 2 mixes things up and takes a fresh spin on that whole idea. It’s kinda like how the Harry Potter movies grew up with their fans. If you loved the first movie as a kid and now you’re a teen, this one’s got your name written all over it.

Instead of sticking to the previous setup where those emotions had total control over everything inside your mind (which could get a little cramped and overwhelming), this second installment flips the script. It’s more about how these emotions work together as a team, especially with some new faces joining in on the action. You know… adolescence brings a whole bunch of fresh feelings while trying to swap out some old ones because you’re finding where you fit in—trying to be cool for friends or dealing with school stuff.

Inside Out 2 really nails what it’s like being an emotional rollercoaster as a teen – all those awkward moments, worries about not living up to expectations, and using sarcasm as a shield. It shows just how confusing growing up can be when you’re figuring out who you are beyond childhood friends and supportive family.
In “Inside Out 2,” there’s a new spin on emotions. While the first movie was all about embracing every feeling as valid, this one puts anxiety in the spotlight, making it clear it’s more of a hurdle than a help in dealing with life’s chaos.

It’s cool because the film also takes a swipe at that typical American always-be-happy attitude—like maybe Joy isn’t the only big deal. But don’t worry, it doesn’t go so far as to throw away optimism or ditch believing in yourself altogether. The whole idea here is about thinking and acting for yourself but being smart about knowing your limits. Riley’s got to figure out how to juggle all those conflicting feelings without letting them call the shots.

The directing feels a little less flashy than before, but the storytelling packs an emotional punch that sneaks up on you, especially if you’re a parent who sees bits of their kid’s teenage struggles on screen. It’s too bad they didn’t give characters like Ennui and Embarrassment more love since they’re such key parts of teen life and could’ve brought some laughs too. Also, Envy kind of misses the mark—you’d think they’d seem more… well, envious!