Inside Out 2

 

      This is a sequel that does an excellent job expanding on a terrific premise that can be enjoyed by any audience, although pre-teens may not grasp some of the concepts explored by the film.

       The film is directed by Kelsey Mann. The screenplay is by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein from a story by Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve. The writing is excellent. It's an intelligent script about Riley, a 13 year old girl dealing with the new emotions that come with new experiences and puberty. The high end concepts work beautifully, filled with puns and great metaphors. "Bottled up emotions" is just one great example.

        The animation is wonderful and even a pre-teen audience can have fun with the bright colors and plentiful action.

         The voice cast is spot on with Amy Poehler reprising her role as Joy. She is joined by Liza Lapira and Tony Hale as the new voices of Fear & Disgust. Lewis Black is back as Anger as well as Phyllis Smith as Sadness. Kensington Tallman is the new voice of Riley, as a new teenager.  Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan are back as the voice of her parents. The vocal roles of the new emotions include Ayo Edebiri as Envy, Paul Walter Hauser as embarrassment, Adele Exarchopoulos as Ennui, and Maya Hawke as the scene stealing, Anxiety.

         Another success story for Pixar.