Sequels are a dangerous business, and it is easy to see why. Taking a standalone story and tacking on an extra chapter can result in the sequel lacking plot due to the fact that, face it, the first installment wrapped up the story correctly.
However, it is possible to get it right. While I often have qualms with sequels, I do see the appeal of giving people another chance to delight in characters that captured their hearts previously. And in general, I think the Disney sequel “Inside Out 2” mostly hit the marks.
The story follows “Inside Out” protagonist Riley Anderson into her teenage years. As she gets involved with a hockey camp in San Francisco and deals with friendship troubles, she experiences understandable stress, illustrated by new emotions: Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment. As the movie goes on, Riley struggles to define how far she wants to go to fit in with the cool older kids at camp and what core values really matter.
“Inside Out 2”’s ability to cater to family audiences is its biggest strength. Watching with my parents and sister, we all found moments in the movie where we related to the characters and others where we laughed so hard we almost fell out of our seats. In particular, the scene in which Disney parodies their Disney Junior shows by introducing the character Pouchy, who closely resembles the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” character Toodles, is especially hilarious.
In addition, the movie was effectively short and sweet, with a one hour and thirty-six minute run time. There is a lot to be said for keeping a movie snappy to push the plot along, something “Inside Out 2” did spectacularly.
While the second round cannot rival the tender story of the original, “Inside Out 2” was a great reunion with beloved characters and overall did not disappoint.
