Pixar has created something truly beautiful with Inside Out 2. A triuphant sequel worthy of its predecessor. A literal bundle of emotions and a visually stunning film. Inside Out 2 is the family film everyone will be talking about this summer. Wondering if Inside Out 2 is kid-friendly? What ages is Inside Out 2 best suited for? Is Inside Out 2 too scary for kids? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my Inside Out 2 Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Inside Out 2 Parents Guide + Movie Review
Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2 addresses our ever evolving emotions and how they’re essentially all connected. While relating particularly to adolescence, this movie will resonate with all ages.
The story builds upon the first film with Riley navigating new emotions — Envy, Embarrassment, Anxiety, and Ennui. These emotions effectively represent the challenges Riley faces as she grows older. The original emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, all continue to play significant roles in Riley’s ever evolving mind.
Inside Out 2 highlights teens struggles with peer pressure, fitting in, and self-identity. The emotions themselves are multi-layered which adds depth to their characters. Inside Out 2 excels in expanding the emotional and narrative scope of the original film. It offers a compelling and relatable depiction of growing up, which we can all relate to.
All of the emotions shine in Inside Out 2, but Anxiety and Joy are the standouts. Maya Hawke does an incredible job bringing Anxiety to life in a way that is genuine and beyond compare. It can be said that Anxiety is the “villain” in Inside Out 2, and how relatable is that? For those of us who have ever experienced anxiety (which is basically everyone), don’t we think of it as a villain?
But even though anxiety is a complete train wreck of a mess, it is still a part of who we are. All of our emotions are connected to our sense of self, and they make us who we are. As uncomfortable as some emotions might make us feel, it’s important to FEEL those feelings — the hard and scary ones included.
Is Inside Out 2 Kid-Friendly? Here’s your Parents Guide:
Inside Out 2 has an MPA rating of PG for some thematic elements. It has a runtime of 1 hour 36 minutes. Although I’d classify Inside Out 2 as a more mature Pixar film, I truly believe it will be appreciated by all ages. I do feel it will resonate most with ages 12 and up. While little ones will absolutely love the sequel and the return of their favorite emotions, they won’t really understand the message of the story –but, that’s okay!! We can all appreciate films on different levels, and that’s what makes Inside Out 2 so special — it has something for ALL ages!
Overall Thoughts
Inside Out 2 maintains its charm and emotional depth while introducing new elements that will resonate with all ages. The emotions are messy, awkward, and complicated, but showcased to perfection. Inside out 2 is Pixar at its best — heartfelt, humor, immaculate visuals, and Disney storytelling beyond compare. This is one that will stick with you for a long time. Inside Out 2 is now playing in theaters EVERYWHERE!!
Inside Out 2 Synopsis
Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.
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