It took almost 10 years for Pixar and Disney to channel all their emotions and give us a sequel to ‘Inside Out’. Was the wait worth it? Yes, very much so. This time around, teenager Riley is experiencing new feelings and well Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust who have been running a successful operation for years must team together as new emotions (Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment) show up to change Riley personality, heart, and intentions. Joy and Sadness face the challenge of losing Riley forever.

The team behind the sequel (screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein and story by Mann and LeFauve) do tremendous work here, focusing on delivering a clever story that displays how social connection can defeat self-confidence. The creative team creates new emotions that showcase a lack of certainty, panic, and discomfort to explain how the brain copes with new experiences and learnings. Through the new emotions introduced in the sequel, viewers can make a human connection and establish an attachment. Joy and Sadness demur the new emotion’s intentions and actions but end up comprehending their support and understanding that Riley needs to feel new emotions to build a positive path in life to grow. The new emotions teach Joy and her friends that they must understand each other to make Riley stronger. When analyzing the message behind the film, the creative team succeeds in delivering a film that the general audience can learn from. Without a doubt, this film is at the same level as ‘Toy Story 3’ and will be an award contender. The film also includes lively and picturesque animation that does not feel very busy, but instead adds more charm to the glowing world we were introduced in 2015.

The star-studded cast is mind-blowing, from beginning to end. Each actor involved applies their voice-over experience to create humor, connection, intimacy, and enjoyment. Standouts include Maya Hwake as Anxiety and Amy Poehler as Joy both of whom show a tenderness and righteous partnership to convey the film’s message. Poehler’s voice is angelic, which makes Joy even more joyful than in the first film. Hawake’s panicked voice delivers what we all feel when we truly have an episode of anxiety.

‘Inside Out 2’ is set to become a fan favorite and is the best film of the year for its topics and heart-warming story. Bring a box of tissues.

‘Inside Out 2’ is now playing in movie theater.