When Inside Out came out in 2015, critics and fans showered it with praise for its innovative storytelling, as it translated a series of basic human emotions — joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust — into lovable characters who work in an elaborate visualization of the human mind. It was a commercial hit and an award-winning film. It seemed then like Pixar could do no wrong; little did critics know that from that point forward Pixar would steadily decline, losing its apex position in the animation industry.

Much to everyone’s surprise in the face of such a downturn, Inside Out 2 has been a smash, positioned as the savior of the summer box office. What does that tell us about what audiences want? Pandering to our IP nostalgia? More sophisticated animated features for children? Or just a general desperation for any movies for families, regardless of the quality?

In this episode of The Long Take Review, Greg and I speculate some answers to those questions, as well as why this film, while good, doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original. We discuss how the film tries to level up its representation of emotions, revel in the parts we laughed at most, assess the new characters and voice performances, and share how our own kids responded to the film.

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Image Credit: IndieWire

Movie News Update We react to Sony’s purchase of the Alamo Drafthouse. 4:30

The Short Take Our overall impressions of Inside Out 2. 12:25

The Recommendation Algorithm How does Inside Out 2 handle kids in the audience vs. adults? 23:31

SPOILER MODE What new ideas does this sequel introduce and why doesn’t it quite reach the heights of the original? What made us laugh? Who are our favorite new characters? 30:17

The Rhetorical Situation How does this film impact the Pixar discourse? Is Pixar “back”? And what is the larger cultural impact of the “pop psychology” used in the Inside Out films? 1:03:18

Oscars Watch We check in with the animated feature race and debate whether or not Inside Out 2 will have a spot in the line-up. 1:28:56

Notes:

Jen wants it on record that while she did not like Morbius and has not yet seen Madame Web, she does enjoy the Venom movies.

Greg had trouble getting names exactly right in this episode. He says Jane Squibb when he means June Squibb and says Lord and Mitchell when he means Lord and Miller. Jen can attest that he does actually know these names.

Greg alludes to Jen having visited the Pixar campus, but Jen never had a chance to explain. A friend of hers from high school used to work at Pixar, and so Jen would visit him at work. She actually saw Tropic Thunder in the Pixar theater. Shoutout to Najeeb Tarazi, who is now a prolific (and talented!) independent director.

During Oscars Watch, Greg sends Jen into a panic about how Aardman Studios only has enough clay to make one more movie. He later discovered that they reassured everyone that they will be fine.

All music licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Logo art: Illustration 73265080 © Worldofvector | Dreamstime.com

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