WLR #8
Inside Out 2
Directed by Kelsey Mann
Inside Out (2015) is an amazing film. A Pixar movie that immediately solidified itself in the pantheon of classics, perfectly mixing psychological depth with universal humor. Sequels, however, well, they can suck—especially for a studio that has produced both gems and duds in recent follow-ups. But I’m happy to report this new Inside Out 2 is more Toy Story 2 than Cars 2.
It’s true to form Pixar, a masterclass really, one that balances comedy and sentiment to perfection, keeping the film from drifting into overly sentimental territory while engaging every age group. It tackles the chaotic inner world of adolescence with a precision that’s both profound and easily digestible. Although, I’d argue this film isn't quite for all ages—cue the crying 3-year-old in my screening. Ugh! Wendy Lee loves kids, but mom, come on… The cinema is not a place for toddlers! I’d suggest 8 and up, especially given the introduction of the character Ennui, voiced by a hilariously deadpan, gender-flipped Adele Exarchopoulos. Just as some adults might need to google the word "ennui," this film leans into themes that are far beyond children’s tropes.
Maya Hawke’s portrayal of Anxiety is the standout. She embodies the emotion in a way that feels like a takeover, much like anxiety itself can dominate a teenager’s life (and my life still). Hawke’s vocal performance and the animation captures that feeling of being overwhelmed in a way that ironically makes you ease up. Also, I love Paul Walter Hauser. And seeing him as Embarrassment was an extra little gift to me.
It doesn’t eclipse the original, but it does deepen the universe, offering a fun all ages movie that hits all the right notes. In some ways, it’s the film IF wanted to be. All in all, a worthy sequel for the whole family.
Three-and-a-half-stars
The Bikeriders
Directed by Jeff Nichol
The film had potential, and a with a little more drive—a little more gas in the tank, (pun intended) it could’ve transformed itself from a decent watch into something memorable. Sure, it was well-acted, well-shot, and packed with talent. Austin Butler and Tom Hardy serving rugged looks, and Jodie Comer yapping about in a great accent. There’s no shortage of atmosphere either: sweeping American landscapes, revving engines and broken glass galore. All the dusty hallmarks…
The dialogue had moments, Michael Shannon’s monologue stood out as one of those scene-stealing highlights pulls you in. Even the tactile sense of the film—those leather jackets and gritty textures—was undeniable. But for all the high points in aesthetics, there was a missing layer of tension. It felt like the movie was coasting, waiting for some pivotal moment to deliver on the promise of a high-stakes conflict. That suspenseful moment, akin to McConaughey's intensity in True Detective, when he infiltrates the gang, just never materialized, leaving the film in a peculiar limbo.
Yes, it was atmospheric, pretty too. It wanted to be a character study, but it didn’t have the depth or complexity to really get there. Instead, it just gave us leather, cigarettes, and beautiful people to look at. The first 45 minutes were compelling enough to keep me hoping for a payoff, but by the time the credits rolled, I was left wanting more… A reason to care maybe?
A film is more than the sum of it’s actors.
Two stars
Tuesday
Directed by Daina O. Pusić
Tuesday is could be the worst film I’ve seen this year if not for Sasquatch Sunset. An allegory about the inevitability of death that could be written by a third grader in crayon. The premise, initially kind of promising, quickly descends into incomprehensibility by the 45-minute mark. From there it never recovers, dragging itself to a merciful end only after testing the limits of my patience.
Dare I say it…like Jennifer Aniston, Julia Louis Dreyfus is a good actress with a face for TV. Attractive women too! And talented. I love Friends and I LOVE Veep, but whenever I see their faces in my ciney, I don’t know how to explain it… it’s just not quite right.
In its swallow commentaries on death, the movie ironically became death, destroyer of my afternoon.
One-and-a-half stars
