Inside Out 2 – rated PG
***

Inside Out 2 is a delightful family friendly sequel to the popular 2015 animated Pixar film Inside Out. The film was directed by Kelsey Mann and written by Mann, Dave Holstein and Oscar nominee Meg LeFauve (Inside Out).
Riley is now 13 years old, and a good ice hockey player on her middle school team. When their team wins the championship, Roberts, the high school coach invites Riley and her two friends Grace and Bree to a three-day high school hockey camp. A good showing could earn them a spot on the RedHawks high school team.
But, on the morning that she is to leave for the hockey camp, Riley begins feeling the effects of puberty – she smells her body odor, her face is breaking out and she is extremely irritable with her parents.
Riley is in awe of Valentina, the RedHawks star player. As she goes to the camp the puberty emotions – Anxiety, Envy, Ennui (Boredom), and Embarrassment – especially Anxiety, kick in. In fact, Anxiety, takes over the Control Room in Riley’s brain from her other emotions Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. Over the three days of the camp, Riley and her emotions are torn between befriending and impressing Valentina, and being loyal to her friends.
Throughout the film, her emotions battle for control of Riley’s personality.
The film was very creative and includes positive messages. Unlike much of Disney’s recent releases, the film doesn’t include any woke content.
We would recommend the film for ages 8 and older.
Note from my wife ~ The movie places a huge focus on Riley’s core beliefs. In the context of the film, those core beliefs are about what she thinks of herself, and are not impacted by her parents, church, teachers, etc.  So she has a bunch of memories (good and mostly bad) and forms her own beliefs about herself from these memories.