Pixar’s latest masterpiece “Inside Out 2” has been making waves, and as a Pixar enthusiast, I had to see it on the big screen. You might remember the first “Inside Out” as a charming exploration of childhood emotions. However, its sequel takes an audacious leap into the teenage years, delving even deeper into the complexities of growing up.

This time, Riley, our beloved protagonist, is navigating the tumultuous waters of puberty. She’s thriving in her new home, excelling in hockey, and enjoying life with her best friends. But, naturally, adolescence ushers in new and chaotic emotions. We’re reintroduced to Joy (Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith), but they now have company — a fresh array of emotions including Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) and Envy (Ayo Edebiri). The portrayal of an anxiety attack, especially for a children’s movie, stood out as one of the most authentic depictions I’ve ever seen.

The movie has been lauded for all its achievements, reflected in its impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. But what truly enchanted me was the delightful surprise of Lance Slashblade, a character that hilariously pays homage to classic RPGs like Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. Picture this: Riley’s mind dungeon, home to her deepest secrets, introduces us to this character who looks like a relic from a PlayStation 2 game, complete with overly dramatic lighting and a monologue. Lance Slashblade is voiced by gaming veteran Yong Yea, known for his roles in “Persona 3 Reloaded” and “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.” His attempt to rescue the other emotions with a feeble spin-dash attack had the entire theater — and me — in stitches.

This whimsical addition made me nostalgic and wistful for what the “Wreck-It Ralph” sequel could have been. Instead of leaning into internet memes, a dive into the world of home consoles and RPGs could have added rich layers to the franchise, much like Lance did for “Inside Out 2.”

We eagerly await its streaming release on Disney Plus, speculated to be around September, three months post its theatrical debut. When you finally get to watch it, share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Which character delighted you the most, and did you spot any other Easter eggs?

Source: Tom’s Guide