It's no secret that Pixar has been in a bit of a slump lately, or at least that's what the industry trade papers will tell you; I personally loved "Elemental." But come Friday, there will be no doubt that "Inside Out 2" will be a triumphant return to form for the studio. This sequel to the beloved 2015 original takes moviegoers on an emotional whirlwind as Riley's teenage mind is introduced to a myriad of new emotions.

JOY AND ANXIETY -- Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of freshly minted teenager Riley just as a new Emotion shows up unexpectedly. Much to Joy’s surprise, Anxiety isn’t the type who will take a back seat either. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler as Joy and Maya Hawke as Anxiety, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters Summer 2024.© 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

"Inside Out 2" picks up where the first film left off, with Riley now a teenager embarking with her two best friends on a weekend at hockey camp amidst her first bouts of puberty. The film's portrayal of this universal transitional period is relatable, insightful, and appropriately cringey (we've all been there).

One of the standout aspects of "Inside Out 2" is one of Riley's newest emotions, Anxiety. As someone who suffers from an abnormally high amount of anxiety, I found the betrayal of anxiety in the movie to be spot on and hilarious. The film does an excellent job of illustrating how anxiety can be both a protective mechanism and a source of immense distress. Throughout the movie, Anxiety believes that she is doing what is best for Riley and is helping her to "plan for the future," of course, by the end of the movie, we see quite vividly what happens when anxiety overpowers (or bottles up) other emotions.

EXPANDED HEADQUARTERS -- Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley, where headquarters expands to make room for new Emotions. Pictured from L-R: Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Embarrassment (voice of Paul Walter Hauser), Envy (voice of Ayo Edebiri), Anxiety (voice of Maya Hawke), Disgust (voice of Liza Lapira), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Fear (voice of Tony Hale) and Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith). Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters June 14, 2024. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

"Inside Out 2" is quite possibly in my top 5 Pixar movies of the last 15 years, blending humor, heart, and a touch of melancholy to create an entertaining and meaningful cinematic experience. By addressing the complexities of anxiety with empathy and insight, Pixar has once again demonstrated its ability to handle delicate subjects with grace. This film is not just a worthy sequel; it's a reminder of the power of our emotions to heal, inspire, and connect us all.