Pixar’s Inside Out 3 released last Friday, and I was there at the 7 PM showing. The first two films are masterpieces, so expectations were sky-high. Does it deliver? Mostly yes, with a few stumbles. Let’s talk about it—no major spoilers, I promise.
The New Emotion: Anxiety’s Friend Envy
The big addition this time is Envy, voiced by Awkwafina. She’s green, slimy, and constantly comparing everything to others. The concept is brilliant—Envy represents the social media age’s impact on Riley, now 16. There’s a scene where Envy takes over the console while Riley scrolls through Instagram, and it’s painfully relatable. Awkwafina nails the voice—annoying in a way that makes you laugh. But here’s my issue: Envy doesn’t get enough screen time. The film focuses more on Anxiety (still voiced by Maya Hawke) and a new conflict. I wanted more Envy.
The Story: Growing Up in the Digital Age
Riley is now in high school, dealing with social media pressure and a new friend group. The plot involves an “Imagination Land” that’s been overrun by algorithm-generated ideas. It’s a clever metaphor for how algorithms shape our thoughts. The emotional beats work—there’s a scene in a “Memory Dump” that made me cry. But the middle act drags a bit. The film feels longer than it is at 105 minutes. Some subplots, like a side quest with Bing Bong’s return, feel forced. Still, the ending is powerful and earned.
The Animation: Stunning as Always
Pixar’s animation is next-level. The new Emotion HQ has a sleek, tech-inspired look with neon colors. The “Memory River” sequence is gorgeous—like a psychedelic water ride. The character animation is expressive, especially Envy’s slimy movements. I saw it in 4DX, and the seat vibrations during the climax were intense. If you can, see it in a premium format. The sound design is also top-notch—Michael Giacchino’s score is emotional without being manipulative.
Where It Falls Short
The film tries to do too much. It juggles Riley’s social media life, a new romantic subplot, and the internal conflict in HQ. The result is a bit messy. Some characters, like Anger, get sidelined. Sadness has a great moment, but it’s brief. The film also leans heavy on nostalgia for the first two movies—there are callbacks that feel forced. And the climax, while emotional, feels rushed. I wanted more resolution for Riley’s arc.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching
Inside Out 3 is a solid sequel, but not as good as the first. It’s better than Inside Out 2, which I found too derivative. For fans of the series, it’s a must-watch. For newcomers, start with the original. The film handles teen anxiety and social media with surprising nuance. My 14-year-old niece loved it—she said it “gets” her generation. I’d give it a 7.5/10. Go in with moderate expectations, and you’ll enjoy it. Pixar still knows how to make you feel, even if they’re not breaking new ground.
