Pixar's new animated feature, "Inside Out 2," now the highest-grossing film worldwide this year, opened in China last weekend and has been well received due to its entertaining and educational values. 

A cutout board installation featuring all the animated characters from "Inside Out 2" is placed at The Walt Disney Grand Theatre for its China premiere, which took place at the Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, June 14, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios]

The film has amassed an impressive $728.6 million in just two weeks since its June 14 release, surpassing "Dune: Part Two" ($711 million).

It raked in a massive $154.2 million in its North American opening and set a record-breaking second-weekend tally of $101.2 million, accumulating a staggering 10-day North American total of $356.4 million. This outstanding performance makes "Inside Out 2" only the seventh film in history to earn $100 million in its second weekend and sets the record for the best second weekend ever for an animated movie. The box office earnings from other markets, including China, have been equally impressive, totaling $372 million so far. 

The film, which boasts the involvement of 150 experienced animators, marking the biggest scale ever for a Pixar film, has garnered widespread critical acclaim, achieving a Fresh certification on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film's visuals, cast, and clever storytelling, resulting in a score of 91% from 256 reviews. Additionally, it has received an "A" rating on CinemaScore and 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Directed by Kelsey Mann, the smash-hit animated sequel introduces a new host of emotions to the "head"-quarters as the story's young heroine, Riley, transitions into her teenage years. The film sees the return of the beloved characters Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, as they grapple with the arrival of new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. Amy Poehler leads the voice cast, including Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, and more.

Pete Docter, chief creative officer of Pixar and director of the first film, said that "Inside Out" has "continued to be part of the conversation" since its release nearly a decade ago, which led to the sequel's creation.

"We hear from people saying, 'This movie changed the way I think about parenting,' or 'The way I understand my own existence,' and like, whoa, that's pretty heavy for a cartoon. Maybe there's more to be done with this world?" Docter explained. "So, we tapped Kelsey Mann, who directed 'Inside Out 2,' to think along the lines of the first movie, but in a different direction."

Director Mann expressed his keen interest in directing "Inside Out 2," stating that his hope for the film, which introduces new emotions such as Anxiety, is to "tell a story that makes some teenagers' lives much easier."

"Inside Out 2" opened in China on June 21 and grossed over 75.13 million yuan ($10 million) on its first weekend. The film held a grand premiere at Shanghai Disney Resort on June 14, resonating closely with Chinese audiences, both adults and teenagers. The Chinese version's voice cast includes movie star Guan Xiaotong and comedian Li Xueqin.

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