INSIDE OUT
Director: Pete Doctor
Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, and Richard Kind.
Rated PG for mild thematic elements and some action.
Pixar is known for delivering all-time animated classics, such as the Toy Story trilogy, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Up. There have been some recent missteps along the way (Cars 2, Brave), causing many to wait for Pixar to deliver yet another classic. It's here, people. Inside Out may be advertised as a kid-friendly family film, but in my opinion, it is one of the most adult family films I've seen and all the better for it.
Meet the emotions inside your head: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear. They are manning the controls of our minds, specifically that of a sweet young girl named Riley. Joy (Poehler) has been with Riley since the beginning, and she is determined to ensure Riley always stays happy. When Riley's parents move her to San Francisco, all of Riley's emotions are conflicted about what this could mean for Riley and her well-being.
I could go into more detail surrounding the plot and the adventure that awaits these emotions, but why spoil the surprises? This is one film you want to experience knowing as little as possible; it's that much fun. Pixar has always been known for delivering the absolute best in 3D animation, and Inside Out delivers on that promise. What often sets Pixar apart from other animation studios is its ability to conceptualize worlds that usually affect or are affected by the world we inhabit, e.g., the monsters in our closets or the childhood toys in our rooms. Inside Out may be the studio's most abstract concept yet, and therefore its riskiest, but it is executed with sheer creative brilliance.
Another frequent quality found in Pixar films is the excellent casting. Can you imagine Buzz and Woody without the voices of Tim Allen and Tom Hanks? How about Mike and Sulley without Billy Crystal and John Goodman, or Dori without Ellen DeGeneres? Add Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith to that impressive list as Joy and Sadness, respectively. The entire voice cast of emotions gets their own moment to shine, but it is Joy and Sadness that provide the most depth and insight.
What is most surprising about Inside Out is its extensive look into the human psyche. It may be presented in a way that is entertaining for children, but make no mistake, these themes and concepts are very mature. Adults watching the film will be taken back to their childhood and the different phases of life, and how they coped with those phases emotionally. What else is surprising is the film's recognition that all of our emotions help make us who we are, that even Sadness, Fear, and Anger are necessary for our emotional well-being. Seriously, this is genius stuff here.
Usually when it comes to animated family films, the question most asked is, "Is it worth taking my kids to see?" The simple answer is, "Yes!" But truthfully, kids or no kids, go see this film because it is one of 2015's absolute best.
RATING: A+
Are you seeing Inside Out this weekend? What are your favorite Pixar films? Comment below!
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