A number of other blogs that I’ve read said that Inside Out might very well be their favorite Pixar movie. And I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed. I don’t know that I would rank it as my #1 (there are so many great Pixar movies!) but it’s definitely towards the top – probably in my top 3.
Pixar seems to be at its strength when it takes a unique perspective on things. They ask what if questions, like “What if your toys came to life when you weren’t in the room?” or “What if the monsters in your closet were actually nice guys just trying to earn a living?” And now: “What if your emotions literally controlled you by sitting at a control panel and pushing buttons?”
The film is about the emotions inside the head of an 11 year old girl named Riley: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. They work together to create Riley’s reactions and store her memories. After Riley’s family moves across the country, her core memories (the things that make her who she is) get lost and Joy and Sadness must work together to get them back to her. I won’t say anything else besides that because I don’t want to spoil anything.
The thing that makes this movie really great for me was that it is just so clever. The idea is so original, but aside from that there are all sorts of little jokes or references that tie in well. They had a lot of laugh out loud funny moments. Like the workers going through the memories to decide which ones to get rid of – “All the names of the presidents? Just keep Washington, Lincoln, and the fat one.”
The emotion of the movie was just so well balanced too. And I don’t mean the emotion characters – though those work well together. I mean that it has the right amount of laughter, happy moments, sad moments, and things that make you think. There were a couple of parts where I teared up a bit, but many more that had me giggling throughout. I heard some people say they cried a lot, but thankfully I didn’t find that to be the case at all. The amount of tears and laughter was just right.
The actors they chose to do the voice work were pretty much perfect for their parts. I adore Amy Poehler on Parks and Rec, and she has a similar sort of bubbly over the top happy personality here as Joy. Phyllis Smith has the gloomy voice of Sadness down perfectly, while still being somewhat lovable. Everyone else just fit perfectly, and they worked together as a great team.
I don’t want to spoil it, but I also really loved the lesson at the end. What Joy and Sadness come to learn, along with the others, is just really moving and a great thing to keep in mind.
There is a short before the movie called Lava, about a volcano looking for love. I thought it was all right, but I found it to be a bit cheesy. I think the shorts really have their strength when they tell a story without words, and while I don’t think that’s required this one narrated the entire tale through song.
In all honesty, I don’t know if I can find any fault with this movie. It’s the perfect balance of emotions and everything flows perfectly. It’s a beautiful film and if you haven’t seen it yet, you certainly should!
I really enjoyed this movie too! A great way to explain emotions to 5 – 8 year olds, I think.
Yeah, that’s a really good point. I love the fact that it seemed to be a movie that was equally enjoyable for kids as adults.
Newsday gave it four stars and called it “Absolutely brillant.”
I. Loved. This. Movie. I was definitely in the camp with those that cried a lot, but that didn’t make it a bad experience for me at all. I am a crier by nature, so that’s just the way I roll. 😉 This movie is seriously so good, and I think there is something to love for everyone! PS: I agree about Lava. I thought it was cute, but Paperman and Feast are the BEST shorts I’ve seen so far!
I love a movie that can make me laugh and make me cry but still make me feel good when I leave. Those are the best kinds of movies! And I totally agree about Paperman and Feast – I also liked the one with the two umbrellas (I forget what it was called).
Thanks for the great review. Can’t wait to take my son to see this .
I hope you both love it!
I took my 10 year old sister to see this movie and we loved it! She actually learned a lot from it and I’ve even heard that few schools in my area are going to use it as an example when it comes out on DVD. It’ll be for reference to understand their emotions and how they work. The ending was SO good and I’m glad it came full circle like that! Great review 🙂
Kalee
I think that would be awesome if schools can tie the movie in to teaching. It really is so important for kids to learn about and understand their emotions!
Still have to go see this movie! I’ve heard such amazing reviews from everyone!
Yes, absolutely go see it!
Lol, agree with all your comments. The mountain short clip was too much, that song just went on and on and on. I also was one who thought it had a good mixture, but my hubby thought it was just too sad! Good review =)
Haha we definitely think alike! Thank you 🙂
I so wanted to take my daughter to see this movie. But they only played it one time at are on base movie theater and it was PACKED. So we are waiting for it to come out on DVD to order. Thank you for letting me know it’s worth watching. She is so in love with Pixar especially Wall-E
Oh yeah if she likes Pixar she will love this one. Definitely worth purchasing when the DVD comes out!
The Lava short scared my son, it was too loud when it grew/exploded. We loved the movie, too!
Aww, I didn’t even think of that! That could be rather scary. How was he with the clown in Inside Out?