inside-out

I’m having difficulty putting into words the experience that is Inside Out. It’s an amazing film set in an incredibly inventive environment. Once again, Pixar has done what very few studios can do, at least at the consistency that they do. They are once again able to create a world and film that entertains the young audience while it offers a completely emotional, refreshing experience for the adults in the audience.

Inside Out is a story that takes place mostly in the head of pre-teen Riley, as she traverses some major changes in her young life. In a completely imaginative world, we are introduced to Riley’s emotions, personified by characters Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust. When things become chaos in her head and Joy and Sadness become displaced, Riley feels the effects on the outside, as she sinks into a depression that is uncharted territory for her as a usually happy kid.

The film, like many other Pixar movies before it, is an incredibly adult concept. What goes over the head of the children that will sit down to watch this film is the deeper meaning of the world around Riley, and inside Riley, too, as she starts to grow out of being a carefree child. Pixar knows how to yank those heartstrings, and Inside Out is no different. Even as a childless adult, I can’t help but feel for Riley and hope for her to get back to her old self, but what’s interesting about the film is that Riley never goes back to the way she once was. Sure, she gets happy once again, but once Joy and Sadness have their own adventure, she’s a different person and she’s grown all her own. The parts inside her head are equal parts a unique adventure and a smart discussion of growing up and allowing yourself to feel all the emotions that comes with life.

I really can’t put into words more than I already have about how fantastic this movie is. It’s Pixar at its best and that’s saying a lot. Give it a watch and try not to cut onions when Bing Bong comes on screen.