​FILMS

inside out

2015 review number 86:

Inside Out: (Animation/Comedy/Drama): 95 out of 100: When Pixar came along in 1995 with its first animated feature in Toy Story, it was a breath of fresh air seeing those computer generated images that provided more characterisation and engaging storylines than their real life counterparts. Over a 20 year period, we've been spoilt with such endearing Pixar films as the Toy Story trilogy, Up, Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo. Inside Out is Pixar at its best. It's a film about emotions that actually make the viewer experience a gamut of emotions while seeing it. 

 

Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is a happy 11 year old girl who moves with her mum (Diane Lane) and her dad (Kyle MacLachlan) from Minnesota to San Francisco. In the initial scenes we are introduced to the five key emotions in her thought processes - Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Bill Hader) and Disgust (Mindy Kaling). They play a key role in shaping Riley's character and control the 'action' in headquarters with Joy being the principal controller, hence Riley's sunny nature. There are also the core memories that run through her mind. When Sadness touches one of these, Riley's personality is altered and the parallel story sees how she has become disenchanted with the move to a new city. The islands that represent her interests and emotional well-being such as hockey, family, goofball and friendship become affected as a result of the changes within her mind. Joy and Sadness are no longer in control and must get back to headquarters to ensure that no harm is done to Riley.

 

What a clever, creative and inventive film this is! It's just so refreshing to encounter a plot like this where we explore the inner workings of one's mind. The two stories in one aspect where we see Riley's struggles along with her emotions engaging in conversation plus their adventures ensures that we are on a roller coaster with these characters, experiencing life's ups and downs. There's laughs, suspense and even tears. The characters are so involving that you actually forget that they're not real. 

 

The voice cast is fabulous, especially Riley's emotions where each one capably demonstrates the emotion they are portraying. Another key character is Bing Bong, an imaginary friend that Riley had as a toddler. He is a cross between an elephant, dolphin and fairy floss and is voiced by Richard Kind. There's a lot of laughs to be had when he speaks and cries those candy tears while he is helping Joy and Sadness get back to Headquarters. 

 

Michael Giacchino provides the soaring music score which represents the emotional roller coaster ride that the characters experience. With John Williams in semi-retirement, Giacchino is fast becoming my favourite composer. It's interesting to note that his favourite composer is John Williams so there is the Williams influence in his music. 

 

There's a lot of movement and action to keep children entertained. The animation is first class and indicative of Pixar's renowned quality of work. If you have been impressed with Pixar's back catalogue, Inside Out won't be letting you down. It's definitely a movie that adults and children will savour and enjoy. It is such a unique and exhilirating experience that it makes you fully appreciate the wonders of cinema. 

 

Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan

(94 minutes)

Parental advice: Mild themes

Additional scene during or after the credits: Yes, during the credits we see inside the head of a clown, cat, dog, school teacher, school bus driver and one of the cool kids at Riley’s school. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkBSRadEv8A (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd June, 2015)

 

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