Inside Out: Family Movie Review
Inside Out is the third family summer movie I've seen this season with several others already lined up! Personally, the trailers didn't spark my interest, but my sons (yes BOTH of them!) wanted to see it. And, it IS Pixar which never lets me down- so off we went.
See my reviews for two other popular summer family films, Tomorrowland and Jurassic World.
Inside Out takes the audience on a journey through the human mind concentrating on feelings and how memories help shape our emotional state. While Joy (played by Amy Poehler) tries to stay in control, we quickly learn that our other emotions, Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), and Fear (Bill Hader), seep into all of our lives.
The story concentrates on Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), an eleven year old girl whose family just moved from Minnesota to San Francisco. No longer able to control her Sadness over the move, things go terribly wrong and throw all of Riley's feelings into a tizzy.
During the emotional havoc, the audience sees the inner-workings of the brain; how core memories
and long-term memories make up "Islands of Personality" that shape who we
are. We take a ride on the Train of Thought, visit Dream Production, and get lost in the subconscious, where our deepest fears are stored. (On a side note: if you don't have a fear of clowns before seeing this film, you may afterwards.)
Joy tries to remain optimistic as she and Sadness try to return to headquarters (cute pun), but, until Joy realizes that ALL emotions have a place in our lives, Riley's mood cannot be fixed. In other words, we need Sadness to feel Joy. Heavy stuff? You bet!
The film is highly creative (far be it for Pixar to come up with a typical story) and has great concepts. The cast is superb and there are definitely some giggles. However, overall the film's theme is depressing (expect some tears) and I'm not sure who Pixar's target audience was. Younger children will likely be bored. In fact, my 13-year old liked it much more than my 11-year old.
Inside Out is rated PG for mild thematic elements and some action/peril. My recommendation (sorry, Pixar) is to wait for it to come out on DVD.
Read my other Family Movie Reviews.
Seems to be interesting, but I'll wait for it to go on DVD.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting!
DeleteHey Nikki,
ReplyDeleteGreat review again! I finally saw Jurassic World lol, I liked it! I usually only go to the moives when we can but I love your reviews!! Inside out does look cute, I will admit i can not wait for the Minions Moive...
As always, thanks so much, Chris. Yes, who doesn't love Minions!
DeleteI was interested to see what you'd say about it. I was incredibly disappointed! Conor(38) fell asleep! My 5yo watched it but didn't yabber on continuously afterwards like he usually does and my 4yo kept complaining that it was boring. I wouldn't even recommend the DVD, wait until it comes out on tv!
ReplyDeleteYes, your children definitely too young to get much out of this film and Conor is not the only dad I've heard of that suffered from "shut-eye" during this film. However, I have many friends who claim their kids (various ages) loved it. I think the concept was interesting, but the execution not all that great.
DeleteThanks for reading and commenting! By the way, my review for this week (out of Friday) is better suited for your children's ages. Check back then!
Ya the concept was way over their heads! I have friends who got quite defensive about it when I z it was rubbish. I think it's either you love it or you hate it!
DeleteYes, I experienced the same attitudes, lol. But, as you know, I try to "stick to the facts" when it comes to my reviews, pointing out what parents need to know to determine if a film is suitable for their kids and why or why not. Enjoy your sons.
DeleteI loved it...but then, of course, I am a thirtysomething adult who has struggled with depression, so I think I got a lot more out of it than a small child would.
ReplyDeleteHi, Peace - thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yes, the concept was really too sophisticated for very young children, but I did like the message even if the deliver wasn't all that successful.
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