Pixar is one of the most innovative animation studios in the business. They know how to push boundaries with their ideas and films, without actually breaking through them. Inside Out is on the verge of breaking those boundaries. We’re used to seeing the G rated animated films that may have a sad moment or two throughout the whole thing (the opening sequence in ‘Up’, OH THE FEELS). But Inside Out is filled with so many up’s and down’s you’d think whoever wrote it was bipolar.
Amy Poehler does a great job as the main character Joy, the annoyingly cheerful and always positive aspect of a child’s brain. Her only goal is to make sure Riley (her human) has a happy life. Then there’s the other 4 emotions: Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black, who else?), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling). The casting was spot on for each character. Mindy Kaling’s Disgust was a wonderful portrayal of a child’s sassy attitudes and how can you go wrong with Lewis black as Anger? (Curse word button! PUSH IT!)
The story mainly revolves around Joy and Sadness, who have accidentally been removed from Headquarters (where Riley’s five emotions live and work) along with the core memories. Core memories are what make Riley, Riley. All of her core memories are happy ones which make up her personality lands, Hockeyland, Familyland, Friendshipland and Goofballland.
Once Joy is removed (and Sadness) the other three emotions start to wreak havoc on Riley’s emotions and her personality start to break apart. The journey back to Headquarters introduces new aspects of Riley’s mind, and it also begins to show you how Joy and Sadness are intertwined in making Riley happy.
Ryan: Inside out was a movie that I had heard great things about for a long time so I was really looking forward to seeing what Pixar had in store for us. However, once I got into the theater and the movie began, it didn’t live up to the hype. The introductions were nice but then they really only left you to get connected with 2 out of the 5 emotions. I would have liked to see more on how all the emotions interactions with each other were handled. Pixar does a great job of making this movie look stunning and you really can see the love they put into the animation in this film. The Cast as well exceeded my expectations with the voice acting. I am a little reserved when main stream actors take on voice over roles as I don’t want to be taken out of the film because I recognize their voice, but not once was I taken out of the story for this reason. I give Inside Out a 3 out of 5.
Marisa: The story is exciting and new. It’s not the same type of feel good movie that Pixar usually releases, but I thought it was still a brilliant take on this fresh idea. I definitely went into it expecting something quite different than what I got, but I was pleasantly surprised! The characters are entertaining and thought-provoking. The story line was impeccable. I really don’t have anything to complain about. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Serena: I really enjoyed Inside Out, it was emotional, funny and the perfect film for a feel good time. The casting was spot on for each character; I couldn’t even pick a favorite. Watching all of the emotions happening made me think about how I was as a child, and to me, it seemed pretty darn accurate. Let’s be honest, Disney Pixar can do no wrong. Inside Out does a perfect job of depicting what goes on in the minds of children (and the adults are hilariously accurate in my opinion). I’m giving Inside Out a 4 out of 5.
In the end we all agree, the film is a little more grown up than the light-hearted pictures Pixar is so well known for. It doesn’t seem fit for a child under 11, but it does have a PG rating, so it’s good for all ages. However it may be harder for a younger child to understand a lot of the story.
See it for yourself and tell us what you think! Find us on Twitter: @Cinema_Wise and Facebook: http://www.facebook.come/cinemawise
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