Movie Review – Inside Out

When Disney/Pixar releases a new animated film, people notice. Especially if their name is mom or dad.

So, when trailers for Inside Out started floating around the inter webs, there was a collective “yippee” in the minds of thousands of parents everywhere. Chance are, that “yippee” came from the mouth of one inner voice – Joy.

“Joy” is just one of five characters/emotions we get to know in Inside Out. She’s joined by Anger, Disgust, Fear and Sadness. Depending on what the situation calls for, one of those 5 stand at the “helm” of HQ – the nerve-center of the emotions for one young human girl named Riley.

Inside Out is smart. Honestly, a lot smarter than many other animated films, including early ones from Disney/Pixar. In part, because it’s deeper than most. Yes, there’s the laughter, innuendo and slapstick you’ve come to expect from a Pixar flick, but there’s more to it than that. Even though they are portrayed in a cartoonish fashion, they’re very real, and portrayed that way. Even (maybe especially) sadness.

Because of that, this movie isn’t all laughs. In fact, there’s two, maybe three places during the film where it’s an outright downer. Those are listed as Peetimes. However, don’t run away if you don’t have to, as those times handle the very honest reality that our emotions, even the less popular ones, have a very real, and very important purpose.

And, of course, by the time it’s all over, lessons have been learned, hearts are warmed and there’s hugs all around, even for those who may feel a little angry, fearful or downright sad.

Grade: A-

About The Peetimes: This movie isn’t all laughs. It deals with the entire range of emotions and sadness plays a big part of that. The 2nd and 3rd peetimes are both sad scenes, which may or may not be good peetimes for you. Note: There is a short movie (8 minutes long) that runs prior to the main movie. If you use the Timer then start it running the 1st time you see the Pixar logo fade out. Basically we consider the short to be a part of the movie so you can start the Timer and forget about it. #1 This peetime is almost all dialog. #2 A depressing segment that won’t hurt to miss. #3 Another emotionally depressing scene that won’t hurt to miss.

There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Inside Out. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (PG: for mild thematic elements and some action)
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Buy the movie from Amazon.com on DVD or Blu Ray