Inside Out
Rating: 4/5
By: Nathaniel Simpson
Have you ever wondered what was going on inside your head? Ever wondered why you feel certain ways about certain things? If only it was so easy to distinguish these emotions and feelings that we have and be able to explain them so precisely. Director Pete Docter and Pixar decide to explore these feelings that everybody faces, and tells a beautiful story about growing up and dealing with those feelings and emotions we must inevitably face in "Inside Out". Not only is this film just another fun and incredibly enjoyable Pixar film, but it really pulls on the heartstrings by making it so relatable for millions of viewers around the world.
The film revolves around the emotions residing in the head of 11-year-old Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) - Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Bill Hader), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling). The five emotions all work together (for the most part) to make Riley, well, Riley. However, when Riley is unexpectedly uprooted and moved to San Francisco, the emotions are all in for a shell-shock as they have no clue what to expect. At the same time, Sadness is feeling left out in the decisions made for Riley, causing her to accidentally wreak havoc around the control room in Riley's mind.
When a freak occurrence happens, Sadness and Joy are sucked out of the control room, and forced to go into the depths of Riley's head with no clear way on how to return. Along the way, they meet Riley's old imaginary friend Bing Bong (Richard Kind) who helps them try to get back to where they need to be. But, will they make it back in time with the other three emotions controlling Riley?
This movie is Pixar doing what it does best - telling an engaging and energetic movie for the whole family to enjoy while injecting messages that many viewers can relate to. I mean, look at the story. It's revolving around these emotions that everyone has, and how they all function to make someone who they are. In Riley's case, Joy is the so-called "leader" of the pack, making sure Riley is happy all the time and tries to limit the effect the other emotions have. Already in the first ten minutes, this paints the picture of how hard people try to be happy when maybe they should have let themselves feel the other emotions they needed to.
From there, the writing and directing is so crips and concise for the most part. We really start to see the psyche Riley has and the influence the emotions have on her and her wellbeing. When someone is devoid of joy, it takes a major effect on them, which is shown through Riley's emotional character development throughout the movie. Docter does an amazing job of translating this onto the silver screen, and really captures not only the main message the film is trying to convey, but the childlike essence behind it too.
In terms of the story development and moving from point A to point B, I feel like there is a few instances where the film slows down considerably and seems stuck. There are moments I wish moved a little bit faster, and it seems like the movie sort of meanders throughout the middle until we get to the part where Joy and Bing Bong find themselves in the Memory Dump, which is perhaps one of the saddest moments in modern Pixar films. I also wish there was a bigger climax towards the end of the film, as I feel like the lack of a big climax seems more of a letdown towards the conclusion of the film.
The animation is absolutely beautiful and stellar, like always. If anything, Disney should really pride themselves on how beautiful their animation and style truly is. I mean, their stories and films are usually always spot-on and make for some great motion pictures, but you can literally photograph any frame of this film to hang on your wall. Disney and Pixar have always been on their A-game in terms of animation, and they simply prove again how they have the best animation and effects in the world.
In terms of the performances here, I think the ensemble cast does a really good job. Poehler is perfect as this upbeat, constantly joyous character that may seem a little bit much at times. Smith is fantastic as Sadness, able to perfectly use that sad-sounding drawl to make her character seem like it is in an eternal hell. Hader, Kaling, and Black are also hilarious when they need to be, but I simply wish they had a much bigger presence in this film. They were great characters that could have been expanded on, but they sacrifice that for more character development on the other two emotions. I will say though - Bing Bong is perhaps the fan favorite here. His character is just so wonderful, and Kind's voice just elevates his character past the animation and the writing for him. Kind has such a sincerity in his voice when lending it to this popular character, one that will remain with viewers for a very long time.
"Inside Out" is just another example to prove how Pixar is great at being on top of their game with these instant-classic animated films. Not only is this movie such a feast for the eyes and tells an entertaining story with fun characters, but it paints these complex messages and themes beautifully for the audience. Sure it may have its flaws, but it will definitely leave you with a tear in your eye as it concludes.
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