Inside Out is possibly one of the most complex movies Pixar has produced to date, directed by one half of the duo that brought us the film UP. We get a story about emotions, letting go and growing older. With plenty of lessons for kids and adults too. Let's dig in.
To say Inside Out is ambitious is an understatement. It is the second Pixar film to have a female lead after the Brave, the first Pixar film to have multiple female leads. The first two have two separates leads in the same story, where one is not aware of the other lead (physically anyhow).
Partly inspired by the director Pete Doctor's own experience with his daughter who went through an emotional change when they relocated, Inside Out tells the tale of Riley and her five personalised emotions Anger, Joy, Sadness, Fear and Disgust.
This film tackles complex issues like emotional intelligence, accepting loss, accepting difference, accepting change and learning to be assertive and its a kids movie!?
The winning formula we've seen in most of Pixar films is evident in Inside Out 1. the reluctant buddy quest - this time the quest is made by the emotion Joy and Sadness to get back to Head Quarters of the emotional seat
2. Inventive animation. Here Pixar shows off, from Joy's glow, to the Imaganation lab, to the different worlds and characters we meet.
3. The jokes. Pixar are masters at creating gags that cater to kids and parents. Some jokes have metaphors that kids won't get but as an adult will have you rolling on the floor.
4. The big idea. From Toy Story to Up there's always been a great idea behind the story that kids can take away - whether it be the bonds of friendship, or learning to be brave, or learning to persevere, taught in an engaging manner.
Inside Out delivers on all 4 points and more, it's complex in a sense that it's not just kids who struggle with emotions but even adults too, not all of us have learned to negotiate our emotions well or recognise the value of each or are assertive.
So if you want to laugh and to be made to reflect on life while eating your popcorn check this one out.
Rating *****
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index
* Junk **Almost bearable ***Now we cooking **** Almost perfect ***** Classic
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