courtesy of Pixar Animation

First let me tell you that I adore Pixar movies. I can’t think of a single one that I haven’t liked. Inside Out is no exception.

Inside Out is the latest Disney/Pixar movie to hit the big screen. Directed by Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen, the movie follows Riley, a young girl guided by her emotions, seen here as characters voiced by Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, and Mindy Kaling.

We first meet Riley as a newborn. It is also when the audience is introduced to her first emotion: Joy (Amy Poehler). Her first laugh brings Joy into her heart and Joy helps Riley see the positive in most situations. As she grows, other feelings start showing up, including Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). They work together to get Riley through her day-to-day life.

After Riley experiences a big change, moving from her Midwest home to San Francisco, her emotions begin to argue about the best way to navigate the situation.

Now, there will be some spoilers, so be advised.

courtesy of Pixar Animation

After the big move Sadness starts getting uncontrollable urges to touch Riley’s memories (represented visually as little glowing orbs). Joy comes up with creative ways to keep Sadness out of the way, believing that Riley should never be sad. Despite their efforts, Sadness continues to try and touch Riley’s core memories, the memories that make up who she is, which leads to an accident where Joy and Sadness are sucked from headquarters and deposited in long-term memory. This epic journey through Riley’s mind bonds the two and teaches Joy the importance of emotional balance.

Balance is what sets this movie apart from all the other summer blockbusters. Stunning visuals and fun action sequences don’t smother out an original script. The story is unique and interesting with rich, clever dialog and well-developed characters.

courtesy of Pixar Animation

This is a story of growing up. It is something we can all relate to in some way. I hope it will help children understand their feelings and better understand that we all have different things guiding us.

I will say it again, I adored this movie!  Overall I think Pixar hit it out of the park again with this one. It has the creativity and emotional complexity Pixar has demonstrated through previous films like Up and Monster’s Inc. I suggest you take a few hours to listen to the little voices inside your head and watch this movie.

Hilary Joyner
Contributor
@cutiecameras