Review: Inside Out

Inside Out marks a return to form for Pixar after a string of sequels. The film is brimming with ideas, like any good Pixar film. What makes Inside Out exceptional is that those ideas have emotional resonance behind them that is powerful enough to change the way people think about the way they feel. The film has big things going on in it but it also has a perfect balance for kids and adults alike of humor and adventure.

In it's opening few minutes, Pete Docter and company establish a simple scenario that holds within it deep complexity. The film's protagonists are living versions of emotions inside the head of Riley, an 11-year-old girl. Sadness, Joy, Anger, Fear and Disgust represent every emotional response Riley has to the events around her. Joy holds the control most of the time but when conflict arises, negotiations may end in one of the other emotions taking over.

This is deep, emotionally rich setup allows Docter and his co-writers to take us on an adventure inside Riley's mind that is constantly connected to her emotional development. There are so many clever side jokes and ideas inside of what is essentially a journey home type story. The production of dreams is handled in a particularly brilliant sequence. Attentive eyes will be rewarded with some great posters for dream productions, including "I Can Fly!" 

The cast is stellar featuring wonderful work by Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling and Lewis Black. It is Phyllis Smith as Sadness that steals the show many times. Her performance embodies a type of sadness you can't help feeling something for. 

Ideas like personality islands, core memories, and the Train of Thought are what make Inside Out such a memorable experience. Like many Pixar films, there is a smart balance of creativity and emotional resonance. Docter and company have a lot they are trying to say in this film. I think they achieve it in spades. Inside Out is a rare film that can change how you feel about yourself and others. It is a triumph from a studio that has had many outstanding efforts. Inside Out is simply one of the best Pixar films ever. 

5/5