Movie Review: Inside Out

I often wonder about the real purpose about reviewing anything from Pixar, or for Disney, for that matter. I know the legions of fans will go in droves, anyone with grandkids or babysitting responsibilities will also find their way there as soon as possible.  Will I have an effect? And does anyone ever care? I even paid to see Cars 2. And, bucko, that theater was PACKED.

Why didn't this go straight to video? Why did we release it wide? Oh...merchandising...

And, yes, Pixar's done it again with a movie that's for adults...and children. It's amazing that Hollywood hasn't taken this formula and used it, you know, on things like original movies. Instead, they'd rather fall back on movies where they can promise a legion of nimrods who don't like to think during their movies.

But not Pixar. Strong storylines, full plots, amazing humor bits that fit in classic movies, all with very little violence or graphic details (okay, well, usually, I'm excusing you, The Incredibles).  In fact, when you think about companies like Pixar and Google and all the new ways they manage their businesses and the successes they experience, it's a wonder if no one in the business world has any ability to read. I don't even work in business. Yet I've read the articles. I know about their open-hours philosophies and due dates, the ability to bring your pets, the free food....all to keep minds open and juices open to The Next Big Thing.

And they create wonderfully original things with that energy, like Inside Out.

And Pixar is that big thing. I'm serious here. The entire movie is based on, get this, How Your Freegin' Brain Works. Completely droll topic made into vivid colors and a practical story takes an ordinary storyline and turns it into something epic. In this tale, very much like the Brain Control attraction at the former Wonders of Life pavilion, the five core emotions we all have (in differing measures--joy, sadness, disgust, anger, and fear) are at the helm of a 12 year old girl who is moving from Minneasota to San Francisco. A time of great potential (Joy is at the controls!) and possible diasters (Fear and Disgust!).  Of course, like all of these movies, hiccups occur and the young Riley finds herself at a crossroads--of growing up.

And she plays hockey! Oh, you betcha, those Minnesotans...

But the story is told with such tenderness about giving up the older experiences for newer ones is turned into a great presentation that allows each vocal talent to shine. Pixar hired five comedians/commediennes to fill out the roster and they swoon in their rolls. Anger, Napolean-short and firey-red, I mean, is played by Lewis Black. When is he not yelling during his stage persona?  Joy? She's played by Amy Poelher from Parks and Rec and she's exactly what you'd expect. Happy and motivating to everyone, even when the outlook is massively bleak. The real standout? Phyllis Smith from The Office. Her character, Sadness, is not really built for a joke or to be the blunt of one. However, her wit shines through (thank you writers Pete Docter and team) by showing why Sadness even exists in our hearts. And the deft vocals make you care for her and her plight.

Joy motivates, Sadness copes.

Is the movie a tear-jerker? Absolutely.  It also talks about how we use our emotions to flavor memory and how those memories build upon themselves, creating knowledge from their retention.  Yes. It's that complicated for a kids movie. But, being Disney/Pixar, they animate it and present it so slowly, that even the smallest kid might get something. And, also because it's Disney, they fashion an approachable story where two emotions, Sadness and Joy, find themselves locked out of the mind during a crisis and have to grapple with returning through the workings of Riley's inner being.  Apparently emotions can grow and change. Who knew?

I highly recommend a visit, even if you aren't a fan.