Review of Inside Out (2015) by Amine J — 12 Jan 2016

I almost don't know what to say. I was told this is in the front-running to really be Pixar's greatest yet; of course I was slightly dubious.

But I'm still awestruck. Inside Out is absolutely incredible - pacing, tone, story, characters (both human and emotional), message... The only thing I have to kind of complain about is the visual representation of the abstract parts of the way a brain works leaving like a couple stones unturned (but it's not enough to affect my overall opinion of the film). It really delivered.

I just loved it so much! The story is set up so quickly in an easy way to comprehend, so the inner workings of Riley's (the girl human main character) mind make sense as layers of new aspects of thinking kind of mix into the way the story progresses.

I think the shining triumph, and this is Pixar's strength in all their films, is that the film is such a stripped down concept of a person growing up and coming to grips with their feelings that it applies to every person. Adults see themselves in Riley's parents (and probably in Riley as well) and younger kids obviously are coming to terms with many of the same things we see Riley deal with throughout the film - so the concept really lends itself to being related to from almost all points of view.

The voice cast is stellar - Amy Poehler leads the charge like a champ and the casting is so extraordinarily appropriate and fitting that you don't question it ever while watching. A really well thought-out group to bring base emotions to life.

The lead-in short, Lava, also put me in a really emotional state before Inside Out began so it served as a really great primer for the emotional paces the feature presentation teed off with. A great short on its own as well!

I honestly can't put my enjoyment into words, Inside Out really is at least Top 3 in Pixar's catalog to date. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh through your tears from crying - the film really hits every base. Such a great return to form, really can't wait for The Good Dinosaur now, knowing what great development brought Inside Out to life.

Get your butt to that theater! Take everyone with you! Inside Out deserves your attention!