Wonderful Film With Some Hardcore Emotions, Certainly Worth Seeing

Rating: 8/10 (29 June 2015)

It should come as no surprise to any movie-goer that Pixar has created a film that takes a thought-provoking topic and presents them in a way that is both entertaining and emotional. Inside Out explores the idea that our actions are controlled by our emotions, which are determined based on the opinions of tiny, energy comprised characters in our heads. More than that, Inside Out looks into one of the most difficult points in a person's life: pre-pubescence. More accurately, it looks into what life is like at that transition when we are no longer children, but just starting to become the ball of uncontrollable emotions that is a teenager. Personally I found the film to be quite relate-able, and I think most can connect with it in some way. It looks at a time in life where we are all vulnerable, when emotions aren't as black and white as they used to be. Inside Out helps us recall that move, or that transition, that change that spurned a new era in our life, whatever that change or era might be. The animation is also visually stunning, with Pixar animating a world they have yet to explore, that being our own reality. However with such an expansive world, the animation can at times be spotty, although there were no noticeable imperfections within the mind of the main character Riley. Because Riley is an eleven year old girl, audience members over the age of 10 have a better chance of connecting with her story. That is perhaps the films greatest flaw, for most go into a Pixar movie (or most animated movies) assuming that it will be clean family fun that will entertain children of any age. While Inside Out is entertaining for most everyone and appropriate for all ages to see, the content is a little heavy and might go over some younger children's heads, especially because the story centers around a time in life when most are about 12. There are several slow parts in the movie and even with all the laughs, one does tend to walk out of the theater with a sense of melancholy rather than that of pure laughter. It's a wonderful film and brings many great emotions to life, both on screen and off, but if you're looking for simple family fun just to make your kids laugh, there are other options. Hold onto this movie though, and if you're the parent of a teenager than I guarantee this movie will make you cry. I know I did. All in all though I think that with this movie, Pixar has captured that old magic and put some new spins on their classic formula, making for a meaningful, heartfelt film.