Pixar Originality

Rating: 9/10 (20 June 2015)

One of the things that always stood out about Pixar films was the originality of the concept. Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, all such wonderful concepts that tickled the imagination of both kids and adults. In recent years, it seemed they had lost the touch - Cars 2, Monsters University and even Brave - while all not terrible films, it seemed that Pixar had lost a bit of their original flair.
Inside Out brings us back to the Pixar of old with a wonderful telling of life changes and handling emotions. Fear, Joy, Anger, Disgust and Sadness are the main characters who occupy our brains and rule our actions with their responses.
As the trailers summaries, we see the story of Riley - who is an eleven year old girl who mostly has joyful experiences and thus Joy is the primary character in her head. We see that other emotions get a part but Sadness mostly is ignored and is pushed to the side. Then we see how things change when they family move to San Francisco. This is when drama occurs and Joy and Sadness get sucked away from HQ and have to find their way back.
The concept of the emotions in the HQ are wonderful but the whole world of the brain, memories, imagination and thinking are both clever and wonderful. We see how Riley can so easily change without a balance of emotions which can result in change in her memories, her personality and her actions.
I don't want to go to much further in detail as it will spoil the story telling but it is very well thought out and has many clever layers to the characters and concepts. This is where I think it might be too clever - I was surprised kids lasted as long as they did and I suspect some of the concepts might be to much for the younger crowed. There are numerous funny parts, colourful visuals and comic actions to keep them occupied but overall, the movie feels it might be more suited to pre-teens rather than the younger crowds. Joy and Sadness's journey comes with some revelations which aren't complex but I really think the older group will understand and appreciate the full meaning.
One other thing I found was that the film was perhaps fifteen minutes too long - the journey and its lessons could have been completed a little quicker and I found myself thinking "come on" when it got extended yet again. Again, I'm surprised kids didn't get a little rowdier in the slower parts. The ending was touching and rounded out the movie nicely. I particularly liked seeing into other peoples (and animals) heads - it pulled good laughs while still being cute.
Overall, the film is fantastic but it is a touch too long and the target audience may not fully appreciate it however I am sure the many parents taking their kids to this movie will. Inside Out is beautiful visually and shows a wonderfully original concept told with a lot of heart so I think its minor flaws will be mostly forgiven and many people will gain a lot of enjoyment out of this film.