Pixar delights again

Rating: 9/10 (25 June 2015)

I had been looking forward to Inside Out for years. Pixar is my favorite animation studio, Pete Docter is my favorite Pixar director, and I love Amy Poehler's acting. Consequently, I expected much from Inside Out--and I'm happy to say those expectations were met.
The story follows 11-year old Riley Henderson (Kaitlyn Dias), whose life turns upside down when her family suddenly moves from Minnesota to San Francisco. But the story doesn't focus on Riley; rather, it focuses on the emotions inside her head. It's a bold concept and could have easily backfired, but Pixar pulls the film off with stunning flair.
The voice actors fit their roles perfectly. Amy Poehler exudes optimism and excitability as Joy; she's perkier than Leslie Knope, and that's saying something. The Office alumni Phyllis Smith and Mindy Kaling are terrific as Sadness and Disgust, respectively; Sadness makes Eeyore pale in comparison and Disgust is a disgruntled fashionista. Lewis Black is a riot as Anger and SNL's Bill Hader is a pleasant surprise as Fear.
Visually this movie is flawless, featuring gorgeous colors and beautiful backgrounds.
And the writing, as you'd expect from Pixar, is top-notch. It's funny, heartbreaking, and original.
My only complaint (and it is minor) is that Pixar perhaps tried to cram too many ideas.
Inside Out should be a shoo-in for best animated feature of 2015. I wouldn't be surprised to see it break the ultimate glass ceiling either--first animated feature to win Best Picture.