Well written and deserving of its critical praise

Rating: 8/10 (30 August 2015)

A very enjoyable, thought-provoking movie. Credit goes to the screenwriters for clearly setting up their imaginary world and juxtaposing between the reality of young Riley and the "reality" of her inner emotions. While the movie probably would be hard for kids to follow, I think it is terrific for teens and adults. Its message of the need for some sadness to make one appreciate the joy in life is pretty profound for any movie, let alone a "cartoon".
The animation of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust was particularly impressive. Notice how in some closeups of their faces there is a slight fuzziness and transparency, contrasting with the more solid forms of Riley's world. The sight gags and one-liners during the journey of Joy and Sadness to get back to "head"quarters were funny and clever but never pulled you out of the story.
I know Amy Poehler has gotten a lot of praise for her voice work on Joy but Phyllis Smith as Sadness stole the movie for me.
I will say my family didn't enjoy it as much as I did but I believe it deserves the praise it has gotten. Although it did drag a bit in places, I can certainly see it getting recognition during the awards season, not only for Best Animated Feature but also for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Director, Production Design and some other technical awards.
The short cartoon, Lava, shown before Inside Out was not the studio's best effort. Set to a Hawaiian story and told in song, it sounded like a leftover scene from Lilo and Stitch and went on about two verses too long.
Stick around for the early end credits of Inside Out. There are some priceless bits in there. Well done Disney and Pixar.