Eleven-year-old Riley is moving from her Midwestern home to the big city of San Francisco in the new film Inside Out. As any big move would, it becomes a catalyst for a variety of challenges for the normally happy, and the emotions inside of Riley’s head are pushed into action. It is in this film that we see what really makes Riley tick, through characters brought to the screen representing Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust.
A new home in a new city with new friends only serves to enhance these emotions that have been with Riley since her earliest days. Joy was first to arrive, but the others soon joined, and all five make up the girl Riley is today.
There are memories stored — ready to be recalled at a moment’s notice — to help keep Riley joyful. Joy rules the roost inside Riley, trying to keep the peace. But this move has not been easy for Riley.
First the moving van didn’t arrive. Then, Dad started to get pulled away by work more than he ever was when they lived in the Midwest. Even the food is foreign to Riley — broccoli on pizza?!
As Riley continues to struggle with the results of the move, Joy creatively attempts to maintain order.
But when Sadness gets her hands on things, both Joy and Sadness end up in the recesses of Riley’s head. Together they must work with imaginary friend Bing Bong to get back to headquarters and return Riley to her happy and joyful self. But with Fear, Anger and Disgust in charge in their absence, what drastic measures will be taken?
Pixar reminds us who the king of animated films is with this latest effort. Last year saw no new Pixar films, and although the lack of a new Pixar film was disappointing, if this film is the result of that year off, I’m onboard! They have brought all of the classic elements to the fore with a solid story, fun characters, great voice work and spot-on animation. Getting all the angles right leads to a great film for the whole family.
Animation has come a long way over the years. Pixar raised the bar to a high level and made story an integral and important component to animated film. And the story worked like magic with Inside Out.
The idea of demonstrating how the mind of an 11-year-old girl works when dealing with a life change is a home run. All of the fear, joy, happiness and struggles of a young girl are related in a way that bubbles emotions to the surface in all of us.
While any successful animated film has story as a prime element, quality voice talent is essential in creating a memorable result. For the voice of Joy in Riley’s head, the team turns to Amy Poehler.
Poehler’s Joy becomes the catalyst for every positive moment in the young girl’s life. Poehler expresses a wittiness and total compassion for the girl her character has been a part of since birth.
Also particularly sparkling is Phyllis Smith (The Office) as Sadness. Lines are delivered with an obvious apathy, yet you can’t help but love her and want to hug her at every turn. Add in Bill Hader (Fear), Lewis Black (Anger) and Mindy Kaling (Disgust), and you have a team of very funny individuals bringing very specific emotions to life in a unique way that will tickle your funny bone.
Beautifully animated, with a classic story and impressive voice work, Inside Out will release a range of emotions within the viewer. My inner Joy reigned supreme as I left the theater with a big smile on my face. Pixar is back, and as Inside Out demonstrates, you can go home again. Hug those children — growing up can be tough and they need you now more than ever. Joy rules.
Inside Out
Rated: PG
Stars: Voices of Amy Poehler,
Bill Hader, Lewis Black
Directors: Pete Docter,
Ronaldo Del Carmen
Grade: ATV,