Marilyn Terzi
Film Review- Inside Out
Inside Out is an animated film produced by Pixar animation studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures in June of 2015. The film, directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen, was developed after Docter watched his own daughter’s behavior changes while growing up. The story is told through the mind of a young girl named Riley from the perspective of her emotions, as she navigates through the challenges of teenage life. Characters Joy and Sadness, played by Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith, lead the pack in their struggle to keep Riley happy.
When Riley’s father moves the family to San Francisco due to a job relocation, she must adjust to a new house, new school, and new friends. Her personified emotions- Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust, control her actions and preserve her memories- both the happy ones and the sad ones. They organize the memories on five islands, each one reflecting a different aspect of Riley’s personality.
One of the most discussed praises of the film is its ability to appeal to people of all ages. One might not think so prior to seeing the film, considering that it is a 3D animated picture, however there is no question that the psychological knowledge involved in creating as well as watching this film is well beyond the PG rating. Scenes that would appear to children as simple, innocent fun, were actually filled with depth and wisdom. For example, when the characters were in a state of confusion and decided to take a ride on the train of thought, or when they walked so far that they reached the tunnel of the abstract mind, the average adult probably chuckled to themselves as they sat in the theatre with their blindly amused children.
Throughout the film, Riley’s happiness begins to deteriorate as Joy loses her way in Riley’s long term memory. Without her happiness, Riley begins to lose key aspects of her personality and her islands begin to fall. Each one of her key personality traits seem to rely on each other as they all come tumbling down, and Riley is left empty-headed. Joy encounters a few people on the road back to Riley’s ‘Head’quarters, including Riley’s old imaginary friend, and Sadness. Towards the end of the movie, Joy gives Sadness the reigns to control Riley, who ultimately returns home and regains her balance of emotions.
Inside Out is an entertaining, moving, and very informative film, expressing not only the way the human mind works, but also displaying the real importance of life. It teaches that sometimes life is challenging, and it’s okay to feel many different ways. The most important part of life however, is remembering who you are. It is with that principle that a person will maintain all aspects of their personality through endless obstacles, and the balance between joy, sadness, fear, anger, and even disgust, remains intact. People of all ages should join the emotional journey that is Inside Out , and watch the way people think in a whole new light.
annalissathomas
September 20, 2016 — 8:50 pm
I saw this movie with my family and I also loved it! I agree with your point that the movie taught that it is okay to be filled with different emotions and that through these experiences we remember who we are. A truly good children’s movie is one that is able to portray such valuable life lessons, and Inside Out definitely accomplishes that. I also completely understand what you mean when you say that this movie is for all ages because my parents and older siblings also loved the movie.
aaronyam89
September 20, 2016 — 9:46 pm
I liked how you not only talk about the movie, but also of its impact on its audience.
One thing you can improve on is to organize your thoughts and group them together. You jump back and forth with some ideas where it would just be better to talk about them one at a time. For example: paragraphs 3 and 4 should switch because in paragraph 2 you are talking about the movie’s plot. Paragraph 4 flows with ideas from paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 flows with ideas with paragraph 5. It gives less emphasis on your point when you are jumping between points like that.
Safaa
September 21, 2016 — 5:42 pm
This review really sheds lights on the interesting concepts that this movie utilizes. I especially enjoyed the part about riding the train of thought until they reached the abstract mind. It’s funny to see how children’s movies incorporate very advanced or mature concepts while retaining their humor for the children themselves. I would have liked to hear more of your thoughts and analysis about the ideas in this movie.
Great review!
kimberlycalderon
September 21, 2016 — 8:56 pm
I thought your review was insightful. I’ve watched this movie before and did not like it very much, but your review is very truthful and makes me see the movie though another perspective. I liked that you ended your review with the overall message of the movie. Your review showed that this children’s movie appeals to all audiences and teaches not only children, but adults too that emotions are a natural part of life.