This new Disney / Pixar film explores the bumpy road of pre-teens and the emotions they experience when growing up. Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mia A. comments, “This animated movie is incredible! The animation is spot on. It is so detailed and life-like that sometimes, it made me forget that it is a cartoon and not real.” Tre’ana H. adds, “It captures some comedic moments and connects you to to your inner self. It makes you become more aware and in touch with your conscience.” See their full reviews below.
Inside Out
By Mia A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
This animated movie is incredible! This is one of my favorite Disney / Pixar movies. The story is about a young girl named Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) who moves from Minnesota to San Francisco with her family and how her emotions support and confuse her through the move. Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, Phyllis Smith as Sadness and Lewis Black as Anger are perfect for the roles. It gets the audience attached to her emotions.
The animation is spot on. It is so detailed and life-like that sometimes, it made me forget that it is a cartoon and not real. For instance, people say that memories can be kept in file cabinets in your brain. In this movie, they are kept in storage cabinets and it looks like what actually could be in our brains. Also, they introduce little characters that are very funny. In one part, they have a machine that makes imaginary boyfriends and the boyfriends say “I would die for you, Riley.”
We also meet Riley’s imaginary friend Bing Bong (Richard King) which many people get attached to. There are bittersweet scenes and also very funny scenes. Kids and adults in the theater teared up on some of the bittersweet scenes.
Many people might enjoy the movie because some of the emotions, characters and scenes have happened to you or you have felt the same things. That’s what makes it so relatable and realistic. In one scene, all the emotions are taking charge of a young Riley and they are reacting to her trying broccoli for the first time. During that scene, I was laughing and relating to what the emotions were saying.
This animation is very fascinating. I give it a five out of five stars because of all the funny and bittersweet moments. I recommend Inside Out for ages 3 to 18 because it has joy for younger kids to like it even though it does have some sad moments. I believe that adults will like it too. Remember to go watch this amazing film when it comes out in theaters June 19 because It is totally worth it.
Inside Out
By Tre’ana H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Inside Out is a Disney / Pixar film that is filled with emotions tied up like a shoelace. It captures some comedic moments and connects you to your inner self. It makes you become more aware and in touch with your conscience.
The movie is about a girl named Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) who lives in Minnesota with her parents. Due to some circumstances, the family relocates to San Francisco. Riley starts to have different emotions going on throughout this tenacious move. She misses her friends; she is starting at a new school. Her emotions are all over the place. These five emotions in Riley’s brain are Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). These emotions play a very important role in her life and keep her balanced. When one is out of whack it definitely affects her mood. She goes through so many obstacles as a pre-teen which is very trying. I can relate because I am also eleven and I am very in touch with my emotions and pre-teen feelings. It touches on so many ideas that are realistic in my everyday life.
The director and writer Pete Docter does an outstanding job creating the visual effects of these animated characters and their emotions. The bright colors and costumes distinguish each emotion’s individuality. The pitch of their voice captivates and draws you into their character. Each emotion has a unique personality.
My favorite part of this movie is when Disgust says, “What does this button mean?” It is Puberty! I can relate because this is the next phase of my life that I am approaching.
I recommend this movie for ages 8 to 18 and I give it 4 out of 5 stars because it connects to an older audience even though it is targeted to a younger audience. I think younger children can see this, but the parent will have to give them some explanation after the movie. I really enjoyed it because I could relate to this movie. Inside Out comes out Friday, June 19, 2015. Go and check it out.
