Inside Out is the new movie from Pixar Animation Studios, after a one year break in 2014. This was one of the most anticipated movies of the year for me, one that I have followed during a good portion of its development. I am so joyful to report that this is not only Pixar's best outing since Toy Story 3, it is one of their best movies they have ever released. Seriously. As somebody who literally has grown up with Pixar (Toy Story was the first movie I ever watched), I feel incredibly comfortable saying this is one of their best movies. I rank this alongside the first Toy Story and The Incredibles as some of the best work they have ever done. The runtime absolutely flew by and it reached the point where the theater melted away, leaving us with these wonderful characters and an amazing story. In the movie, the emotions Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust run Riley's mind. Riley is an eleven year old girl who has just moved and has to adjust to her new home and setting. This may sound fairly typical, but we are shown this story from such a unique angle that it feels fresh and exciting. While I won't spoil any details, I'll say that there are two plots happening at the same time. We have Riley adjusting, as well as Joy and Sadness trying to work together and make it back to the center of Riley's mind. What is so interesting about this set up is that it creates a system of cause and effect for the character. We literally see her emotions at play, guiding her through the tumultuous time in her life, responding to events appropriately. It makes sense that Joy would have a hard time existing in her mind during this period in Riley's life, with Sadness growing into a more prominent role. What is also beautiful is just how well this film pulls the heartstrings. It really does confront the pain of growing up, but in such a humane way that it is easily understandable for people of all ages. It really speaks to the audience and helps us to understand just what is going on in our head sometimes. Above all, it distinctly makes the point that it is ok to feel the way you do sometimes. There has to be a balance between all of the emotions running around in your head, as too much of one or too little of the other usually is detrimental. Beyond how it generates the feels, this movie is also hysterical. Since it features the talents of five great comedians, all impeccably cast, working with a wonderful script, the laughs come fast and often. Joy (Amy Poehler) is appropriately bouncy and energetic, Fear (Bill Hader) is meek and concerned, Sadness (Phyllis Smith) is bleak and blue, and Disgust (Mindy Kaling) is sassy and sarcastic. The standouts, for me, were Sadness and Anger, played by Lewis Black. Phyllis Smith did a lovely job voicing this character that could easily have been seen as just a downer by everybody. Instead, she brings a human quality to the voice work, making Sadness eventually seem like an essential part of the team. Lewis Black absolutely nails it though. His delivery is just so perfect that he truly embodies the character. To sum it all up, this movie is simply wonderful. It is one of the best, original ideas that has been seen in the past few months, and a fantastic breath of fresh air from the endless sequels and reboots we are seeing these days. Pixar has done amazing work again, and it feels so great to have them make movies like this again. This movie will be one of the best you view this year, guaranteed. It is just such a great feeling to actually feel for a movie again, to actually care about what is happening to the characters on the screen. It is one of the best movies of the year, alongside Mad Max, and it should be nominated for Best Picture comes Oscar season. The lovely and hilarious Inside Out gets a 9.5/10.
No comments:
Post a Comment