Inside Out.

Review #714: Inside Out.

Cast

Amy Poehler (Joy), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Bill Hader (Fear), Lewis Black (Anger), Mindy Kaling (Disgust), Kaitlyn Dias (Riley Anderson), Diane Lane (Riley's mom), Kyle MacLachlan (Riley's father), and Richard Kind (Bing Bong) Directed by Pete Docter (#074 - Monsters, Inc and #288 - Up) and Ronnie del Carmen.

Review

This is the 11th film I've reviewed that came right from my local movie theater (#240: Paranorman, #372: 42, #396: Iron Man 3, #425: Pacific Rim, #540: The Lego Movie, #571 - Captain America: The Winter Soldier, #582 - Godzilla, #584 - X-Men: Days of Future Past, #626 - Guardians of the Galaxy, #706 - Avengers: Age of Ultron), and the first involving a Pixar film. Is it good? Having joyful tears by the end is a good indicator. The animation is the first sign, because it just looks so beautiful to watch, from Abstract thought chamber to the way the characters project in terms of appearance, especially Joy and her glow, but also the way the various places in Riley's mind look. Also, Bing Bong is probably one of the best imaginary friends I've ever heard of. But where the movie really shines is how it utilizes its cast in terms of the unique story that manages to be funny and sweet with the amount of charm it has. My favorite emotion in this was Sadness, and maybe its because Smith makes that emotion more than just depression incarnate. Poehler and Black's emotions come a close tie for second, mainly because it's hard to not appreciate both her overbearing joy and his booming voice that is oddly a delight to watch get angry. The rest of the cast is also pretty good, and I especially like seeing the five emotions interact with each other, watching their squabbles along with their successes. It's a charming movie that looks great and is beyond enjoyable to go through. The theme of the movie on emotions is an interesting and well developed one, especially given how it's utilized in the end, which makes it even better. It's a movie that isn't just funny, it's a movie that's emotional (literally) and brilliant. Go see it, if you haven't already.

Note: I am aware that some might compare it to Herman's Head, a show that had a concept similar to this in the 1990s. But hey, everything's relative, so don't worry too much. Or care, but whatever. By the way, Lava was a short film that went before this film, and it's alright. And stay for the credits!

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.