Review: Pixar returns to form with truly emotional ‘Inside Out’

Posted on June 26, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

Last year was the first time since 2005 no Pixar film hit theaters, and combined with the recent creative slump, a lot was riding on “Inside Out,” co-directed by Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Up”) and first-timer Ronaldo Del Carmen.

On the surface, the film is based on a simple question: What if we truly are controlled by our emotions, as in literally, with the various manifestations manning an actual control room in our brain? But like the Pixar films of old, “Inside Out” combines a deceptively imaginative concept with a truly compelling story that is relatable regardless of your age. Even at its most fantastic, the film stays grounded in the the characters and their world.

Powerful, funny, thrilling and compelling all at the same time, “Inside Out” is not only one of the best movies of 2015 so far, it is one of the most emotionally complete films I’ve seen in years. In short, it is just one of the films that I can’t recommend enough.

Reportedly, Docter developed the idea for “Inside Out” as a way to deal with his own daughter changing from a happy child to a more moody pre-teen. And in a way, the film reminds me of Chris Nolan’s “Inception” as it tries to explain the inner workings of the human mind–in this case emotions rather than dreams–by developing a creative framework that makes sense in an imaginative way while also creating a foundation for the larger story.

This is a wonderful film that can be enjoyed by the entire family. My only warning would be to parents who might not want their children see them cry.

The film is rated PG for mild thematic elements and some action.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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