Review: Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out is Pixar's best film in years.

Directed by Pete Docter
Produced by Jonas Rivera

Written by Pete Docter, Ronaldo Del Carmen, Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley

Starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black, Richard Kind, Phyllis Smith, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan

A

The latest highly-anticipated Pixar film is all about the feels. When young Riley (Dias) is born, five emotions take control of her. Joy (Poehler), Sadness (Smith), Fear (Hader), Anger (Black), and Disgust (Kaling) operate Riley's reactions and feelings constantly, as the child grows to a teenager. They even manage her memories, ensuring that everything is properly stored. Joy is in control most of the time, and life is a happy one for Riley and her parents (MacLachlan and Lane). But things become difficult when Riley is uprooted from her Minnesota home to San Francisco for her father's new job. Her core memories are lost from the control center inside her, and Joy and Sadness must get them back to headquarters if Riley is to be happy again.

Pixar's loving care shines in a film that resonates emotionally, but never strays from its precious formula. However, that formula is tried and true, and it works beautifully here. The film packs a punch, which lingers upon reflection. Pete Docter has worked on Monsters, Inc. and Up, so he's well-equipped to tackle such an emotional journey for the characters and the viewer. There were tears shed here that didn't come for films like Wall-E and Toy Story 3. As always, the animation is a sight to behold, and the voice casting is spot-on. Michael Giacchino, who also worked on Up, has created a lovely score, which almost dances with the film. While the movie isn't quite a masterpiece, it's one of Pixar's best and brightest, and that's a stunning accomplishment after a twenty-year span of captivating audiences.

Oscar Potential: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Animated Feature Film