Inside Out

After “Up” came out in 2009, Pixar director, Pete Docter (Up, Soul, Monster’s Inc.) worked on his next project titled, “Inside Out.” He visited psychologists taking notes on what the human mind can affect our daily lives as well as creating emotions depicted as three-dimensional characters with distinctive personalities reflecting a specific emotion. It took Pete two years to formulate a three-act structure, limiting twenty-seven emotions to five due to the human mind’s complex nature and worldbuilding within the mind of a pre-teen girl.

Amy Poehler (one of my favorite actresses) signed to portray main protagonist, Joy. She added elements of her character, Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreations” to add layers of Joy’s personality. Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling & Lewis Black (one of my favorite comedians) signed on to voice Sadness, Fear, Disgust & Anger. After six years of development, Inside Out was distributed worldwide.

Released in 2015, (same year Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F came out) it earned critical acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, the movie made enough revenue at the box office. Inside Out ultimately won an Oscar for “Best Animated Feature.” A sequel will be released on June 14, 2024, along with Dakota Fanning’s upcoming film, “The Watchers.” Before “Inside Out 2” comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on the first film.

This review contains no SPOILERS. If you want to spice things up a bit, watch the short film, “Lava.” It’s a cute love story about a volcano who falls in love with another volcano. After you finish Inside Out, watch another short film, ‘Riley’s First Date.” It takes place after the ending.

Happy & Sad Aspects

Happy: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling & Lewis Black all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.

Other Cast Members such as Richard Kine, Kyle MacLachlan & Diane Lane all did a decent job for their respective voiceover performances.

Pete Docter did a superb job directing. He also co-wrote the script with his fellow writers, Meg LeFauve & Josh Cooley.

Animation looks bright and colorful without going overboard on flashy spotlights or lens flares. Steven Spielberg & J.J. Abrams are known for their signature trademarks.

Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, Star Trek 2009, The Batman) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Humor has a lot of funny moments that made me laugh. Courtesy of Lewis, Anger was hilarious. A jingle called, “Triple Den Gum” was pretty funny. Besides Anger, Joy’s energetic attitude is adorable.

Although there’s a few jokes, this movie will make you cry. When Mindy read the script, she shed a few tears.

Fun Fact: Inside Out has a few similarities to Osmosis Jones, but not a blatant rip-off like “Cars” copying “Doc Hollywood. I find Inside Out a spiritual successor to Osmosis Jones.

• Both Joy & Osmosis are voiced by SNL stars, Amy Poehler & Chris Rock. They play the main character with a blue feature. Their job is to protect the human they live inside Riley & Frank.
• Both protagonists at first didn’t like their polar opposite Sadness & Drix. They eventually become good friends.
• An object plays a crucial role within the brain or mind.
• Whenever Riley or Frank sleeps, dreams are depicted like movies.
• Both movies have organic worldbuilding.

Chemistry between Joy & Sadness serves as the main highlight. Their interactions move the story forward as they must work together to return to the control center leaving Anger, Disgust & Fear in charge.

Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was fully invested since the opening scene.

Character Development involving Joy. As the story progresses, she learns Sadness has a purpose. Riley also earns Character Development too whenever the emotions influence her decisions.

My favorite line from Anger is… “Congratulations San Francisco, you’ve ruined pizza!”

Even though no villain causes a conflict. The real conflict is about Joy who wants to keep Riley happy, but thinks Sadness would be a negative influence. Both emotions begin a journey to return back to the control center before Riley makes bad decisions.

Pixar’s good luck charm, John Ratzenberger voices a minor character.

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist, Flea voices a cop named, Jake.

Sad: Not really a con, but I didn’t cry. Disney animated movies never made me cry. Only ones that made me shed tears in my eyes were the movies listed below.

• Boys Don’t Cry
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• Now Is Good
• Logan
• Interstellar
• Furious 7
• Avengers: Endgame
• No Time to Die
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Pixar an Extra Point for making a unique animated film.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Inside Out is one of the best unique animated movies I have ever seen. I’m happy it deserves an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.” Pixar took a big gamble telling a original story without relying on an antagonist. It’s all about how our emotions want to influence our path whether it’s good or bad. If you’re psyched to see Inside Out 2, watch the first one right now. I plan on seeing the sequel when it streams on Disney Plus. I don’t want to watch a movie with too many kids.