FILM: INSIDE OUT - GigslutzGigslutz

Rating:

Inside Out is the latest release from Disney Pixar, directed by Pete Doctor, the man who brought us Up, Toy Story and Monsters Inc.

Inside Out follows the characters of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust, all of whom are emotions inside the head of 11-year-old Riley. Riley acts as the setting for the film rather than the main character and we see how the conflicts between the emotions in her head are played out through Riley in the real world.

The film begins with the dawn of Riley’s consciousness, Joy takes centre stage and we see a baby giggle. It’s not too long before Sadness shows up and the baby begins to cry and so begins the internal struggle between Joy and Sadness.

For the most part throughout Riley’s childhood Joy is very much in control. However, the sudden move of her family from Minnesota to San Francisco sends Riley’s feelings into a downward spiral and she struggles with leaving her friends behind and adjusting to a new city.

Joy and Sadness find themselves displaced from the control room in Riley’s head and go on a journey through her subconscious in order to get back to headquarters. During this time Fear, Anger and Disgust attempt to control Riley’s feelings and actions, which manifest as an irritable teenager.

Inside Out is about growing up and learning to deal with more complex emotions. As Riley grows up her emotions become more complicated and Joy learns about the importance of letting sadness take the wheel sometimes.

We all must allow a little sadness in our lives in order to become well-rounded adults and this might make the film sound a bit like an after school special but it’s far from it. Inside Out approaches the complexities of growing up with charm, humour and tact.

Many have hailed this as a return to form for Pixar and in many ways I agree. It is far more enjoyable and poignant than the most recent offerings such as Brave and Monsters University (but it still does not come close to Up or Toy Story 3).

One criticism I have is that the film seems to play far more to adults than it does children. Whilst the world in Riley’s head is brightly coloured and highly imaginative it lacks some of the laugh out loud humour present in the best Pixar films, which is surprising considering the wealth of excellent comedic talent they have on board.

Amy Poehler is amazing; she brings charisma to the character of Joy, with just a hint of annoyance towards someone who is so perky all the time.

The film’s concept is intelligent and original and the way in which Inside Out presents the human experience through memories with core memories fuelling elements of our personality is ingenious.

As Riley grows up some of these ‘islands of personality’ begin to crumble as she struggles to define her identity in a new city. I think this is something that we can all relate to in our own lives; identity struggles and emotional upheavals are all part of life.

Inside Out takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions and I did cry towards the end but I think perhaps some of the depth might be lost on a younger audience. I must say however, that it is very refreshing to see a film that does not play down to kids.

Niki Alexandrou
@nikialexandrou