I’ve seen Pixar’s Inside Out three times in the past 24 hours.
I haven’t done that since I sat all day watching Funny Lady in Fresno, one afternoon when I was 17.
Nothing weird about that.
Anyway, Inside Out is just wonderful. Not even Uncle Walt has a track record like the one Pixar has earned. With the exception of Cars 2, there hasn’t been a dog in the bunch. I wouldn’t say this was my favorite of their movies, but definitely in the top five.
Now, it’s a heady concept and I doubt that all children will get it. It’s sophisticated in its themes (the workings of the brain and emotions) and requires a degree of thoughtfulness. I heard parents having interesting conversations, sparked by what the kids had just seen as they left the theater. Each time I’ve seen it, there comes a part about two-thirds through where the kids get a little antsy and confused for a couple of minutes before being jolted back in. This is, in part, because the movie refuses to talk down to its audience and the narrative is very rich and ambitious. I think it may be one of those films that you love deeper as you grow older and see what you missed the first time. Young children will understand its on-a-journey-to-get-home story line, but I still think this is definitely and unapologetically aimed at older kids–t
I don’t advise seeing it in 3D. I found the picture sharper and the colors brighter in the traditional format. Pixar is using a very unique color palette for this show and it turns out to be much more rich and appealing than it appeared in the previews–just sumptuous–much like Finding Nemo was for me.
Often in animated films, the celebrity voicing can be distracting to me, but this ensemble is so beautifully cast and Lewis Black as Anger and Amy Poehler as Joy are just perfect.
I also defy anyone with a heart not to sob when you see how imaginary friends fulfill their mission.
GO!
(Loudinni specializes in reviews you can read in under a minute.)
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