Inside Out (11/3/2015)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and some action.

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

Directed by Pete Docter (Monsters Inc)

This film has every emotion…literally.

From an adventurous balloon ride above the clouds to a monster-filled metropolis, Academy Award-winning director Pete Docter has taken audiences to unique and imaginative places. In Disney•Pixar’s original movie Inside Out, he will take us to the most extraordinary location of all—inside the mind. Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

There is no doubt that Pixar has set the standard in animated films over the past 15 years. Most of us are huge fans of Wall-E, Up, and of course Toy Story. So it should be no surprise that Inside Out is spectacularly amazing.

Let’s begin with the emotions. Joy (Amy Poehler) is a sunshine-yellow ball of enthusiasm who presides over the “control room” of Riley’s mind. And Poehler is great. The supporting cast includes Sadness (Phyllis Smith, who played Phyllis on The Office), a blue character who is seemingly destined to ruin everything she touches. Then there is Fear (Bill Hader), the perpetually nervous nelly, and Disgust (Mindy Kaling), who is sarcastic, judgmental and pretty funny. But my favorite is Anger, perfectly played by Lewis Black.

As dynamic as the cast is, the story is even better. It is both a hilarious comedy and a touching drama. As we watch a young girl struggle with her’s family’s move from Minnesota to San Francisco.

There are innumerable clever gags along the way, including explanations of why TV jingles get stuck in our heads and how facts and opinions become jumbled together. Most important, Joy and Sadness meet Bing Bong, Riley’s long-forgotten imaginary friend, who provide some very memorable moments.

Inside Out is a vibrant, witty film, that is full of dazzling visuals and profound wisdom… And that is why Pixar is such a strong studio. This film is “Worth Buying” for sure.

Should Kids See It?
Yes this is perfect for families.

Conversation Starter:

1. As Riley wrestles with sadness, what emotion is displayed towards her parents?


2. Why do you think you so often get angry with your parents?

Read Ephesians 4:26

Don’t get so angry that you sin. Don’t go to bed angry.


3. What are some of the ways we get angry and sin?


4. Is it possible to get angry and yet not sin?


5. What can we do this week to better express our feelings, especially when it comes to our parents?