Inside Out is in theaters this weekend. We were fortunate enough to see an early preview where we not only got to preview the movie but got to listen to a Q&A with director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera. They are the award-winning team behind the incredible film Up and have teamed up again to bring this amazing film that takes place inside a young girl’s head to theaters.
Inside Out Review (no spoilers)
Without spoiling the plotline I’ll share our honest review of the film. The film features the emotions that a young girl, Riley, has inside her head. They are responsible for her responses to what’s happening around her. She has five emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger. All are perfectly cast by the folks at Disney (and were the first choices and the ‘voices’ Pete Docter had in mind when writing the film). Joy is Amy Poehler and our main character. Disgust is voiced by the brilliant Mindy Kaling. Fear is a funny Bill Hader. Sadness is perfectly pessimistic as voiced by Phyllis Smith. Anger is none other than Lewis Black. I couldn’t think of a more perfect cast of characters.
The film centers on not only what is happening in the outside world, but what is happening in her head through a transition her family is going through-moving to a new city.
It’s an emotional journey and one that not only gave us things to think about, but lots to talk about when it comes to the shifts that happen as we go through challenges and grow up.
It’s not all emotional, though. You may have tears during some parts (think Up’s opening sequence), but you’ll also laugh, smile, and have a great time watching the way that Pixar perfectly captured what it’s like inside your head.
Watch the trailer:
What you need to know before you go:
Arrive early: You’ll want to be there for the Pixar short Lava prior to the movie. It’s catchy tune and smile-worthy story will stay with you.
Stay during credits: You won’t want to miss a mid-credits scene that takes you a little further into the world of Inside Out.
Bring tissues: Trust me.
See it with your family: Everyone will love it. Younger kids (aged 7 and under) might miss some of the subtlety, but they’ll find it entertaining. If you have a tween or teen you’ll definitely want to go together. They’ll relate a LOT.
Be prepared to love it: I don’t often walk out of a movie and want to see it immediately again, but that’s exactly how I felt when I left the theatre.
Q&A with Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera
We had a great time, but we also got to hear from the guys who dreamed up this film which was an amazing treat. They answered questions for about 30 minutes, and I captured a bit on film including this peek into what were two emotions that didn’t make it into the film.
We also got to meet them both after the Q&A which was an amazing thrill for both the kids and I! It was inspiring to hear from them both because they both have such a passion for what they work on and have spent the last 6 years working on this film. It shows.
What I didn’t capture on film was my daughter’s question to them both. She asked which emotion they most identified with.
While Pete Docter said ‘Joy’ because he has an optimistic outlook on life (and Jonas agreed that was true), Jonas treated to a fun story. He said he considered himself ‘Joy,’ too, but his young son saw the film at Pixar and as soon as Anger came on screen he said, “It’s Daddy!” Hilarious, but Jonas certainly comes off as more of a Joy than Anger type.
I also snagged a few photos of the kids with them. (sorry, Mom brag moment)
Go see it this weekend!
Kelly
Disclosure:We attended an early preview of the film.
My kids can’t wait to see this! It looks adorable.