“Inside Out” ranks up with Pixar’s best

Think Pixar’s best days are behind them? Well, prepare to be dazzled.

The 15th film in Pixar Animation Studios’ long history of animated brilliance, “Inside Out” is as stunningly inventive an idea as any of its predecessors, the most original film that has been conceived by the makers of “Monsters, Inc.”, “Finding Nemo”, “Toy Story”, and a score of other animated classics.

A film suitable for the whole family, the wildly creative “Inside Out” is applied to Pixar’s usual formula for success. It is a cartoon adventure for the kids, supplemented by wonderfully clever humor at every turn sure to delight kids and adults alike, with a beautiful, moving final act to tug at the heart strings as only Pixar can.

An inspired performance from a star-studded voice cast, including the likes of Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, and Bill Hader, help the film ascend into the highest ranks of Pixar’s masterpieces. Director Pete Docter’s one-of-a-kind concept is brilliantly executed, in hilarious, heart-warming fashion.

The story follows Riley, an 11-year-old, hockey-loving girl from Minnesota whose family is suddenly uprooted and moved to a small townhouse in inner-city San Francisco. Most of the story takes place in Riley’s head, where her anthropomorphic emotions — ringleader Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — try to hold everything together through turbulent times. When Joy and Sadness suddenly find themselves hurled into the depths of Riley’s mind, the latter three are left alone to run things at Headquarters, while Joy and Sadness embark on an visually stunning adventure to try and make their way back before everything falls apart.

Having grown up with some of Pixar’s very best films, “Inside Out” has quickly risen to the top of my favorites from the famous animation studio. Incredible visuals, standout voice acting, a powerful story, and witty humor combine for a film sure to land near the top of the year’s best films.

Regardless of age, this one is a must-see for the youngest of children, the oldest of adults, and anyone in between.

    –June 19, 2015–