Inside Out

       Pixar films have an uncanny knack for entertaining with a strong emotional core, This new film continues that tradition with a story that is smart and deeply heartfelt.  Be warned however, this is not a film for small children. It attempts to deal with basic emotions in a kid friendly anthropomorphic way but the concepts introduced are complex and may not be easily understood.

         For older children and adults, it is a very rewarding experience with an excellent message that will tug at your heartstrings. The animation is, of course, brilliantly rendered and the colors and physical comedy will appeal to the little ones ( They just won't grasp what's actually happening and may be frightened during certain scenes).

         When eleven year old Riley and her parents move from the comfort of their home in Minnesota to a new home in San Francisco, it triggers a massive reaction of emotions, portrayed by Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), and Anger (Lewis Black).  When Joy and Sadness are separated by the others, Riley goes deeper into a tailspin and it's up to her emotions to all work together to save the day. It's a heady concept (pun intended) and it works brilliantly. An imaginary friend, Bing Bong, voiced by Richard Kind, almost steals the film and helps it reach it's emotional core. As always, the vocal casting is spot on.

          As with most Pixar films, "inside Out" can easily be enjoyed by adults with or without children. Writers and co-directors Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen get inside our heads and our hearts.