version of The Office) is a good counterpoint as Sadness. The emotions are all perfectly cast Joy's relentless optimism and can-do spirit make her a kindred spirit to Poehler's beloved Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, and Smith (who played Phyllis in the U.S. It's filled with moments of hilarity and unbridled imagination (you'll have a new appreciation for how "earworms" get stuck in your head.), as well as warm nostalgia for childhood innocence and inventiveness.
(Seriously, bring tissues.)Īll of that isn't meant to suggest that Inside Out is overly serious or a downer. And parents will be reminded that asking kids to put on a happy face when they don't really feel it can lead to unintended pressure and worry. that's just what happens when Anger and Disgust are left in charge and can't quite figure out how Joy manages to make Riley's words come out nicely). Kids who might not be able to put their increasingly complex feelings into words could use Riley's experiences for context (for instance, Riley doesn't necessarily intend to be sarcastic to her parents. Not only is Inside Out an engaging, endlessly inventive adventure with strong themes of friendship and acceptance, but it has real potential to help kids and parents navigate the powerful emotions that come with growing up. It's destined to join the ranks of Pixar's best movies - the ones that have dazzled us with something we've truly never seen before: Toy Story, Finding Nemo, WALL-E, Up. INSIDE OUT is creative, clever, heartfelt, and beautifully animated. Although most of the content is appropriate for elementary schoolers and up, younger kids may need a bit more explanation about what's going on, since there are references to abstract thought and the subconscious, and it can be a little confusing when other characters' emotions are shown. Ultimately, Inside Out has important messages about needing to feel - and express - all of your emotions, whether happy or sad. Parents are likely to get hit hardest by the film's heart-tugging moments (bring tissues!), but anyone with empathy will feel for Riley as she experiences life's ups and downs. ( Spoiler alert: One key character also permanently fades from existence that and scenes in which it seems Riley is "borrowing" her mom's credit card and running away are definitely upsetting.) Some of Riley's fears are also on display, including a giant, scary clown. Told primarily from the perspective of the feelings inside 11-year-old Riley's mind (brought to life by the voices of Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, and more), the plot has many moments of peril/tension - including bridges/islands crumbling, a train tumbling over a precipice, and characters falling into a deep, dark pit. Parents need to know that Inside Out is an outstandingly original, heartfelt story from Pixar about growing up and learning to handle your biggest emotions. Which Side of History? How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives.Reflexionando sobre la historia afroamericana en familia.Reflecting on Black History as a Family.Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews.Check out new Common Sense Selections for games.10 tips for getting kids hooked on books.Family entertainment that celebrates and honors Black voices.Common Sense Selections for family entertainment.