Inside Out

Everyone's talking about Inside Out and the big question going in is whether it will live up to the hype.

I'm pleased to say that this goes above and beyond everything written about it and (whisper it) might just be the best film that Pixar have ever produced.

Perfectly balancing Pixar's classic line between over-complicated and perfectly simple, this follows a young girl through a life-changing year moving to a new city and changing schools.

The USP is that this is split between following her real life exploits and the emotions in her brain which cause these to happen: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust.

The actual, real life action is limited for a Pixar film but it's the exploits of the emotions in her head that provide the rollercoaster ride.

These characters control her mood, her thoughts and actions (yes, exactly like The Numskulls from The Beano.)

The reason this works so well is because it's so relatable. You see Riley's personality constructing itself, her memories and why thoughts pop into your brain (a laugh-out-loud scene shows how an advert jingle gets stuck in her head.) There's a walk through her imagination, subconscious and even 'abstract thought.'

There's even a dream-construction sequence set like an old Hollywood studio. It must be seen to be believed. It's touching, hilarious, moving and realistic.

Highlights include a peek into the brains of Mum and Dad, an emotional goodbye to an imaginary friend (which caused many a sniffle) and Pixar's pre-film short Lava which you're treated to at the cinema.

The only complaint I can throw at it is that it ends rather suddenly, potentially setting up a sequel but bringing the audience back down to the realisation that not too much actually takes place in the film.

Despite that though, this will be challenging all comers at the end of the year.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️