INSIDE OUT

(2015) 94 Minutes, Rated PG

Mike's Review: Well I can safely say this is not one of the top movies on my Pixar list of top movies. It was kind of a cute concept but went way out into left field about 15 minutes into the movie.  I should have known it was going to be a strange movie after the weird short cartoon in the beginning about a volcano falling in love.  I think if Pixar had made this movie before buying Disney then it might of had some potential, but after Disney got its hands on it, it turned into blah.

The only time I laughed was when the Anger character was going off.  The rest of the movie was kind of depressing.  I understand you need some sadness to enjoy the joy of life, but do kids really need to be subjected to depressing cartoons?  They are only kids for a little while, let them enjoy it.

Best scene:  There were a few cute scenes...but nothing to spectacular

Mike’s rating:  Matinee

A.C.'s Review:  The downward spiral of PIXAR continues. Yes, this movie is a blockbuster at the box office but that is only because unsuspecting parents will take their children to see and alleged “kid’s movie”: only to find out that it’s not much of a kids movie at all.

The movie features an 11 year old girl named Riley who with her mom and dad have just relocated to San Francisco. Inside her mind we see she is being controlled by her emotions Joy, Fear, Disgust, Sadness and Anger voiced by such folks as Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling.

This movie is godawful. It was a clever concept to set a movie within the brain and features a few clever bits such as we see Riley’s dreams being put together like a behind the scenes look at a Hollywood movie being made where there are actors, directors and crew. However those are far outweighed by annoying characters such as the leads of Joy and Sadness.  I didn’t like any of these characters.

Worse as said this isn’t a kids movie. I am sure many a tyke will be fidgeting because they don’t understand concepts in the movie such as abstract thought, the sub conscious and trains of thought. Great idea as said but horribly executed.

Yes, Pixar is in decline. Ever since the highlight of TOY STORY 3 their movies have dropped in quality. BRAVE was weak, CARS 2…just a cash grab, UP was good for the first 10 minutes and now this. Adding insult to injury there is animated “short” in front of movie called LAVA about a lonely volcano. If little kids could swear they would be going WTF when this short plays because it’s just so bizarre that I am sure children had to be completely puzzled and thinking “when is the real movie going to start"

Best Scene: Riley’s imaginary friend whom Joy discovers deep within his brain sacrifices himself so Joy can get back to the control center and stop Riley from falling into danger as she plans to run away from home.

A.C.'s rating: Red Box DVD as its only worth a dollar.