I don’t go to movies much. But when I saw the trailer for Inside Out, an animated film about feelings, I wanted to go. Then a woman from my support group brought it up and we decided to go see it.
The main character (on the outside) is a young girl named Riley. She has a hard time with her family’s move to California. Having moved at least nine times as the child of a 20 year marine, I could feel Riley’s pain.
The characters on the inside include Riley’s feelings: Fear, Anger, Disgust, Sadness, and the ever popular, Joy. Inside Out shows how all our feelings have important roles to play in our lives.
My favorite part begins somewhere in the middle when Joy and Sadness get sucked out of brain headquarters, where decisions are made, and have to find a way back carrying some really important core memories.
On their adventure they encounter the worlds of imagination, long term memory and the dark pit where forgotten memories go. They meet Riley’s imaginary friend, who’s actions give me a theory about why I have no memory of my imaginary friend, Auntie Jane, who my mother said I blamed for my misdeeds.
The only problem I had with the movie, and it’s a minor one for me, was that the happy ending of the traditional family with mom and dad, might be hard for children who come from non-traditional or single parent families. But then, the film provides a great framework with which to identify and talk about feelings that might arise. I’m probably activating Fear’s cousin, Worry, about this. I’m sorry, Worry, but you need to go away.
Watching Inside Out, I laughed, and I cried, joyfully forgetting I was watching a cartoon. I found Inside Out to be entertaining, original, and visually intriguing. It’s a fun movie that teaches about perseverance, teamwork and problem solving. Now that I think about it, it’s also about faith and hope, too.
I might even go see it again.
Remember: Don’t compare your insides to other people’s outsides.
Anything is Possible! 
July 21, 2015 at 12:19 am
I am glad you posted this. I too, don’t go to movies at the theatres as much as I used to, but I had heard good things from people I seem to have similarities with who loved it and also laughed and cried. My Friday night movie night awaits! Your recommendation may just bring back a fun tradition. Peace, Harlon
July 21, 2015 at 12:26 am
I hope you enjoy it. On the surface, it feels lighthearted, not profound, but there are layers… There I go, overthinking….. 🙂
July 21, 2015 at 5:25 am
Reblogged this on oshriradhekrishnabole.
July 21, 2015 at 11:13 pm
Thank you, Osh!
July 22, 2015 at 8:20 am
I loved it! And I connect with how you said that you forget it is a cartoon. It is so much more than – it is a lesson carried out by animated characters. My inner Joy found her soulmate here 🙂
July 23, 2015 at 2:56 am
Yes! That’s it. Makes me want to see it again. 🙂
July 23, 2015 at 7:32 pm
I’m so glad that you got to see “Inside Out”! When I saw it with my daughter in Hawai’i and posted about it, you commented about it, so I’m glad you were able to go see it. Did you like “Lava”, too?
July 23, 2015 at 7:52 pm
I liked the “Lava” at the end. But it was so sad and frustrating at first. I guess that’s the point. Things can work out wonderfully after all the sadness and frustration. Just like my life! I’m hoping to see the movie again with my daughter.
July 23, 2015 at 8:13 pm
I’d like to go again, too, but not sure I will be able to. I’ll put the DVD on Christmas wish list, though.
August 11, 2015 at 11:29 am
I am glad I read your posting “Inside Out”. It will be opening on 20 August in Malaysian cinemas, so I am looking forward to watching this movie. 🙂
August 11, 2015 at 10:55 pm
Though I loved the movie, a Facebook friend of mine didn’t think it was that good. The other comments here and the video clip will give you a feel for it. I hope you enjoy it!