Inside Out

Why do Pixar movies make me cry? Wall-E, Up and especially Toy Story 3. Now Inside Out. Thank you Netflix for making this available. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was the perfect movie for my daughter and her friend to watch on their sleepover. We all watched it. Inside Out was so good! I have to watch it again. There's just so much going on, but it's not complicated. It's a children's movie, but is so full of emotion and amazing storytelling, that everyone will love it. Seriously, if you watch this movie and don't feel at least a little something... I don't know. 

This guy.

I love the learning, that Joy and Sadness often go together. Emotion can be complex. Growing up is hard. I love that the emotions learn and it is reflected in the way Riley learns. Getting a peak inside the parents' minds were fantastic too. All the minds. You learn about emotional development, but it's such a part of the story that you don't even notice.

The imaginary friend, Bing Bong, did me it. I actually thought I was going to get through the movie okay. I was thinking, what were people talking about. My friend said that she teared up. It was emotional, but I wasn't feeling the sadness. Until Bing Bong, specifically, the end of his arch in the movie. I'm watching this movie with children, so I had to hold it together, but definitely dabbing at my eyes. Inside Out has definitely joined the ranks of Disney Pixar tear jerkers.

It's a team effort.

There are definitely tense moments for younger or more sensitive children. My little ones needed some parent cuddles to get through some parts, but in the end, the loved the story. I've been wondering if they could watch some of the sadder Pixar choices and I think if Inside Out is any indication, I should be picking up a copy of Wall-E. Inside Out definitely lived up to the Pixar standard.

Frozen

I saw Frozen last weekend and it definitely lived up to the musical hype.  The songs, the animated singing of the characters, the Broadway style and the movements, were fantastic.  It elevated the movie.  I can see why not just the movie, but the album is so popular. The music of Frozen was filled with energy and excitement. The songs are still playing in my head.

I loved the ending.  No spoilers, I'm just going to say that it isn't typical.  I heard rumours about the non-typical ending, so when it happened, I wasn't very surprised, but I was very happy.  That's all I should really say about it, except maybe mention again that I loved it.

There are princesses, a prince, a handsome poor boy, secrets and magic.  But it isn't about that.  It's about sisters.  We could maybe even stretch that to say siblings.  It is about the bond they can share, what they are willing to do anything for each other.  Elsa and Anna love each other and even a forced distance can not change that.

I keep wondering if I (or other people) would love the movie as much if the songs weren't amazing.  Yes? No?  Should I stop wondering? My daughter is asking to see the movie again. I'm going to have to buy it soon.  My son was riveted also, so I know that I have something that will keep them both entertained. Songs won't make a movie for my kids, though. If they like the music, they'll pay attention to just the singing, if they like the whole thing, then I've struck gold.  Maybe they've answered the question for me. Olaf, Kristoff, the trolls, are all a part of Elsa and Anna's story and are fun characters. Everywhere I go, I seem to hear kids talking about Frozen. I'll be hearing about it more once I get my own copy.

Film Clip: Pixar's 'The Blue Umbrella'

I'm just saying it's cute.

Toy Story 3

What an amazing movie! I can’t believe an animated movie (in my head I was thinking “cartoon”) almost made me cry. I teared up twice at the end. I held it back though. I love Woody and Buzz and Barbie & Ken and all the others. There are such interesting characters. The Monkey was awesome.

Toy Story 3 is another amazing film by Pixar. I was so happy I saw it in 3D too. Toy Story 3 is fun for kids, but carries emotional relevance for adults too. The hidden grown-up jokes were a lot of fun too. The Pixar “cartoon” tackles abandonment and growing up in a way that kids can understand and adults can relate to. It really is one of those movies that the whole family can watch and enjoy.

I really can’t say enough good things about it, but I don’t want to ruin it for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. (Of course, if anyone wants to talk about it, I’m happy to discuss it.) It’s currently at 99% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. I remember when it came out, it was 100% for a long time. So, I suppose, there are a few people out there that don’t like it. Fine. You can’t please everyone.

Okay, I have one criticism, not about the story itself, but about the 3D. It’s not really worth it to pay 3D. Nothing really jumps out at you off the screen. There were more 3D effects in the trailers for other films than the actual movie. Everyone should still see it, but it doesn’t have to be at the extra 3D cost. Toy Story 3 reminds you about growing up, but remembering the joy of being a kid playing with toys.

WALL-E

WALL-E is a cute, funny and sad movie. After the first fifteen or twenty minutes, I almost had to turn it off. It seriously affected my hormonal heart. To see the planet like that and lone little WALL-E working to make it right, I wanted to cry a little. I don’t know what I expected this movie to be. Some futuristic, robot thing, but it’s not. It is so much more than that. WALL-E can actually be seen as a commentary on the state of the world, the environment and big business.

I adored this movie. I want to get the Blu-Ray Special Edition; I thought it was brilliant. There’s barely any speaking in the movie, but the emotions of the characters come through so clearly. WALL-E and the other robots really connect to the audience. Even the drawings that accompany the credits tell a story. If you haven’t seen WALL-E yet, you’re missing out on something wonderful.