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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Inside Out (2015) in Movies
Apr 1, 2020
The Most Emotionally Resonant Pixar Film
When listing the PIXAR films that have the most emotional resonance, the films I hear mentioned most often are TOY STORY 3, WALL-E and the first 20 minutes of UP. While all of those are most definitely emotionally resonant, I would argue that INSIDE OUT is the most emotionally resonant of all the Pixar films.
And not just because the main characters in the film are emotions.
Telling the tale of 11 year old Riley, who's life is upended when her family moves from Minnesota to San Fransico, INSIDE OUT follows this journey through the eyes of Riley's 5 chief emotions - Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear.
As is customary in Pixar films, the voice cast in this film is outstanding. Amy Poehler (well known as the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope in the marvelous TV Series PARKS & RECREATION) is perfectly cast as Joy. Her never ending well of optimism is perfectly placed - and never gets tiresome. As does the voice work of Lewis Black (Anger), Bill Hader (Fear) and Mindy Kahling (Disgust). They are all marvelous. But the revelation of this film for me is the voicework of Phyllis Smith (THE OFFICE) as Sadness. She brings just the right amount of weight and...well...sadness...to her character without bogging down (and bringing down) the proceedings. These 5 work together well (especially Poehler and Smith).
Special notice needs to be made of the voice work of the unique talent that is Richard Kind as the character BingBong. I will not ruin any of the surprise of this character, but I will say I could not think of any other voice for this character - he is that perfect for it.
Credit, of course, for all of this needs to be given to Director Pete Docter (currently the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar). He has shown he has the ability to really tug at the heartstrings with his previous Pixar effort, UP, and he expands on this promise in this film bringing an emotionally rich film that has many, many moments of humor spliced within. He'll be at the helm of the upcoming SOUL and I can't wait to see it.
I'm glad I revisited INSIDE OUT, it is a stronger, better film than I remembered. You'll like it - and your kids will, too!
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
And not just because the main characters in the film are emotions.
Telling the tale of 11 year old Riley, who's life is upended when her family moves from Minnesota to San Fransico, INSIDE OUT follows this journey through the eyes of Riley's 5 chief emotions - Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear.
As is customary in Pixar films, the voice cast in this film is outstanding. Amy Poehler (well known as the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope in the marvelous TV Series PARKS & RECREATION) is perfectly cast as Joy. Her never ending well of optimism is perfectly placed - and never gets tiresome. As does the voice work of Lewis Black (Anger), Bill Hader (Fear) and Mindy Kahling (Disgust). They are all marvelous. But the revelation of this film for me is the voicework of Phyllis Smith (THE OFFICE) as Sadness. She brings just the right amount of weight and...well...sadness...to her character without bogging down (and bringing down) the proceedings. These 5 work together well (especially Poehler and Smith).
Special notice needs to be made of the voice work of the unique talent that is Richard Kind as the character BingBong. I will not ruin any of the surprise of this character, but I will say I could not think of any other voice for this character - he is that perfect for it.
Credit, of course, for all of this needs to be given to Director Pete Docter (currently the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar). He has shown he has the ability to really tug at the heartstrings with his previous Pixar effort, UP, and he expands on this promise in this film bringing an emotionally rich film that has many, many moments of humor spliced within. He'll be at the helm of the upcoming SOUL and I can't wait to see it.
I'm glad I revisited INSIDE OUT, it is a stronger, better film than I remembered. You'll like it - and your kids will, too!
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
SunnyFunnies: Hide and Seek
Education and Games
App
SunnyFunnies are interactive tales – educational games for children, ages 2-5. This app was...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Embracing the Outcast (Crowns Legacy #2) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This is the second time I have had the pleasure of reading a book by Nadine C. Keels. It is book two in her Crowns Legacy series titled Embracing the Outcast; it can be read as a standalone, although I still recommend reading the first book. After reading the first book in the series I was not quite sure what to expect of the second book (as just how many follow up books are as good as the first?). I had high hopes for this second book when I started reading and it ended up being so much more than I imagined it would be.
In this story, Nadine C. Keels has such a way with putting words to emotions and feelings that I’ve rarely seen, and she does it subtlety as you get sucked into the character’s lives. I Loved learning about something I was totally unfamiliar with, it was a good learning experience for me. Nadine covers it in a very no-nonsense way and tries to help her characters understand why God does this sometimes. Which I truly found interesting. My favorite quote I think gives a glimpse as to the depth of Nadine’s characters:
“Perhaps it is not given or preferable for everyone to see. They may not all notice or rightly recognize what’s in front of them, but beauty is experienced by those with the capacity to perceive and behold it. Those without the capacity or the will to behold beauty are the ones who miss out, and they’re the poorer for it.” -Pg. 115
Nadine C. Keels created characters that had such vivid emotions, and she covered some very difficult topics. Which in the end gave a beautifully written story about how everyone is special and is used by God for His glory. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the creativity and research put into making this such a well-crafted story, for the characters I could relate to, and for helping me see things from a different perspective. I highly recommend this book/series and I am so excited to see where Nadine C. Keels goes next with this series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
In this story, Nadine C. Keels has such a way with putting words to emotions and feelings that I’ve rarely seen, and she does it subtlety as you get sucked into the character’s lives. I Loved learning about something I was totally unfamiliar with, it was a good learning experience for me. Nadine covers it in a very no-nonsense way and tries to help her characters understand why God does this sometimes. Which I truly found interesting. My favorite quote I think gives a glimpse as to the depth of Nadine’s characters:
“Perhaps it is not given or preferable for everyone to see. They may not all notice or rightly recognize what’s in front of them, but beauty is experienced by those with the capacity to perceive and behold it. Those without the capacity or the will to behold beauty are the ones who miss out, and they’re the poorer for it.” -Pg. 115
Nadine C. Keels created characters that had such vivid emotions, and she covered some very difficult topics. Which in the end gave a beautifully written story about how everyone is special and is used by God for His glory. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the creativity and research put into making this such a well-crafted story, for the characters I could relate to, and for helping me see things from a different perspective. I highly recommend this book/series and I am so excited to see where Nadine C. Keels goes next with this series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Dreams of Gaia Tarot
Lifestyle and Book
App
The Dreams of Gaia Tarot is for those who desire unity within themselves, their relationships, and...
101 Personal Development - Meditation coach app
Health & Fitness and Lifestyle
App
101 Personal development is a revolutionary mobile application that combines very simple and fast...
Gloria (27 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale in Books
Jul 18, 2017
This book is intense. (2 more)
Highly recommended
Great world building and characterization.
A Must Read
A powerful read that demonstrates all kinds of ideologies. It gets better because it can be analyzed to death. It's an insight into every woman's worst nightmare. What's worse is that it portrays how our own society seems to hold the stepping stones to a dystopian world as depicted in this book. It serves as a cautionary tale of what could happen with its fleshed out dystopic concepts that are mirrored in current society.
The fact that it is told from the perspective of a reproductive servant/slave makes it all the better. More interesting and engaging. It contains just the right amount of backstory sprinkled throughout to help keep you following but still keep you wondering.
As for the controversial ending, it is shocking causing an emotional roller-coaster ride. It is definitely a great contrast as opposed to listening to Offred tell the story. I would have liked a few more questions answered, yet that also is what allows for great discussion and wonderment.
The fact that it is told from the perspective of a reproductive servant/slave makes it all the better. More interesting and engaging. It contains just the right amount of backstory sprinkled throughout to help keep you following but still keep you wondering.
As for the controversial ending, it is shocking causing an emotional roller-coaster ride. It is definitely a great contrast as opposed to listening to Offred tell the story. I would have liked a few more questions answered, yet that also is what allows for great discussion and wonderment.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Follow the Dog Home: How a Simple Walk Unleashed an Incredible Family Journey in Books
Jan 15, 2018
If you are a dog lover (like me) this is a book you will enjoy reading! So many of the stories & family experiences that are written about in this book were things that mirrored my own life & that with the few dogs I've been blessed enough to have share my experiences. I laughed & cried at the tales & truly found myself drawn into the adventures & mishaps throughout.
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Improper English in Books
Feb 15, 2019
What a book! This was hilarious at first, and I do mean hilarious, and then it began to get serious while still maintaining its humor. This book really wrung me out with Alix's emotions. I know that Alix would probably annoy others and they'd hate her insecurities and reasons she did some things, but I understood her. Although Alix is more outgoing, in some ways she reminds me of myself, and I think that has made this book more meaningful (perhaps we all have a little bit of Alix inside?). She was truly a realistic character and I loved her, flaws and all, and really felt for her at times. Alex, while I think he could have been developed more, was still a very good hero for Alix. He was just what she needed so she could start recognizing what she needed to do to change her patterns. I liked all the side characters; they added a nice touch to the story. I really don't know what else to say about this heartwarming tale, I just loved it! Even if it did leave me emotionally drained. :)
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Snowbound With A Stranger in Books
Apr 9, 2019
I was somewhat interest what was going to happen when I started to read this. I could tell it was about two people trapped in a snowstorm by the name of the book along with cover.
What did not expect was up and down my emotion did with this book. I was going are they going to get together or break up. They both had their attraction to each other but did not seem not to want to have each other or at least Dannie did not want to admit that she could love someone.
Lee had gotten to save Dannie during the storm. Though her first thoughts were it was bear was coming to get her. She soon found out it was Lee. He seem to be prepared with a walkies talkie and she was a little befuddled about that. Before they had up to the cabin, Lee get talks to Stevens. If you really want to know what happens I suggest you read the book. It a great book to read. Just be prepared to have your emotions go for a ride or a roller coaster ride of up and down with them.
What did not expect was up and down my emotion did with this book. I was going are they going to get together or break up. They both had their attraction to each other but did not seem not to want to have each other or at least Dannie did not want to admit that she could love someone.
Lee had gotten to save Dannie during the storm. Though her first thoughts were it was bear was coming to get her. She soon found out it was Lee. He seem to be prepared with a walkies talkie and she was a little befuddled about that. Before they had up to the cabin, Lee get talks to Stevens. If you really want to know what happens I suggest you read the book. It a great book to read. Just be prepared to have your emotions go for a ride or a roller coaster ride of up and down with them.
Recommended gritty read
What a roller-coaster of a ride that was! I'm sure I experienced all the emotions known to man whilst reading this book - joy, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, anticipation and fear to name but a few.
The characters are believable and brilliant although not all of them are particularly likeable. The story is gripping and had me hooked from start to finish and although I anticipated the end, it didn't disappoint or spoil it for me. The only complaint I have is the epilogue ... what the heck?!?! I found it cheesy and, in my humble opinion, totally unnecessary apart from tying up a couple of loose ends which could have been put elsewhere in the book however, this didn't ruin it for me it just made me "tut" and roll my eyes.
Kimberley Chambers isn't known as the "Queen of Gangland Crime Fiction" for nothing and I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a gritty story that's not all about violence and hate.
Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
The characters are believable and brilliant although not all of them are particularly likeable. The story is gripping and had me hooked from start to finish and although I anticipated the end, it didn't disappoint or spoil it for me. The only complaint I have is the epilogue ... what the heck?!?! I found it cheesy and, in my humble opinion, totally unnecessary apart from tying up a couple of loose ends which could have been put elsewhere in the book however, this didn't ruin it for me it just made me "tut" and roll my eyes.
Kimberley Chambers isn't known as the "Queen of Gangland Crime Fiction" for nothing and I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a gritty story that's not all about violence and hate.
Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.