The recently released Pixar film Lightyear has been praised for its stunning visuals but criticized for its unimaginative plot. The animation studio is known for its well-written narratives, which is why its latest movie’s unoriginal origin story is so disappointing. It pales in comparison to more complex and hard-hitting movies like Inside Out.
The several funny reviews about the well-loved film on Letterboxd are a testament to how it has moved and affected fans. Riley’s journey along with her five personified emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – is a profound one that delivers important lessons along the way.
Leave It To Bill Hader
Fear is one of the funniest characters in the Pixar movie, as he acts exactly as his name implies. Masterfully voiced by Bill Hader, the funny emotion is jittery and quick to react and hide at the first sign of trouble.
The Letterboxd user shannon hilariously asserts how they “want Bill Hader to help make all” of their “decisions too.” Over the course of the film, it’s shown that every emotion has an important part to play in creating a healthy mind – including fear. He’s the one responsible for avoiding dangerous situations, as anything scary will dissuade Riley and lead her to a safer path.
Sadness Is Okay
Inside Out is an animated movie that tackles the serious issue of Riley’s mental health after her abrupt move to a different city. The main character, Joy, and the other emotions learn an important lesson about Sadness’ role in helping Riley get the support and love she needs from friends and family.
Thie lesson affected cathy, who found it “really convenient that the message is ‘sadness is okay’ otherwise” her “constant tears would be awkward!” There are several parts in the film that can cause viewers to shed a tear, which include Bing Bong’s death and Riley’s tearful admission after running away.
The Actual Target Audience
Pixar movies are known for their mature lessons that even older audiences can appreciate. They may be marketed for children, but the parents who accompany their kids to the theaters may find themselves enjoying the viewing experience as well.
This is baffling for Matthew Christman, who asks “exactly when did” people “decide that ‘good’ children’s movies were actually supposed to be aimed at depressed 35-year-olds?” Inside Out’s nuanced depiction of dealing with depression likely rings true for mature audiences who understand what Riley is going through on a personal level.
Goodbye Hockey Island
A critical aspect of Riley’s mind is her personality islands, which are literal floating islands that represent parts of who she is. These include Friendship Island, Goofball Island, and Honesty Island, just to name a few. They start collapsing after Riley’s abrupt move, as her personality changes.
The user russman has a funny comment about how “Hockey Island was the first to go for” them. When Riley is discouraged during a match in her new town, she seems to just quit the sport entirely. This deeply upsets Joy, who can do nothing but watch as the once vibrant island falls down into the “Memory Dump.”
Just Cry
Most of the animated film is set inside Riley’s mind, as it’s where her five emotions argue over how best to help her. The crucial turning point in the protagonist’s story highlights her real-life reactions in front of her parents though, as she admits that she’s struggling to cope with their new home.
The emotional scene affects the user Guy, who simply and funnily asks “you ever just cry” after watching the film. It’s a good thing that Sadness teaches audiences that the emotion is an important tool for getting support and letting loved ones in.
A Spidey Reference
Bing Bong’s death is one of the saddest events that happen in the film, as Riley’s former imaginary friend sacrifices himself in the Memory Dump so that Joy could make it back up. The Memory Dump is a chasm where faded memories go to permanently disappear, and Bing Bong is just one of the latest victims.
The user mia makes a dark joke by leaving a review that says “Bing Bong doesn’t feel too good.” It’s a funny reference to Spider-Man’s disappearance during the snap in Avengers: Infinity War. He tells Iron Man that he doesn’t feel so good before disintegrating like half of the world does. Unlike Spider-Man, though, Bing Bong doesn’t come back after five years.
An Introspective Question
It’s entertaining to watch Riley’s emotions argue over the best way to help her during the stressful period of her life depicted in the movie. However, humorous moments soon give way to more poignant, and often sad, scenes that can move viewers to tears.
This is why it’s not surprising that some people like graham ask “why am I doing this to myself.” It’s not an easy film to watch, especially for adults who can relate to Riley’s struggle. It is worth it in the end, though, as those who stick around will see how Riley and her emotions learn the value of Sadness.
Time To Exile Joy
Joy is initially introduced as a likable character who only wants to help Riley. She’s even clearly contrasted with Sadness, who seems to ruin everything she touches. It soon becomes clear that Joy’s good intentions are misguided, and she becomes increasingly frustrating to watch.
It’s easy to see why trin declared “that’s it,” she’s “exiling Joy.” At one point, Joy attempts to leave Sadness behind, selfishly trying to get herself back to the headquarters. This rightly leads to her falling down a deep chasm known as the Memory Dump where she finally learns an important lesson.
Forgive Pixar
There’s no shortage of amazing solo Pixar movies that have come out before and after Inside Out. That said, the renowned animation studio does have a few misses that haven’t impressed fans and critics, which include the recently released prequel, Lightyear.
The Letterboxd user Evan writes a gut-busting review that recognizes the studio’s shortcomings, saying “Inside Out is so good that” they “have now forgiven Pixar for Cars 2 and Brave.” The films they mention are famously box office disappointments that did not live up to Pixar’s ordinarily high standards.
Uncontrollable Tears
The most heartbreaking moment of the film is arguably Bing Bong’s tragic death, second only to Riley’s confession to her parents. The former imaginary friend was perhaps always destined to go to the Memory Dump, with his efforts to help Joy only serving to speed up the process.
The unforgettable scene is recounted by Alor in their review, where they quote Bing Bong’s last words about taking Riley to the moon, which understandably made them ask“y’all ever just cry.. uncontrollably?.” Despite being forgotten, Bing Bong still wants Riley to be happy and healthy, as she is the only best friend he has ever known.
