I can’t tell you much about this film, because I haven’t seen a screening – but I can tell you the one thing I need to know: it’s Disney/Pixar! What else do you need to know?

This great movie tackles that question that every parent, at some point, asks: “What was she (or he) thinking?????” If you have kids, you’ve asked it yourself, probably about 127,413 times. Because kids do stupid stuff. They are not really sure how to deal with their emotions, especially during pre-adolescence and adolescence. It’s a tough time in their lives. You remember, right?

They still have the mindset of a kid while at the same time straining to be and act older. No wonder they seem “off”.

The movie centers around Riley, an 11-year-old, hockey-loving Midwesterner whose life is mostly happy till her family relocates to the big and scary city of San Francisco. Her emotions—led by energetic Joy—are on the job, eager to help guide Riley through this difficult transition. So filmmakers called on Joy—who bounces and glows (literally), overflowing with optimism—to tackle the ever-complicated task of raising Riley—metaphorically—along with four other emotions who contribute their own unique perspectives. Fear is in charge of safety, Anger ensures that all is fair and Disgust prevents Riley from getting poisoned—both physically and socially. Sadness isn’t sure what her role is, and her efforts to get more involved in Riley’s life are not exactly welcomed by Joy. The relationship between Joy and Sadness forms the root of the story, and when they’re inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind—Imagination Land, Dream Productions, Long-term Memory—turmoil ensues in Headquarters.

As a parent, this movie is going to be a wonderful resource for you when dealing with your own kids’ emotions. It will open up channels of communication. It will allow you to gently broach difficult subjects. Who better to help than the wonderful folks at Disney/Pixar??

And we have some great resources for you that Disney has shared with us. You can incorporate these into summer fun, lessons, crafts, and all sorts of things. Be creative!

InsideOut Coloring Page
InsideOut Coloring Pages (Hispanic)
InsideOut Emotions Around the World (Hispanic)
InsideOut Emotions Around the World