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Sunday, May 31, 2015

Events: Inside Out Film Review (Attending the May 29th NYC Advanced Screening)


disney pixar inside out film review

This past Friday, May 29th, my wife Brita and I had the incredible opportunity to see Disney·Pixar's brand new film Inside Out- a full three weeks before the film is released nationwide. The special advanced screening was presented by New York City's SVA (School of Visual Arts) theater and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; it was the closing night event of The Academy's "Animation Showcase." If that wasn't already cool enough, Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera also joined us for the film, followed by a live Q&A! Outside of the Cannes Film Festival and Pixar Studios, they said this was the first audience to see the entire film. Yes, this was a Pixar fan's dream come true.

Given we live just about an hour away from NYC (and that the tickets were only $5), I didn't even flinch before purchasing tickets the moment I saw them go up online. When the day finally came on Friday to head there, it felt unreal or too good to be true! In the end, the trip was absolutely perfect and everything went down without a hitch. I'm thrilled to be able to share our experience with you!

I'll first include some pictures leading up to the main event followed by a lengthy semi-spoiler free review of the film. Enjoy!

disney pixar inside out film review
On the train wearing our festive shirts for the premiere!
Arriving at Grand Central Station! Had a good Chinese food lunch there in honor of the family dinner scene in the film.
Part of our 30 minute walk through the city to get to the theater.
Inside Out ad on a taxi...very appropriate for the occasion.
Arrived!
At this point things got real! We arrived at around 3 and were the second in line.
disney pixar inside out film review
Here's the line that accumulated behind us.
So honored to have met a fan of my blog, Ryan Hirsh! Really good times.
Getting in! They started seating us around 6.
disney pixar inside out film review
Got my favorite place to sit during a movie...smack dab in the middle!
The trio of seats awaiting the interviewer, Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera.
disney pixar inside out film review pete docter
The Docter is in the house!
disney pixar inside out film review
Trying not to geek out...but come on. It's Pete Docter! He's the man.

LAVA REVIEW

That's right. As a special bonus surprise before Inside Out began, we were treated to Lava, the short film that will be attached to Inside Out in theaters (directed by James Ford Murphy). Let me tell you, this is a gorgeous film. The story is a very simple love story (it could, and will, be compared to other recent shorts such as The Blue Umbrella or Disney's Paperman- but with volcanoes), however that didn't bother me one bit.

Visually, this is such a stunning film to look at and I was instantly captivated by it the moment it started. The original song that plays throughout is beautiful and catchy, the scenery/animation is breathtaking and is, overall, a very peaceful, soothing film from start to finish. I absolutely love the tranquility of Hawaiian culture and this short captures the essence of that with perfection. While watching the film and listening to the sounds and the music, I could almost smell the salty ocean air and feel the warm North Pacific breeze...that's how well these filmmakers did their job.

I had been looking forward to Lava for quite some time and it did not disappoint. My hat goes off to the director and entire team who brought the film to life with such elegance.

8/10



INSIDE OUT REVIEW

Note: Though no plot points are discussed here, I do touch on some of the main themes and messages of the film. If you're looking to avoid all aspects of the story, I would wait and read this review after you've seen the film yourself. 

Wow, where do I begin? I'll start off by saying this movie is a technical masterpiece with groundbreaking animation, lighting and effects...but, it's much more than that.

Inside Out is an extremely special film. I'm getting chills just thinking about it as I type. If anyone knows me well enough, they know one of my core personality traits is that I'm a very nostalgic person. My childhood and memories of my childhood mean everything to me. As I was growing up, I even remember being in tears a few times...about growing up. I wanted to be a kid forever. In fact, to a certain extent, that's how I am still today even at 25 (and is one of the reasons, I think, for my love of toys and collecting); so naturally a film that ultimately depicts the beginning of the end of childhood, change and growing up really hit home for me. However, not just anyone could have made a film with this subject matter and make it work, but Pete Docter and his creative team at Pixar did it and did it even better than I had hoped.

I had been looking forward to this movie for years. I remember when I first heard about the "Untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside The Mind" and thought "now that's a Pixar film if I've ever heard one." I knew even back then that it would be fantastic, but was cautiously optimistic just in case. I didn't want to over-hype myself  in case of disappointment in the same way I don't want to over-hype it for you reading this right now; but I can't help it. I say: Believe the hype.

As soon as the Disney logos came on with the beautiful brand new musical score by composer Michael Giacchino, I already started to feel it. The movie hadn't even started yet and I was sold. The movie then begins...it's funny, sweet, witty, goofy, and beautiful all within the first few minutes and it only gets better as it goes along. The pacing is swift (but never feels too overly rushed) and never lingers on any one scene, yet there is still time for some of Pixar's more quiet and poignant moments. The way that the mind works in this particular world is told simply enough so that any age could understand it, yet complex enough that you could spend hours talking about it after the movie is done. Like Pixar does best, much of it is explained visually, without having to rely on much confusing, dialogue driven exposition.With that said though, it's still a complex and multi layered film.

As usual, Pixar has created new lovable, colorful, iconic characters and has crafted a meaningful story line that will change the way you think about how the mind works and how you view emotions. A family member recently asked me: "but why is there only one positive emotion?" To that I told them "just wait and see the movie..." This film teaches us the importance and power of each emotion; that sometimes we need to be sad and that's OK. Without sadness, there would be no joy. Everything needs to have opposites in order for us to see the positive in life. Each emotion has its place, but we should not let only one of them take over and drive us. It's all about finding the right balance, which we learn more of as we grow and as our minds become more complex.

The film is magical and whimsical. Laugh out loud hilarious and charming. Strange at times, yet captivating. Touching, though never sappy, cheesy or preachy. Memorable and thought-provoking. Does the story have heart? You better believe it. Does it have emotion? Absolutely- in fact, five of them. Somehow, Pixar has created a near-perfect balance of all these things, when it could have been extremely easy for them to take this story, situations and/or the emotion characters too far or over the top.

There is just something so pure and honest about this film. Inside Out is nothing short of brilliant. It is a dang smart and very clever movie with countless relatable gags and moments that will keep you chuckling for days (I'll give you one hint- gum commercial). It's hard to get out of your head once you've seen it. My wife and I keep saying to each other "I can't stop thinking about the movie! " and then we'll talk even more about it. Brita and I wanted to see it again as soon as it ended to catch many of the details we probably missed (Brita never wants to see a movie more than once, so that is really saying something). It's one of those rare movies that we'll be able to watch many years from now and still catch something new and funny each time.

You might be saying "But you're 'Dan the Pixar Fan'! Aren't you biased?" Maybe, but I also know a great film when I see one (Pixar or not) and this is a great film and another Pixar success in my book. I know a film is working for me when one of my main complaints is "I wish it was longer!" and that was the case here. It's definitely a whirlwind of a movie that seems to come and go in a flash. I recommend staying through the credits after; you'll need that time (and perhaps a few more hours) to soak it all in.

As they say...An instant classic! This bittersweet film will be captivating and inspiring the young and old alike for many, many years to come.

 9.5/10


As a bonus, enjoy the 30 minute Q&A session with director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera that took place after the film! Excuse the sound quality since I just had my cell phone to record with.

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT. Listen at your own risk.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Inside Out: Pixar Studio Store Men's Tee (+ Bonus Disney Store Sadness Women's Tee)

disney pixar studio inside out tee

With Inside Out just right around the corner, fantastic merch continues to flow out. This tee, featuring the film's logo, is special though- as it's only available at the Pixar Studio Store in Emeryville, California. A huge thanks to my good friends over at PixarPost.com, who generously picked this up for me during their time there at the recent Inside Out press event! I was so thrilled to receive this as it's the closest thing I have to actually going there. Much appreciated! 

This t-shirt is perfect for me. It's the exact style of tees that I love; it's a thinner material, is super soft, has a minimal design and has a nice, slim fit. Highly recommended if you're lucky enough to get to the Pixar store!

disney pixar studio inside out tee
disney pixar studio inside out tee

As a bonus item today, I'm also posting about the brand new Inside Out women's tee featuring sadness...now available at the Disney Store! My wife doesn't have a Pixar collection herself (in fact this might be the only thing Pixar she has), but she got this to wear at my recent birthday party and to the NYC advanced screening of the film that we went to yesterday (my full spoiler free review of Inside Out will be up tomorrow). 

On the side of the shirt it reads "one of those days" in rainbow lettering. From what Brita has said, the shirt is soft, has a nice fit and is very comfortable...and you have to love the graphic featuring the adorable Sadness among rain clouds! 

disney pixar inside out sadness women tee
disney pixar inside out sadness women tee

You can pick up the Sadness tee at the Disney Store HERE for $19.99. Be sure to get it before it's gone! Things seem to come and go pretty quick at the Disney Store.

disney pixar inside out sadness women tee studio men tee

Friday, May 29, 2015

Toy Story: See 'N Say PAGE UPDATE


Back in February, I posted about the Mattel See 'N Say toy as seen in the original Toy Story; however, the one I purchased was not the screen accurate one I had thought it was. At first it didn't bother me since the differences were subtle (the one I had had a blue center with a red back, while this one and the one in the movie has a yellow center and a red back), but I caved and decided to just go for it.

The original post has now been updated with this one that I purchased on eBay a few weeks back. View it HERE to read more about this toy and to view more pictures!

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Events: My Pixar Inside Out Themed Birthday

disney pixar inside out birthday party

Ever since Inside Out was set for a June 19th 2015 release date, I knew that I would be for sure utilizing that theme for my 25th birthday once the time came. Well, that time finally came yesterday and it couldn't have been better! It was everything I hoped for.

My wife Brita had been planning this for months and had a clear vision of things she wanted to do with the Inside Out theme. It was a long time coming! She worked with my mom as well (in secret of course, I had no idea of how things would look) to make sure everything was pure Pixar magic. I can't thank Brita and both my parents enough for all they did!

I have to say, it is very convenient that Pixar usually releases their films in June. The party goods and merchandise are always released just in time for my May 27th birthday (as it was with my Monsters University 23rd birthday birthday seen HERE)! Yet again, it worked out fantastic here with Inside Out.

disney pixar inside out birthday party

After a nice day of work and some downtime, I was able to see all the prep that had been done. I was in awe! I absolutely loved all the details: the emotion colored balloons, wrapping paper and M&Ms, the posters, the decorated mantel, the party goods...everything!


I have to say...huge props to Brita for picking through bags of M&Ms to get only the five emotion colors. That was such a cute detail and super thoughtful!

disney pixar inside out birthday party

The mantel decor has many sneak peeks at some of my upcoming blog posts. Look for individual reviews of all of these toys, plush, posters collectibles and books (plus much, much more from my birthday) over the next 55 days or so! I won't even know where to begin.

disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party

 Let the party begin! You know Brita and I had to do themed shirts. It was an absolute must!

disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party

Me and my two year old Pixar fan nephew Noah. I love his shirt...I just had to snag a pic of us. It was also pretty hilarious that a lot of little my nieces and nephews actually came with their shirts inside out! I thought that was funny and clever.

disney pixar inside out birthday party

The party goods! Such perfect plates, balloons, napkins, cups, etc... I'm so glad they came out in the nick of time. They look great and the party wouldn't have been as festive without them!

disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party

Also- my beautiful homemade strawberry cake crafted by none other than Brita! It was absolutely delicious as always.

disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party

The cups (they're actually plastic, dishwasher safe collectible cups) were given out to all 13 of my nieces and nephews as party favors, all with a little packet of fruit snacks inside. I thought that was a really cute touch and they all loved them.

disney pixar inside out birthday party

After some yummy food (classy hor d'oeuvres, chips, dip, punch, etc.), it was present and cake time! The main event. I can't thank everyone enough for all the thoughtful gifts; especially all my homemade cards from the kids.

disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party
disney pixar inside out birthday party

Such a perfect day and party! Again, a huge thanks to all those who made my day special. It will be a day long remembered.

disney pixar inside out birthday party