Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is guided by her emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in the control centre of her mind, and when Riley’s life is uprooted by her dad’s new job, she and her emotions must adjust to the chaos caused by the big move and growing up.

Pixar is famous for making animations that comment on the human condition, and Inside Out is another triumph. It’s laugh-out-loud funny for both adults and children, featuring comedic star voices such as Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust and Phyllis Smith as Sadness.

there’s laughter, fun, nostalgia and a good dose of tugging at the heartstrings

As with all Pixar animations, the formula is simple — there’s laughter, fun, nostalgia and a good dose of tugging at the heartstrings, with an honest message to tie it all together — but this is by no means a formulaic offering. Inside Out is an original, well considered premise that takes a look inside all of us and imparts important messages about healthy mental attitudes. The film acknowledges that it takes a range of emotions — good and ‘bad’ — to make a person feel whole.

The deeper emotional moments will go over children’s heads but this bright and entertaining look inside all of us is enjoyable for kids of all ages.

Star rating: **** /5

In Australian cinemas June 18

(Review first published in Practical Parenting)