We all want our children to be happy, but as we know there are ups and downs in life which causes temporary sadness. Riley is a happy 11 year-old girl living in Minnesota. She is a star hockey player, does well in school, and has a great group of friends. However, everything changes when her dad gets a new job, and the family moves to San Francisco. We see her struggle as the film centers on the five emotions that guide her life: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness.  These emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they advise her daily life. Things get complicated as her emotions disagree on how to handle all the changes she’s going through. They eventually realize that Joy might not be the emotion Riley needs during her difficult time.

Rating: 4 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: November 3, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

• This is a very cleaver and thought provoking film, one that will spark numerous parent/child conversations. The film highlights the fact that it’s okay to be sad at times, and that we can’t be happy all the time. {Spoiler Alert} During the film we want the character, Joy, to be in Riley’s life- not Sadness. However we eventually realize that Sadness is the hero in the film. With Sadness, Riley is allowed to grieve and then move on to a better life.
• The importance of family is another element in the film. When Riley is depressed and down, it’s her parents that comfort her and lift her spirits.
• This is a PG animated film which will target young kids. However, there are some sad and emotional parts that parents need to be aware of. When Riley’s world changes, she’s very down and depressed; this may be upsetting to some sensitive kids.
• Riley steals her mom’s credit card and attempts to run away from home.

Sexual Content: Mild

• Riley imagines herself with a boyfriend who dramatically says, “I would die for Riley.”
• Riley talks to a boy, and we see inside his mind where the controllers are freaking out .

Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate

• There is a dark and somewhat disturbing tone to the film. {Spoiler Alert} However, in the end you realize that’s a critical part to the storyline and that it’s okay to be sad at times.
• We see Riley’s dreams: one has a growling dog running around. She’s also haunted by a dead mouse in a dream.
• Riley’s “train of thought” derails. We see characters flying off the train.
• When characters enter into a danger zone we see their bodies become distorted.

Crude or Profane Language: None

• There is a discussion on the use of curse words, but we don’t hear any.

Drug and Alcohol Content: None

Will Kids Like It? Yes

• I interviewed two kids ages four and six. The four year girl got bored and antsy, while the six year old boy liked it and thought it was funny in parts.
• Two 13 year old girls loved it and said, “It was amazing.”

Overall, this is another wonderful Pixar film. Parents need to be aware of the mature storyline which has  some sad and emotional parts to it. Depending on the child, I recommend this film for kids ages 8 and up.