Though the mixed success of its three most recent releases, Cars 2, Brave and Monsters University, have caused some to wonder whether Pixar’s golden age has drawn to a close, there’s no denying that the animation giant has turned out some of the greatest family films of all time in its 28 years of existence. And with next summer’s Inside Out, many are hoping that Pixar is gearing up for a creative resurgence. Now, an updated plot synopsis for the film has hit the web, and it sounds pretty exciting.
The film, from Up director Pete Docter, was hailed by Pixar’s chief creative officer John Lasseter last August as, “one of the most unique films I’ve ever been associated with – a magical, wonderful, original film.” It’s based on an original idea by Docter and boasts a screenplay by Toy Story 3 scribe Michael Arndt. Check out the synopsis below, found on Pixar’s website:
From the tepuis of South America to a monster-filled metropolis, Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter has taken audiences to unique and imaginative places. In 2015, he will take us to the most extraordinary location of all – inside the mind of an 11-year-old named Riley.
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith).
The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.
I’m expecting great things from Inside Out. Pixar has built its reputation on challenging, imaginative films, and this one definitely fits the bill. The voice of Riley has yet to be announced, but the studio still has plenty of time to figure that out, as Inside Out isn’t due to hit theaters until June 19th, 2015.
