Lights, camera, stream! Ever scroll endlessly, unsure of what to watch? You're not alone. The volume of movies and shows can overwhelm. Let’s dive into some picks. From heartwarming animations to thrillers, these films entertain. We live in a streaming age. Let’s explore where to find these gems.
In & Out (1997): Small Town, Big Secret
1997 was a unique year. Dial-up internet existed. Kevin Kline starred in a movie that asks a question: What happens when a former student outs you on TV? That’s the premise of "In & Out."
Plot Twist, Literally
Picture this scene: The Oscars. Glamour and gowns. Matt Dillon plays Cameron Drake. He wins an Academy Award. During his speech, he thanks his high school English teacher, Howard Brackett, played by Kevin Kline. Suddenly, Cameron tells everyone Howard is gay.
Howard lives a normal life in Indiana. He is engaged to Emily, played by Joan Cusack. Everything changes quickly. A media frenzy invades his small town. Howard now must convince everyone he is a typical straight man.
Where to Watch "In & Out"
Want to witness the chaos? "In & Out," a standout gay/lesbian movie, streams easily. Catch it on Paramount Plus. You can also find it on The Roku Channel. It’s available on Fandango at Home. Amazon Prime Video users can stream it there, and Apple TV has it too. Grab your device and enjoy the laughs.
Filmed in... Long Island?
You may think of quaint Indiana towns while watching "In & Out." However, much of it was filmed in Northport, New York. Yes, that's Northport on Long Island. So, imagine the actors enjoying clam chowder, not Indiana corn.
Inside Out (2015): It's All in Your Head
Pixar means stunning animation and emotional stories. "Inside Out" is no exception. This film is not just for kids; it’s a lesson about emotions, wrapped in animation.
Plot: Riley's Emotional Rollercoaster
Enter Riley, an 11-year-old girl. Her life is upended when her family moves. But the real story unfolds in her mind. We meet her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. They act as characters, each with distinct roles in Riley's emotional control.
The movie shows how these emotions work together and against each other as she faces her new life. It’s a sophisticated look at our minds, made engaging for everyone.
Streaming "Inside Out"
Need a boost of emotional smarts? "Inside Out" is easily accessible. Disney+ is the primary choice for Pixar fans. Hulu also streams it. Whether you prefer Disney+ or Hulu, Riley and her emotions await.
Purchase and Rental Options
Prefer owning movies or renting for a night in? "Inside Out" has options. Amazon Prime Video allows for purchase or rental. Fandango At Home offers purchase as well. You can also find it on Apple TV, Microsoft Store, and Sky Store. Build your digital library your way.
Themes and Meaning: More Than Just Cartoons
"Inside Out" is visually rich and thematically deep. It explores human emotional experiences. All emotions matter, even the negative ones. Sadness and Anger are crucial for well-being. This is a refreshing take in a world pushing constant positivity.
The film doesn’t avoid the complexity of feelings. It addresses growing up and the emotional messiness of life. It reminds us to feel all our feelings, even uncomfortable ones. Accepting these emotions is integral to a healthy life.
Conflict: Joy vs. Sadness (and Everything Else)
The plot conflict centers on Joy and Sadness. These emotions embark on an adventure through Riley's mind after the move. Their journey represents our internal struggles dealing with change. Balancing happiness and sadness is a challenge for all.
Riley’s emotions struggle in her new life. The internal tug-of-war creates relatability. We’ve all felt torn between emotions when life changes.
Riley: Relatable to Everyone
Riley is relatable. Psychologist Nathaniel Herr points out her design is gender-neutral. Both boys and girls see themselves in her. Adults can relate too, seeing their children reflected in her character.
The animated depiction of her mind is accurate in its emotional representation. While whimsical, it reflects real psychological processes. "Inside Out" offers both entertainment and genuine psychological insights.
Is "Inside Out" Too Intense for Kids?
Parents should be aware. "Inside Out" is PG-rated. Common Sense Media gives it a 5+ rating for kids. However, some moments may be intense. There are emotional scenes of sadness. The story shows feelings personified, voiced by Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling.
While family-friendly, sensitive children may find scenes heavy. Overall, the film handles emotional moments well and delivers a positive message about feelings.
Mental Illness Representation: Adjustment Disorder
"Inside Out" subtly depicts adjustment disorder, a condition seldom shown in media. Filmmakers Rivera and Docter capture its essence in Riley's journey.
Her symptoms align with adjustment disorder criteria. Visual techniques show her emotional struggles. This makes "Inside Out" entertaining and insightful in portraying mental health. It normalizes emotional distress during change—a valuable message.
Inside Out 2 (2024): Teenage Angst, Animated
Want more emotional adventures? "Inside Out 2" arrives, featuring teenage Riley. Brace for intense teenage emotions!
Plot: Teenage Riley is a Whole New World
“Inside Out 2” revisits Riley, now 13. We enter the turbulent world of adolescence. The sequel follows her through teenage ups and downs. Expect complex emotions and plenty of drama.
The movie promises an exploration of teenage life’s emotional highs and lows.
Big changes are here. "Inside Out 2" will delve into these changes. It will maintain the wit and emotional depth of the original.
Streaming "Inside Out 2"
Eager to see Riley's teenage emotions? "Inside Out 2" streams on Disney+. Disney+ is still the main hub for "Inside Out." If you have a subscription, you can join the journey.
For now, Disney+ is the only platform for "Inside Out 2." It fits, considering Disney owns Pixar and seeks to make Disney+ the main spot for their films.
Purchase and Rental Options for "Inside Out 2"
New Emotion Alert: Anxiety Takes Center Stage
Meet Anxiety. In "Inside Out 2," Riley faces anxiety, a common teenage emotion. Anxiety is not just a feeling; it's a character and central to Riley's emotional world.
Anxiety is not just a minor theme; it acts as the main antagonist. The film aims to tackle anxiety's challenges, especially during teen years. This is a bold move which will resonate with many viewers.
Themes: Anxiety, Self-Doubt, and Identity
"Inside Out 2" focuses on anxiety, self-doubt, and identity. As Riley grows, she must figure out who she is and how to manage growing-up anxieties.
The film is set to show how anxiety instills self-doubt and prompts identity crises. These feelings are universal among teens. "Inside Out 2" will present a thoughtful and maybe comforting view of these challenges.
Mental Illness: Spotlighting Anxiety
Anxiety's prevalence among teenagers hints "Inside Out 2" could be a cultural landmark. It can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer a relatable view of anxiety's reality. We welcome animated films about mental health.
Get Out (2017): Beyond the Jump Scares
Now, let’s discuss "Get Out." Jordan Peele’s debut film isn't merely horror; it's a thought-provoking social thriller that lingers after the credits. It’s scary yet deeply insightful.
The Meaning of Eyes: Seeing Through Different Perspectives
Eyes recur in "Get Out," carrying deep meaning. Peele noted it allows a white viewer to see through a Black person's eyes for an hour and a half.
The focus on eyes highlights themes of perception, race, and true identity. It emphasizes understanding others’ experiences by seeing through their eyes.
Hidden Messages: The Deer Symbolism
Notice the deer in "Get Out"? It’s not casual wildlife. The deer represents a turning point for Chris, the protagonist. This encounter marks the shift that sends Chris into a nightmare.
The deer signifies the break from normalcy and the entry of the sinister into the everyday. It foreshadows horrors, hinting something is awry before Chris understands.
The Twist: A Cult of Body Snatchers?
"Get Out" is known for its surprising twist. The ostensibly hospitable Armitage family hides dark secrets. Chris is lured into their estate, only to find he’s at the mercy of a secretive cult.
This cult aims to transfer wealthy older white people's minds into young Black bodies. This has happened before Chris, making him another victim in their scheme. Quite a dinner party twist!
The Deer Scene: Trauma and Unease
The deer scene also captures Chris's past trauma. Chris and Rose see a deer struggling by the road. Chris feels deeply affected, but Rose is unfazed.
This difference shows Chris's character traits. His empathy and trauma make him sensitive to suffering. The deer's distress mirrors his own vulnerability and foreshadows his fight for survival.
Streaming Services: Your Movie Ticket to Anywhere
Let's now talk about streaming services, the unsung heroes of movie watching. They've changed how we view films, transforming living rooms into personal cinemas. Let's look at a few major players.
Disney+: More Than Just Mickey Mouse
Disney+ serves as the hub for "Inside Out" and its sequel. If you love Pixar or Disney, this platform is essential. It offers series like "Pixar's Dream Productions," expanding the "Inside Out" world.
Disney+ has various subscription plans. The Basic plan costs $9.99 monthly, with ads. The Premium plan is ad-free at $15.99 monthly. For savers, an annual Premium option at $159.99 offers savings over time. Bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for more content.
Netflix: The OG Streaming Giant
Netflix, the original streaming leader, offers plans since March 2025. Standard with ads is the cheapest at $7.99 monthly. The Standard plan without ads costs $17.99 monthly. The Premium plan is $24.99 monthly.
Netflix allows adding extra members to accounts. For Standard users, add one member for $6.99 with ads or $8.99 without ads. The Premium plan permits two extra members at similar costs per member. Sharing is an option at Netflix.
Amazon Prime Video: Beyond the Shopping Cart
Amazon Prime Video lets you buy or rent "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2." It's versatile and part of your Amazon Prime membership, offering diverse movies and shows.
Netflix vs. Amazon Prime: The Streaming Showdown
In streaming quality, Netflix has an advantage. It provides up to 4K Ultra HD with a Premium subscription. Amazon Prime maxes out at HD streaming. So, for superior visuals, Netflix could be better.
In-N-Out (Restaurant): Burgers and Secret Menus
Now, let's shift to "In-N-Out," the burger chain. Sometimes life’s issues require a Double-Double.
Secret Menu Items: Ordering Like a Pro
In-N-Out is famous for its secret menu. To impress friends, order a "3x3," featuring three beef patties and cheese. For big appetites, try the "16x16," if you dare. For extra flavor, go for “Animal-Style” burgers and fries or indulge in a shake.
Locations: West Coast Wonders (and Beyond)
In-N-Out Burger thrives on the West Coast. It keeps growing. You can spot these burger gems in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. If you crave a good burger, fries, and shake, In-N-Out is waiting. No, you won't find one in Indiana like in "In & Out."
Mental Illness: Beyond the Silver Screen
Movies highlight mental health issues. This occurs sometimes subtly and at other times overtly. Now, let's explore mental illness in the real world. Let's go past the film narratives.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A Challenging Condition
BPD is one of the more complex mental illnesses. It causes unstable emotions and impulsive behavior. There is also a fear of abandonment and huge mood swings. Anger, self-sabotage, and daily functioning issues are common symptoms.
BPD can impact relationships and quality of life. It is a complex condition that needs understanding and support.
Other Challenging Mental Illnesses
BPD is not alone in its challenges. Schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, major depression, OCD, eating disorders, PTSD, and severe anxiety disorders also present immense difficulties.
Each condition has unique challenges. Remember that mental illness is a health matter, not a character flaw. Seeking help and awareness are crucial for supporting those with mental health issues. Movies like "Inside Out 2" can create conversations and lessen stigma. Now, I feel a strong urge for a 3x3 Animal Style and maybe rewatching "Inside Out." Just for research.
Responses (0 )