Life Inside Out

An incredibly beautiful story of a mother, a family, a couple, a misfit teen trying to find his way and the many variations by which love is expressed. This is a movie for even those who don't like this kind of movie. You will laugh and cry, wince at points with the characters as their individual challenges are exposed and you see them more as whole people not just the mask they show the world. This is destined to be a classic, a simple tale on the surface that runs so deep that you can see it a dozen times and still come away with something new.And thru out enjoy the music. The songs are amazing, the acting superb and the story line very realistic. I can't say enough good about it without adding the spoilers I'm trying to avoid. Go. See it. Carry it home in your heart.

This sweet film is poignant and true. The script speaks to the heart of most of our families--flawed, struggling, yet enduring. Maggie Baird is illuminating as the mom of three sons, one of whom is a floundering 14 year old who is depressed, sullen, and withdrawn. As she rediscovers an old passion for guitar, singing and song writing, her son, played by her real life son, Phinneas, discovers he, too, is passionate about, and talented as a singer/songwriter. He begins to come out of his shell; he emerges as someone who feels he has value; and he sees and appreciates his mother in ways most 14 year old sons can't.

Through humor and simplicity of story telling, we become a part of this family. We feel their financial struggle. We love the long term marriage of the parents, still so committed, yet winding their way through these muddy middle years. We relate to the sibling relationships. We so deeply feel the anxiety and isolation of adolescence. And when perseverance and unrelenting mother love and support help them both to find their way, our hearts soar with their discoveries.

This film is deeply moving, joyful, hopeful, real, tender, fun - it celebrates the best of humanity through the rich elements of unity, support, beauty, love, sincerity, creativity and it demonstrates the power of creativity and expression to connect people to each other and themselves. It is always fantastic to see a daring and loving woman over 40 become more of who she already is. The cherry on the cake is the music, and even more cherries are each collaboration between mother and son. The movie itself is a song of loving life. Maggie Baird does an incredible job as a best actress, in every right. This is the exactly the kind of film the world needs more of and it deserves a world-wide audience. Excellence in writing, directing, cinematography, soundtrack, and acting. Flawless, really.

Beautiful film which draws you in from the first frame. Maggie is a mom whose daily grind leaves little time to devote to self discovery and fulfilling activities. She is pulled by the demands of making dinner and balancing the budget along with managing the different personalities of her kids, husband and sister. As she notices her high school son struggling, she searches for ways to reach him. Music is the bridge that brings the two of them together and reveals each to the other in a deeper sense. I love that in this film the ending is really a beginning but more than that it is a beautiful testament to selfless love, especially a mother's. The characters in this film were well written and real without being difficult to like--each resonated with me on a soul level. Order this film and get ready to relax with characters who feel like old friends.

This film was very inspirational and thought provoking. It also made me laugh and cry. I enjoyed the ride completely from start to finish. Everyone in my home could relate to this film. I especially loved how the family worked together, despite moments of friction, to support each other. Being over forty myself and a singer/songwriter, I completely identified with the character played by the super talented Maggie Baird. My son, who is a teenager, loved the acting and the music by the mega-talented Finneas Baird O'Connell. We both loved watching the relationship and support between these two characters and could completely relate. All of the music in the film was superb. I wish more movies like this one would be made, because it is a great reflection of life and how things can work themselves out in a positive way if we are open to them and support each other. Loved the cinematography, humor, passion and artistry. A must see film!