Out of My Mind

Well how about that. I never thought Disney would ever make a movie based on a novel like this, and it actually turned out great. Out of My Mind is a very inspiring movie for people with disabilities. Where it values the disability representation and shows that even they can do anything. There may be times where it's a your typical teen film, but a lot of effort that's put for having an inspiring story, a good amount of character development, great acting, and a powerful moral that's beautifully put in the end. I think this is the movie that the people with disabilities need to watch. To be inspired of what the movie is trying to say. And I believe that even those that are not disabled will be touched with this movie too. I'm sure that the novel has inspired those groups before. But maybe it'll inspire some more of them that are more of movie people, and that's a great example of how it does. And if Melody Brooks can be successful even without a voice, then anyone else can.

I love Out of My Mind, based on the novel of the same name by Sharon Draper that is about family and friendship. I love the book and was so excited to learn that they were adapting the book into a movie. The film explores the concept that a person's intelligence and worth are not defined by how they communicate, and that everyone deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their physical limitations.

Born with cerebral palsy, Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) is nonverbal, and she is placed in a preschool level remedial academic program where her greatest source of stimulation comes from listening to Judy Blume audiobooks. When Dr. Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) recognizes that Melody's cognitive abilities exceed what the class offers, she advocates for Melody to join Mr. Dimming's (Michael Chernus) class, which puts Melody on track for the life she has always dreamed of. Best of all, it puts her on a path to receive an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device so she can finally have the opportunity to make friends. But, like her journey thus far, nothing comes easy.

I really like how the film is told through Melody's first-person narrative, with Jennifer Anniston as Melody's voice, since Melody's favorite TV show is Friends. Jennifer Anniston delivers a lot of heart, love, and laughter in the role, which is paired perfectly with Phoebe-Rae Taylor's emotional performance as Melody. I was so invested in watching Melody's dreams come true, but also feeling for her parents Chuck and Diane (Luke Kirby, Rosemarie DeWitt). You can feel the struggle they have been fighting for their daughter's future and wanting what is best for her. I also love the next door neighbor, Mrs. V (Judith Light), who often helps Melody and her family. You can feel the love Mrs. V has for Melody through the screen. Mrs. V has some great moments and she always makes me smile. If you enjoy reading, I recommend reading the book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Also available is the sequel, Out of My Heart, where Melody goes to camp for the first time and Out of My Dreams where Melody travels on an airplane for the first time and visits London.

Out of My Mind highlights the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to see the vibrant inner world of people with disabilities, particularly those who are non-verbal like Melody, who struggles with cerebral palsy but possesses a brilliant mind.

I give Out of My Mind 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!

If you are feeling low and demotivated this movie is the right pic for you.

I personally like this movie because there are no over the top scene and the narrative is very natural without any artificial cookedup scenes.

Definitely this movie will make you think about the importance of life and also make you feel the gratitude that owe.

This movie clearly depicted how the actual characters behave as if it is in the real world and also this movie will make you cry laugh motivated and energized.

Definitely this movie is worth watch of your time if you want a cool relaxed family movie and also this will definitely add value to your life. Thank you to both cast and crew.

As a person with non-speaking CP, it was nice to see someone like me as a main character. I think the movie did a pretty good job of telling the story. It shows the challenges everyone faces when trying something new and also shows how far behind the world is on inclusion. I feel like the story was a decent adaptation of the book, but was toned down for the movie. The only thing I didn't like is that it still flattened Melody's personality. Disabilities do not make people one dimensional, the world tries to do that. This movie tried to show that. I think everyone will benefit from watching it. Either to feel seen or learn something new.

As an ACTUALLY AUTISTIC Girl who is a PART TIME AAC USER. This film is AMAZING... this is the 1st real AAC rep I've seen kn film that doesn't portray disability as something to be overcome or something to be feared or that "normal" should be the goal. Neurodiversity positive and positive representation of CP according to my best friend who had CP herself this is just so beautiful... I am truly amazed and think it was so so so well done! A SOLID 09/10!!! The ONLY thing that could have made it better would have been if there has maybe been a side character who also used a talker but part time. That would have made this a 10/10. It's entertaining, the acting is great, and it made me cry and it has A MAIN CHARACTER WHO USES AAC!!!! I cannot say enough good things about this movie!!! Watch watch watch!!!