User reviews

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.

I grew up loving the book and reading it over and over. The movie just seemed all over the place. Major points weren't added or were changed. The movie seemed rushed. Good movie, but the books are better. The acting was pretty decent overall. If they do a second movie, I hope they try to keep events in order. There were also some descriptions in the book that the movie completely ignores. If I were you, I would read the books first to get a general idea since the movie changes somethings that are pretty important to the storyline. I personally think they should have slowed down scenes to drag it out some more. Some scenes seemed quick.

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 father of a non-verbal, wheelchair-bound child with cerebral palsy who uses an AAC device with a joystick as his primary voice, "Out of My Mind" resonated with me deeply. The film captures the day-to-day realities of families like ours with incredible authenticity. Several scenes hit home, especially the one where the motivating teacher encourages the parents to allow their child to attend regular classes. As protective parents, we've been there, reluctant to embrace change for our child's sake. The moment in the film where the child gazes out the window, leaning toward the floor, mirrored our own child's behavior in such an emotional way.

Another touching moment was when the father tries to get other kids to include his child in their play, and the child walks away without showing sadness, simply moving on to another activity. This quiet resilience is something we witness with our own kid every day. The film also beautifully shows how the child processes thoughts, forming sentences through single words and pictures-just like my child does with his AAC device.

The scene where the father cries hearing his child speak for the first time through the AAC device was so familiar to me. I've lived that exact moment, and watching it unfold on screen brought all those emotions flooding back. It's a moment of pure joy and relief. There's also a small but significant moment that shows how families like ours adapt to the world-like when other kids' parents put down cardboard to protect their floors. It reminded us of how we, too, make sure to wipe our child's wheelchair wheels before entering a friend's house to avoid soiling their carpets.

The film also highlights how others sometimes misunderstand or make awkward comments, such as asking if the child is okay when they're laughing-something many of us with children with CP are all too familiar with.

But above all, the film beautifully depicts how, no matter the challenges we face, everything is brighter when our child smiles. The joy that my kid's smile brings to my heart is immeasurable. It reminds me that, despite the struggles, everything is okay. Out of My Mind captures the strength, resilience, and love of children with disabilities and their families in such a heartfelt, truthful way.

I wholeheartedly give it a 10/10-star rating.

I just cannot let this go. There is a review on this page written by a lady with a username lauren_watson or something like that, the primary criticism of which is about what she perceives as the "ableism" that is endemic to the film. For example, she points out, isn't it terrible that the lead actress didn't even get first billing over actors playing minor- or even unnamed- characters?

Now, depending on when you're reading this, you may be wondering to yourself- wait a minute, the film hasn't actually been released yet. The film comes out in late November, and currently it is early October. Her review is dated October 3rd. Hmmm. What gives?

Well, if you're confused because you cannot imagine that a human being could possibly confuse the IMDB actors list for the ACTUAL billing order in the end credits of a film.... yeah, that's exactly what she's done. Her entire tirade is based on the misperception that the end credits in the film for some reason mirror the order IMDB has chosen to list them on their website.

It is odd that she fails to point out she didn't actually watch the movie, given that she ostensibly posted what was supposed to be a review of it. It's also odd that she was so incredibly quick to condemn the film based on what she saw on this website- not merely because they're two different things, but because this is a film ABOUT cerebral palsy; with a lead actress who has cerebral palsy; the plot of which is specifically designed to combat the misperceptions, unfair disadvantages, and poor treatment of those afflicted with cerebrall palsy and other conditions. It seems unlikely that such a film would be insensitive to the needs and emotions of the disabled, let alone be be a bastion of ableism so bad that it serves as a textbook example of how bad things are in Hollywood and elsewhere, as she insinuates.

So instead of "ableism", I have chosen a different theme for this review- it's called "critical thinking". Use your critical thinking skills at all times. Those include basic logical skills, simple deductions from known information, avoiding inaccurate comparisons, and so forth. Also- know where you are at all times in time and space. If the previous reviewer had done those things, none of those misstates would have been made.

And use your critical thinking skills when you're watching this film! It looks like a great movie, and I can't wait for it to (actually) come out.

I love movies and TV shows, always have. The old "idiot box" was my friend growing up in the 60's. I like anything that stimulates my mind or my emotions and this did both.

The story was great, I didn't know handicapped people had that much of a hard time back in the early 2000's, supposedly this was staged for 2002 I think.

Anyway, it was amazing how they put you into her head and let us feel the frustrations and joys that she felt.

The scene when she first gets the talking device and she greets her Dad just melted me into a puddle of goo! I was yelling at the movie, "hug her for God's sake!!!" I loved this movie and can't wait to show my wife!

Disney doen good, this is how Disney should be!!!

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!

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!!!

It's 2002. 12 year old Melody Brooks (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) cannot walk and cannot talk due to her cerebral palsy. She loves Friends and has Jennifer Aniston as her inner voice. She has always been in the special ed class with other handicap students of different ages and abilities. Her father (Luke Kirby) pushes to have her get into a regular grade six class although her overprotective mother (Rosemarie DeWitt) is more resistant. She has a complicated relationship with popular girl Rose Spencer.

There are some very compelling scenes with Melody's situation. The doctor test scene is the best one and the backing up scene is traumatizing. I am a little disappointed with the teacher. Maybe they should cast someone more Karen. It's a choice to make the teacher be that type but I accept it. Rose is complicated. I get the character, but the audience would want an additional character. Basically, we need one of the new characters to be more enlightened so that the audience can see through that person's eyes. It's definitely not the teacher nor Rose. The short smart kid should probably be that character, but he barely has two lines. This is one of those inspirational films although it is a little too uncomfortable at times. I do really like the lead actress and hope that she will get more chances in the future.

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Based on the novel called "Out of My Mind", it is a basic and dull adaptation of the novel with a strong performance from Phoebe Ray Taylor but uninspired direction, tone and predictable writing. Filmmaker Amber Sealey has passion on telling this story about an incredible journey of the character going through life and her condition but unlike the book which was emotional and a good character study, the movie fails to capture the essence and charm of the book and instead fails basic and dull.

The writing is weak as the writing changes some of the aspects from the novel which causes the adaptation to feel off and unfocused. The production is solid, the camerawork is meh, and the musical soundtrack is pretty annoying. While the performances are good, it's unfortunate that the characters, despite being pretty good in the novel, feel undeveloped and not as emotionally connected and engaging as I would have liked. Including some one-noted perspectives of how children act and cheesy dynamics that feel too fake to believe.

The dialogue is weak and the ambitious tone is unfocused. I appreciate the movie for being a good representation for the disabled community and trying to show good light on them. But as someone who has read the book, I feel the book remains strong.

To my confusion, this movie is made by Disney which is strange for Sundance Film Festival since Disney isn't an independent company. So I wonder why it was selected.

Overall, I am not sure how kids will feel about this movie but I do think this is a good solid story to teach for children.

I happened to stumble upon the 2024 drama "Out of My Mind" by random chance here in 2024, and with it being a movie that I had never seen, nor actually heard about, of course I opted to watch it. I have to admit, though, that I was a bit reluctant as it was a Disney movie, so I figured it would probably be just be another run-of-the-mill Disney production for a young adult audience.

But color me impressed. While I haven't read the novel that the movie is based upon, I still will say that writers Daniel Stiepleman and Sharon M. Draper put together a phenomenal script and storyline here. Of course I don't know how true the movie is to the novel, as I haven't read it, but I was genuinely and wholeheartedly entertained throughout the course of the 102 minutes that "Out of My Mind" ran for. It is a movie that takes the audience along on a very emotional and beautiful narrative, and you really get immerse yourself into the movie, which made it all the more of an enjoyable viewing experience.

The storyline in the movie is one that has multiple levels to it, as it is not just a movie about the life of Melody, but also of the difficulties of living with a disability, being prejudiced against, of personal growth, and more. And that is what makes "Out of My Mind" such a unique movie, as it has something for just about everyone in the audience. If you are not moved by the contents of this movie's narrative, well, I just don't what to say. This is without a doubt a movie that sinks right in and stays with you for a long, long time, which is a testament to the abilities of the writers.

I sincerely hope that leading actress Phoebe-Rae Taylor gets some award acknowledgement for her performance in this movie, because she was simply amazing and phenomenal. She carried the movie with so much grace and talent that she took the character of Melody Brooks and brought her right into the heart of the audience. Thumbs way, way up for her performance in this movie. In fact, I will say that all the acting performances in the movie were good. And the movie also have some familiar faces on the cast list as well, such as Judith Light, Luke Kirby and Rosemarie DeWitt, and of course the voice of Jennifer Aniston.

"Out of My Mind", from director Amber Sealey, was quite an amazing movie, not to mention an incredibly beautiful one. This was without a doubt on the finest moments in Disney movie history. Amber Sealey delivered a movie that you should take the time to sit down and watch.

Hands down, for me personally, this was the best movie of 2024.

And you might want to have a napkin or two within arms reach. Just a heads up for those sensitive audience members out there.

My rating of "Out of My Mind" lands on a well-deserved ten out of ten stars.

Feelings from "Out of my Mind" movie:

A movie that felt like a warm hug, a pat on the shoulder and filled with LOVE and feeling empowered in who you are.

Teary eyes overflown by happiness and spreading smiles; power this movie holds. What you need is a bit of a broader mindset, eyes that see hearts, and a willingness to learn about others. ACCEPTANCE will truly make you fall in love with yourself and the people around you. KINDNESS would make life easier and the world a better place to live.

Somebody's sickness or weakness is not your weapon, their smile with their endurance is more than enough to humble you down.

As a fan of this book I was slightly let down when I saw this at the Bentonville film festival it was out of order and felt forced to keep a short run time but for those that have not read the book I think you will like it. Those that did read this great book might be slightly let down by this movie adaptation. I would say avoid if you liked the book also if you are above twelve and have not read the book you will probably watch this movie and think that it is cringey because the bullying that melody endures at school feels forced as well like Disney was like we need to make a long book into an hour and a half movie.

An eye opener into the world of people that have a disability called cerebral palsy. I'm am a carer and I look after young people with CP. I think this is a great insight into their minds and really shows others how to understand people with disabilities and what they can achieve just because there body's doesn't work in the way a normal person does there brain does. Others only stare a people in wheelchairs because they don't understand, teach your young children and others that it's ok to ask why someone is in a wheelchair a lot of people with disabilities are happy to answer your questions.

I had the opportunity to watch this at the Sundance Film Festival and to meet the director and the star of the show. I didn't think it was too bad. It was definitely a feel good movie. I think overall it was good, but I have one thing wrong with it. Movies never showcase school correctly. In this film, all the kids are completely rude to her and don't respect her at all. And maybe it's just the school I go to, but that's not the. Case at all. We still respect the disabled. They are still people. I just felt like this movie didn't capture school realistically. But also these kind of movies are really just there to guilt you into liking it. Not saying this movie was bad, because it wasn't, but it's basically saying, if you don't like this movie, you don't support people suffering from cerebral palsy. Again, not saying this movie WASNT good, it was, but it does guilt trip you a little bit.

But that's about it. I'd give it a solid 7/10. I also never read the book, so that's another factor for someone else on here to cover.

Havent red the books and Im a sucker for sad/happy stories about animals and children. Still this movie made me reflect on my own thoughts and how I see the world. I allways had the soft spot for people, specially children in need, but people in this situation just wants to fit in and want the things you and me take for granted. In some way I might be a person like this. This is a sunshine story to how things can be if you just open your mind. Not everything is as it seems. This movie is a roller coaster of sad and happy.

I see some people are disapointed with the narrator cast. Yes another voice of a person who can relate to her situation might be better in some way, but I thought it was funny that she chose Jennifer Anistons voice because she watched her on TV. Its whats she chose. Its not about who can relate the most. The most important part is that she had a voice.

Recommend this movie to anyone who like a feelgood drama. Even tho its sad its mostly happy sad.

"Out of My Mind" is a heartfelt film that combines inspiring performances with a thoughtful message about inclusion and resilience. Phoebe-Rae Taylor's portrayal of Melody Brooks, a nonverbal girl navigating the challenges of expressing herself in a world that often underestimates her, is both moving and authentic. Jennifer Aniston's narration as Melody's inner voice adds a poignant layer, making the character's emotional journey deeply relatable.

The film shines in its ability to balance heavy themes with moments of joy and triumph, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond physical limitations to recognize true potential. While the narrative occasionally veers into predictable territory, the sincerity of its storytelling and the chemistry among the cast compensate for these minor flaws.

"Out of My Mind" may not redefine the genre, but it successfully delivers a powerful message about perseverance and self-expression.

I have a brother with disability. My mom fought the school for him to join a normal class a few times a week. You wouldn't imagine the challenges it is to have adults and kids alike accept someone with disability. Actually, the adults tend to be less tolerant and find all sorts of excuses to exclude someone.

I think this was a beautiful movie that will bring awareness to these issues and hopefully will make classrooms more accessible.

One thing that was underlooked a bit maybe was that all sufferers of an X disability are different, with their own personality, weaknesses and strengths. Programs often provide some sort of generic solution that tends to fail as it would need a more custom solution.

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.