Author: James Partridge

Synopsis Based in Headquarters, the control center inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind, five Emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy whose mission is to make sure Riley stays happy. Fear heads up safety, Anger ensures all is fair and Disgust prevents Riley from getting poisoned—both physically and socially. Sadness isn’t exactly sure what her role is, and frankly, neither is anyone else. When Riley’s family relocates to a scary new city, the Emotions are on the job, eager to help guide her through the difficult transition. But when Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind—taking some of her core memories with them—Fear, Anger and Disgust are left reluctantly in charge. Joy and Sadness must venture through unfamiliar places. Thoughts Pixar is back! A huge return to form with a more mature story line – without losing everything we love about a Pixar film. The voice cast are stellar but the star of the show, as it should be, is the story – invoking all the right emotions along the way. I can’t wait to see this again. Rating...

Synopsis Philosophy professor Abe Lucas is at rock bottom emotionally, unable to find any meaning or joy in life. Soon after arriving to teach at a small town college, Abe gets involved with two women: Rita Richards, a lonely professor who wants him to rescue her from her unhappy marriage; and Jill Pollard, his best student, who becomes his closest friend. Pure chance changes everything when Abe and Jill overhear a stranger’s conversation and become drawn in. Once Abe makes a profound choice, he is able to embrace life to the fullest again. But his decision sets off a chain of events that will affect him, Jill and Rita forever. Thoughts Promised much… but (ultimately) delivered little. I was really invested in this film, right up until the end. Such a shame as Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone are so good in this. I’m surprised at Woody Allen for such a lazy ending. Rating...