Inside Out (2015) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Two movies about childhood to start the young year off with a bang!

Inside Out (2015; Disney+ or your library)

Riley adjusts to an unexpected move while her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—learn to work together. This movie came out the summer after my first year of college, and in the following fourteen months, I watched it seven times. Every time, I noticed something new: the movie is rich with subtle visual parallels of colors (notice Riley’s clothes), repeated events and images, word choices in the script (“happy”)… The piano soundtrack is unparalleled in generating a sense of awe. I am astounded at how the movie parallels two levels at once: the literal, real world of Riley’s outer adjustment, and the inner, fantasy world of her emotions. Everyday life takes on archetypal dimensions. The humor and moving emotions never strike a false note. It was just the lesson my teenage self needed to learn: to integrate negative emotions rather than fight them. Repeated viewings do not disappoint.

For sensitive viewers: Some occasionally shocking images (memories of a toddler’s bare bottom, milk coming out someone’s nose, a couple of nightmares). Strong emotions. You will cry.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968; Tubi, Pluto, or Hoopla Digital)

A quirky inventor (Dick Van Dyke) and his two children find happiness when they meet a lovely lady, invent something that might work, and go on a fantastical imaginary adventure in a bright, refurbished car. I just rewatched this, and I can report that it really is as magical as my childhood self remembered. But you must watch it with the eyes of a child. When you do, it’s okay that it doesn’t mean anything, and every image bursts with new wonder, new magic. On top of that, it’s a musical—and there’s nothing catchier than a Sherman brothers’ song! (The Sherman brothers are famous for the songs they wrote for Disney, from Winnie the Pooh to Mary Poppins to Jungle Book to "It's a Small World.") Great huge sets, ornate clothing, and gorgeous natural backgrounds. Roald Dahl co-wrote the screenplay, and the film carries the optimistic sense of unforeseen good luck and joyful creativity of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s a long one, so buckle up for a fun, fun ride.

P.S.: Dick Van Dyke just turned 100!!!