Inner Workings

This Disney computer-animated short was shown just before the studio's feature of Moana. It concerns the brain of this man who works at the Boring, Boring, and Glum computer building. His brain keeps thinking of ways the man he inhabits is going to die if he does some risky things like surfing, eating something that's not considered healthy, or trying some sunglasses in front of a fine girl at the beach. But his heart has other ideas...This was quite funny especially concerning that brain and his thoughts. It's perhaps one of the more creative from the studio though if I thought hard enough, I could probably think of something that might have preceded it in format. Still, I highly recommend Inner Workings.

'Moana' was knockout entertainment and one of Disney's best in years. While not one of Disney's best short films or works, 'Inner Workings' is still very good and goes very well with 'Moana' if not quite as good.

The animation is superb, being immaculately detailed, beautifully and intricately drawn with rich colour and some very inventive visuals. The music is hypnotic and understated, a good fit and meshes well with what's going on in the animation, not necessarily enhancing it but never intrusive or distracting.

'Inner Workings' will have, and has been, compared to one of Pixar's masterpieces 'Inside Out' in concept. It's not as imaginative, but explores its ideas in a way that's fascinating and thought-provoking. Throughout, 'Inner Workings' is very charming, cute and thoughtful.

Characterisation does nothing to hinder the material and how it's executed, while the voice acting is very strong.

All of this more than makes up for a lack of emotional depth (when compared to something like the heart-wrenching 'The Little Matchgirl') and an ending that comes over a bit awkwardly.

Otherwise, it's a very good short film, if falling short of greatness or mastery, and a more than worthy companion for 'Moana'. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Shorts from Disney always bring me joy and this one makes no exception. From most of them you remain with something, I mean, you learn something new, in this case that our brain can not govern the heart and viceversa. They both have to coexist and make the body behave in a natural way. Every part plays their role and what the young corporatist thinks with his brain and feels with his heart have actual consequences in the real world.

This cute and funny short film efficiently communicates a relevant and rather mature message about life philosophy. It's entertaining for children and adults alike but it's not quite pushing any thematic boundaries. The theme feels pretty generic which makes the film less special.

Still, it's a great short film which was certainly worth 6 minutes of my life!

'INNER WORKINGS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new Disney animated short film, which debuted in theaters before the Disney animated feature 'MOANA'. The short is hand-drawn and computer-animated, and it runs approximately 7 minutes long. It tells the story of a responsible conservative man, who's body parts revolt against his brain; in an attempt to lead a more fun and passionate-filled life. The short was written and directed by Leonardo Matsuda, a former story artist (for Disney animated feature films like 'ZOOTOPIA', 'BIG HERO 6' and 'WRECK-IT RALPH'); he also directed the 2008 animated short film 'PREKISSTORIC TIMES'. The short stars the voice talent of animated filmmaker (and experienced animated voice actor), Raymond S. Persi. I found it to be a great concept for a film (it's quite similar to that of 'INSIDE OUT'), but it lacks the emotional depth of a lot of Disney's best short films. Still it is quite amusing, charming and kids should like it. I expected a little more but I definitely can't complain too much. I doubt it will be up for an Oscar next year though.

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