Neuropsychological Review
Inside Out of Memory and Emotions
By Victoria A. Grunberg, M.S.

Inside Out (2015) is an entertaining cartoon film that demonstrates the emotional complexity and development of an 11-year old girl, Riley Andersen, as she experiences the stress of moving across the country with her parents and adjusting to a new school and new friends. From a neuropsychological perspective, the movie demonstrates several facts regarding the impact of emotions on memory, how sleep is related to memory consolidation, and the role of emotions for interpersonal functioning. This film appeals to all ages, and could be used to open discussions with children regarding emotions, challenging situations, and how to cope.  

An 8 year old girl from Australia becomes a pen friend to to a middle aged man in New York City with Asperger's Syndrome.

This quirky animated black comedy explores the friendship of two social misfits through their letters.  Among Max's  mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, he is also diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. He calls himself an Aspie and goes on to describe the traits he has which fit what others call his "disability". Max stands firm in his self-assessment that he doesn't feel defective or need to be cured. He simply doesn't understand how humans can be so illogical.  When Mary writes a book about his disorder, their friendship is sorely tested. This film doesn't hold back on black humor nor the effects of not being accepted.  A movie about friendship.

A brilliant neurosurgeon finds himself in a telepathic relationship with a surgically removed brain.  

Dr. Hfuhruhurr is the world’s brightest neurosurgeon for his innovative cranial screw top brain entry surgerical technique.  While in Vienna, another surgeon, Dr. Necessiter eagerly shows Dr. Hfuhruhurr his radical research that preserves and stores live human brains.  A lonely Dr. Hfuhruhurr finds that he can telepathically communicate with the brain of Anne Uumellmahaye, and he finds her conversation to be enchanting.  Dr. Hfuhruhurr falls in love with Anne for her personality rather than her body.  But when the brain of Miss Uumellmahaye begins to die, Dr. Hfuhruhurr must decide between saving Anne or committing murder.