SparkShorts (TV Mini Series) Out (2020) User Reviews

Important little steps

[hellojaeson · 7/10 · 28 May 2020]

This film is about having a secret you don't feel comfortable sharing with your parents. It's about being different and not feeling like it's acceptable to the mainstream world.

'Out' is important because it's by a mainstream media company like Disney. Produced by Pixar (another mainstream entertainment company).

Together they're saying we're OK with different people in our society so long as they are life affirmative.

I cried happy tears at the end even though I felt the tone of the film was aimed at a pantomime level appreciation of these complex emotions of the short film's characters. Their facial expressions could have more nuanced without losing the audience.

There's a plot twist that is inspired and helps lighten the misadventures into a kind of Buster Keaton Bugs Bunny manic energy while keeping the jeopardy of the main character alive.

All in all, a brave new addition for a world embracing non-mainstream humans into our open hearts and minds.

Magic

[lso-soares · 8/10 · 28 December 2021]

Animation directed by Steven Clay Hunter that integrates the SparkShorts program, made for American television and available on Disney+.

Greg and Manuel live together in a house they have recently moved to and have a dog. Greg has never admitted his homosexuality to his parents, who suddenly arrive at the house to celebrate their new home. And now?

In the confusion of hiding things, the dog's collar lands on Greg, who switches personality with the dog. The magic sets in, and it's the dog that tries to hide the photo of Greg and Manuel together.

A lysergic story that indicates the importance of accepting people as they really are, without the need to cheat, to hide, to live life in fear.

Out review

[maddiebuggie · 7/10 · 21 June 2020]

I thought the animation style was good. The overall story was about average. The part where the human and the dog switched was different but it wasn't something I was crazy about. Characters and character development was really good and well done. This is an lgbt short film. It not very long. Anyone no matter the age would be able to watch this short film. This is very family friendly.

Nothing to hide

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 11 February 2022]

Am a massive fan of animation and of Disney and Pixar, ever since childhood on all three counts. Saw 2020's 'Out' on Disney Plus (invaluable in recent monhs) to see something different and to further broaden my animation horizons, also because Disney and Pixar have done many fantastic short films overtime. 'Out' is notable too for being the first LGBTQ Disney and Pixar short that has a gay main character and storyline, which immediately won a lot of admiration from me.

'Out' may not be one of their very best, but it is one of their most interesting and it is a wonderfully done and immensely charming effort in its own right that should have universal appeal. It was wonderful to have this story and it was a bold move done with a lot of tact. Absolutely do not agree that it was shoved down the throat and actually think that it was about time that a short film like 'Out' to be made, and there shouldn't be any problem with suitability for younger audiences. There should be no age limit on when the subject matter is introduced, and doing so when young may reduce likelihood of bullying.

The story is a slight one and may not have the extra magic of the best Disney and Pixar short films.

However, the animation is absolutely beautiful. Especially the vibrant colours. The soundtrack is beautifully chosen and both catchy and lovely to listen to. "Pink and Purple" is a song so good that it's worth repeat value on Spotify. 'Out' is very honestly written and has a lot of heart, while also having some very winning silly humour that ranges from very amusing to hilarious.

Furthermore, the story charmed and touched me and the messages of acceptance hit home, the same will apply for somebody who has ever or still is struggling and striving for acceptance and upset at not being treated like an equal. The case with me in school. The messaging is very relevant today, the most relevant it's ever been perhaps, and it is not hammered home. The characters are endearing and any stereotyping is done in good taste, which was a relief after seeing my fair share of less than tasteful stereotypes.

In conclusion, wonderful, refreshing and highly recommended, perhaps even important. Such a shame that it has been criminally underseen, even on such a popular platform. Definitely something that will be embraced by anybody who has ever had or is having acceptance issues and by such a sorely misunderstood and unfairly discriminated against community. If this sounds patronising, that's not intended to be the case but when one feels strongly about something like this it needs to be articulated. 9/10.

Nice Short Movie

[monkeyenn · 9/10 · 23 May 2020]

It is a very nice movie with a nice message. It is very funny. It has a twist that you wouldn't have expected. The animation is very pretty. I recommend it!

Brilliant

[mail-228-654999 · 9/10 · 4 August 2021]

Great short film, with an important story told with warmth and humour.

Good oh them for making it.

One of the greatest shorts of all time

[CinemaAmazing · 10/10 · 23 May 2020]

Is incredible to see Pixar and Disney embrassing this movie in a way that make us melt and fall in love for the story. The message emplicite in this movie is more important that u can imagine and without any doubt one gigantic raimbow over to the Disney/Pixar history.

Absolutely Incredible SF

[SheHawGol84 · 10/10 · 25 May 2020]

This is, without a doubt one of the best (not just Pixar) Short Films I have ever seen. Not only is it funny and heartwarming it can teach even adults about accepting the ones they love for who they are. A must watch for people of all ages!!!

This is how it is done.

[cifra2 · 10/10 · 27 May 2020]

Yes, just that. It is completely unfair to spoil anything... the less you know, the better. I really hope this wins the Oscar for Animated Feature 2020, it is one of the best short films (animated or not) that I have ever seen. Tears of joy.

Bravo Disney!

[MDCarver1980 · 10/10 · 15 September 2020]

It was cute, had positive messages.... a bit of stereotyping with a cat and dog in the very beginning. But overall a creative and fun way to address this issue to a younger audience. And it's on Disney+ !!! Why is no one talking about that?! It's only 10 minutes long so definitely worth your time!

Pixar Never Disappoints!

[lizrj-85842 · 10/10 · 28 May 2020]

Just got done watching Out and I was really surprised to see Pixar do an LGBTQIA movie. For anyone who's faced this type of struggle with their family on coming out, this movie was a breath of fresh air. There are parts where you laugh, you cry and you nod in sad agreement but within just 9min, Pixar has definitely gotten my praise as an out and very proud lesbian.

Nice Film

[DanyCavill · 10/10 · 27 May 2020]

Got perfect. The scene of mother accepting him is so awesome, I almost cry. So amazing! All the people needs to see this!

A nice change for Pixar/Disney.

[sstidham-4 · 10/10 · 30 May 2020]

We've waited a long time to be included and this was a heartwarming success. There was some nice twists for a 9min tale. Dog lovers will appreciate this. As children it's important to see yourself represented onscreen. More studios need to be inclusive when telling stories, it's a win win. I suggest sharing this with other parents.

THANK YOU DISNEY!

[snperera · 8/10 · 24 June 2021]

I am so happy that Disney made this short!! It is soo important to see this representation and beautiful message of love and acceptance!

Disney goes all-in on progress

[mattbeth79 · 10/10 · 26 May 2020]

An excellent short, Disney finally goes in on LGBTQ+ and it plays so beautifully. So glad this exists.

Hilarious!

[messiamatthews · 10/10 · 2 August 2020]

Had me in tears, especially when he sniffed the dad's butt. I loved it. The squeaky toy is the same penguin from toy story.

Funny, heartfelt and important

[alexpokras · 10/10 · 26 June 2021]

Kudos Disney and Pixar. More stories like this please! Hope this leads to full feature films by these studios as well.

Hilarious and heartwarming

[rivertam26 · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

It truly warms my heart to watch this animated short about a young man whose living with his partner but still hasn't come out to his parents. Suddenly on the day he's moving his parents make a surprise visit. He of course tries to hide all the evidence when suddenly a magical spell happens and has him trade places with his dog. He of course still continues to try and hide everything but when his mother finally discovers she's sad that he's hidden that part of himself. It's truly a wonderful watch hilarious and heartwarming with great animation. It truly brings a tear to my eye to see something like this being made.

10/10

A step to the right direction, but...

[summersun-93200 · 9/10 · 19 February 2021]

It's a small gesture from a massive company like Disney, but it's also a really big thing for those of us who have felt left out of the Disney family. I gave this little creation 9/10 stars, but on a rainbow scale, it gets a full spectrum of colours.

On a more serious note - and why I left that one star out. Disney has been raising kids for decades, and the company has the platform and financial strength to do things on a much bigger scale than this shortest of short films. I doubt anyone but LGBTQ+ people specifically looking for this film even find or ever see it. This is step to the right direction, but young kids who want to believe in magic of animation and imagine themselves as princesses, warriors and fairytale characters need to see that all kids are welcome. Representation is the foundation of a healthy self-esteem. Out was lovely, but you really need to step up your game.

Now we're moving forward!

[spiderdib · 9/10 · 22 December 2020]

It's nice to know Disney is modernizing through their star son, Pixar; achieving it with an interesting, cosmic and stunning animated short that will definitely make you scream with a couple of "aww"s...so, what can I say? "Out" is simple but colorful, all about fantasy but also ALL about reality...

P.S: I'd love to know the meaning of those animal-guardian angels, the cosmic cat and dog that were looking out for Greg and his little adventure.

nice

[Kirpianuscus · 18 June 2021]

Maybe, not very convincing. But amusing and real sweet. Beautiful drawings, soft story, not so surprising end, a fist of cliches and a bit of propaganda. But just nice because it has the gift to use , in smart - gentle way, cliches , crumbs of ordinary stories from near reality, few good spoons of humor and create the fair atmosphere. And whole of that can be real useful in some occasions, in few moments not very happy.

Wish it would have been a little longer

[fbianco-99862 · 9/10 · 12 March 2022]

The story is beautifully written and artfully performed, but it could have been so much more. The framing device with the magic dog collar - was it really necessary? It would be so refreshing to see an animated Pixar version of a real life story that happens every day with lgbt-q couples, who struggle to come out to a parent and feel that they have to keep their partners secret from them. That type of story, wonderfully written as this one is would be appealing to people of all ages. And being in cartoon format would open up this subject to a much larger audience. It is still possible for Pixar to take these two young men and create a feature length film around them, showing how normal this lifestyle really is. Or is it really too soon for Disney to attempt that kind of story in feature length at this time?