Out of My Mind

As a father of a non-verbal, wheelchair-bound child with cerebral palsy who uses an AAC device with a joystick as his primary voice, "Out of My Mind" resonated with me deeply. The film captures the day-to-day realities of families like ours with incredible authenticity. Several scenes hit home, especially the one where the motivating teacher encourages the parents to allow their child to attend regular classes. As protective parents, we've been there, reluctant to embrace change for our child's sake. The moment in the film where the child gazes out the window, leaning toward the floor, mirrored our own child's behavior in such an emotional way.

Another touching moment was when the father tries to get other kids to include his child in their play, and the child walks away without showing sadness, simply moving on to another activity. This quiet resilience is something we witness with our own kid every day. The film also beautifully shows how the child processes thoughts, forming sentences through single words and pictures-just like my child does with his AAC device.

The scene where the father cries hearing his child speak for the first time through the AAC device was so familiar to me. I've lived that exact moment, and watching it unfold on screen brought all those emotions flooding back. It's a moment of pure joy and relief. There's also a small but significant moment that shows how families like ours adapt to the world-like when other kids' parents put down cardboard to protect their floors. It reminded us of how we, too, make sure to wipe our child's wheelchair wheels before entering a friend's house to avoid soiling their carpets.

The film also highlights how others sometimes misunderstand or make awkward comments, such as asking if the child is okay when they're laughing-something many of us with children with CP are all too familiar with.

But above all, the film beautifully depicts how, no matter the challenges we face, everything is brighter when our child smiles. The joy that my kid's smile brings to my heart is immeasurable. It reminds me that, despite the struggles, everything is okay. Out of My Mind captures the strength, resilience, and love of children with disabilities and their families in such a heartfelt, truthful way.

I wholeheartedly give it a 10/10-star rating.

I love movies and TV shows, always have. The old "idiot box" was my friend growing up in the 60's. I like anything that stimulates my mind or my emotions and this did both.

The story was great, I didn't know handicapped people had that much of a hard time back in the early 2000's, supposedly this was staged for 2002 I think.

Anyway, it was amazing how they put you into her head and let us feel the frustrations and joys that she felt.

The scene when she first gets the talking device and she greets her Dad just melted me into a puddle of goo! I was yelling at the movie, "hug her for God's sake!!!" I loved this movie and can't wait to show my wife!

Disney doen good, this is how Disney should be!!!

As a person with non-speaking CP, it was nice to see someone like me as a main character. I think the movie did a pretty good job of telling the story. It shows the challenges everyone faces when trying something new and also shows how far behind the world is on inclusion. I feel like the story was a decent adaptation of the book, but was toned down for the movie. The only thing I didn't like is that it still flattened Melody's personality. Disabilities do not make people one dimensional, the world tries to do that. This movie tried to show that. I think everyone will benefit from watching it. Either to feel seen or learn something new.

If you are feeling low and demotivated this movie is the right pic for you.

I personally like this movie because there are no over the top scene and the narrative is very natural without any artificial cookedup scenes.

Definitely this movie will make you think about the importance of life and also make you feel the gratitude that owe.

This movie clearly depicted how the actual characters behave as if it is in the real world and also this movie will make you cry laugh motivated and energized.

Definitely this movie is worth watch of your time if you want a cool relaxed family movie and also this will definitely add value to your life. Thank you to both cast and crew.

I love Out of My Mind, based on the novel of the same name by Sharon Draper that is about family and friendship. I love the book and was so excited to learn that they were adapting the book into a movie. The film explores the concept that a person's intelligence and worth are not defined by how they communicate, and that everyone deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their physical limitations.

Born with cerebral palsy, Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor) is nonverbal, and she is placed in a preschool level remedial academic program where her greatest source of stimulation comes from listening to Judy Blume audiobooks. When Dr. Katherine Post (Courtney Taylor) recognizes that Melody's cognitive abilities exceed what the class offers, she advocates for Melody to join Mr. Dimming's (Michael Chernus) class, which puts Melody on track for the life she has always dreamed of. Best of all, it puts her on a path to receive an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device so she can finally have the opportunity to make friends. But, like her journey thus far, nothing comes easy.

I really like how the film is told through Melody's first-person narrative, with Jennifer Anniston as Melody's voice, since Melody's favorite TV show is Friends. Jennifer Anniston delivers a lot of heart, love, and laughter in the role, which is paired perfectly with Phoebe-Rae Taylor's emotional performance as Melody. I was so invested in watching Melody's dreams come true, but also feeling for her parents Chuck and Diane (Luke Kirby, Rosemarie DeWitt). You can feel the struggle they have been fighting for their daughter's future and wanting what is best for her. I also love the next door neighbor, Mrs. V (Judith Light), who often helps Melody and her family. You can feel the love Mrs. V has for Melody through the screen. Mrs. V has some great moments and she always makes me smile. If you enjoy reading, I recommend reading the book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Also available is the sequel, Out of My Heart, where Melody goes to camp for the first time and Out of My Dreams where Melody travels on an airplane for the first time and visits London.

Out of My Mind highlights the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to see the vibrant inner world of people with disabilities, particularly those who are non-verbal like Melody, who struggles with cerebral palsy but possesses a brilliant mind.

I give Out of My Mind 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!