Soul
(Disney/Pixar)
By Lucas Allen
Disney+ proves to be the perfect streaming site for Disney fans of all ages to share old and new memories together. Even better, it’s also the best place to find new movies, including ones the studio chose not to show in theaters because of the pandemic. Such is the case for Pixar’s latest masterpiece, “Soul,” which is sure to make the same impact as their other theatrical classics. It’s co-written and co-directed by Pete Docter, the man behind “Monsters Inc.,” “Up” and “Inside Out.”
Ever since he was a kid, Joe Gardner (Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx) wanted to be a jazz musician like his father, though his mother (Phylicia Rashad) disapproves. Instead, he took a job as a middle school music teacher for which he’s able to get full pension. One day, a friend of his hooks him up to audition to play in a jazz band led by musician Dorothea Williams (Angela Bassett). When he gets the gig, Joe walks home so excited that he accidentally falls into a manhole. Next thing he sees, he realizes that his soul is about to enter The Great Beyond.
Desperate, he escapes into another area, The Great Before, where newborn souls are bred to learn about life on Earth before they enter. Joe finds himself mentoring a soul numbered 22 (Tina Fey), who’s always stuck-up never being ready for Earth. But Joe convinces her he can teach her if he can return to his body. With the help of Moonwind (talk show host Graham Norton), the two of them manage to get to Earth, but not in the way they were both hoping for. Now the lost souls have to try to fix the problem before they get caught by the accountant Terry (Rachel House), who wants to correct the mistake Joe made.
Like the other Pixar films, you can tell the animators had a blast using their imaginations in coming up with different ideas for their story. This movie offers the most dazzling animation yet as well as original designs for The Great Before and its inhabitants that are a sight to behold. Plus, New York City has never looked more realistic in an animated film before this, and it looks as stunning as the actual city itself. It also does a good job representing the African-American community, which becomes the story’s backbone.
But while this film has the usual hero’s journey structure you’ve seen in other Pixar adventures, it tells it in such a different way that’ll invoke different reactions from audiences of all ages. The themes of life and death, and the pursuit of happiness are brought to an emotional core filled with laughs and tears. It can get a little existential at times, but the believability of these characters help deliver on those themes. Kids may not understand, which is why it’s good to have healthy family discussions about difficult subjects like the ones presented in the film.
Both Foxx and Fey are delightful as they each bring their personalities to their lovable characters. The former for his charismatic charm and comedic timing, while the latter for her hilarious improvisation and some serious acting. Lastly, it’s important to recognize the jazz compositions by Jon Batiste that lend itself to New York scenes. As for the scenes in the Great Before, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross compose some easy-listening techno sounds that give them an outer-worldly feel.
“Soul” is another winner from the good folks at Pixar, and certainly a top-tier title among their finest. It helps that a talented team of animators were able to complete it during a great health crisis is a testament to their passion and loyalty to their audience. Let’s hope that passion never expires.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG (for thematic elements and some language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.75 Stars (Out of Four)
