Movie Reviews

‘Soul’ Review – A Thought-provoking Triumph of Curiosity and Animation

Synopsis:

“Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth.

We all have our beliefs, theories, and questions about life, death, and what it means to be alive. Unfortunately, no matter how much we discuss and hypothesize, we’ll never know or even be able to fully grasp what lies beyond our physical plane of existence; could simply be nothingness. Nevertheless, it’s fun to think about. In the grand scheme of things, life is short therefore you should take every opportunity to enjoy life and all it has to offer.

Pixar’s highly anticipated film, Soul explores the aforementioned topics in a vibrant and creative way. The film is a thought-provoking triumph of curiosity and animation. In other words, Soul has an abundance of soul. Like many Pixar films before it, the messaging is just as much for adults as it is for children. However, this go-around is their most mature film to date. It’s story direction and subject matter may require a little parental guidance in order for the young ones to fully comprehend what’s going on. I felt that everything in this jazz-infused story is explained very well, but you know how kids are. The film not only explores life and death but at its core, it’s about our humanity and what it means to be actively present and appreciative of your surroundings. It wants us to stop taking our lives for granted because what’s mundane for one is extraordinary for another. This is a multi-watch film that a different lesson can be learned with each viewing. Not to mention, with it being a Pixar film there are probably some Easter eggs that you won’t find in the first watch. Also, there are a few really cool concepts of some of our states of being such as, being in “the zone.” The animation is top tier, as usual, the jazz heavy score is lovely, and the star-studded cast is fantastic. It should definitely be added to your list of top movies of 2020. I loved it. Its rewatchability is high.

Plot & Pace

After scoring the gig of a lifetime, middle school teacher, Joe Gardner makes one wrong step and ends up on a path to The Great Beyond. Feeling that a mistake has been made and his life was just starting, Joe, now a soul, frantically attempts to return to his body. Falling off the path, he lands in The Great Before where souls get their interests and personalities before jumping into new bodies. While there, he begins to mentor a cynical yet witty soul named 22. Together, the two explore what it really means to be human. Time to stop being selfish and start being selfless.

The film flows smoothly like some great jazz and you’ll want to watch it again as soon as it over.

Characters & Chemistry

The cast is amazing and Jaime Foxx and Tina Fey are perfect. The chemistry between Joe (Jaime Foxx) and 22 (Tina Fey) is both hilarious and heartwarming as well heartbreaking, they put us on that emotional roller coaster. The number of people playing Jerry is a great laugh. Their chemistry with Terry (Rachel House) reminds me of when a teacher would put one student in charge of the class so they could step out for a minute, never goes well. It’s always funny though.

Soul premieres exclusively on Disney+ on Christmas Day. Enjoy and stay safe.