Disney / Pixar
When I learned that Peter Docter, director of Inside Out, Up, and Monsters Inc., was going to be directing a new film centered around life, death, and finding your purpose, I wasn’t fully prepared. Docter has directed what I consider to be the BEST Pixar movies and I had high expectations going into his newest film. Luckily, he has brought another amazing film to Pixar’s library.
Up until Soul, I thought Inside Out was their most thought provoking and deepest film, but Soul easily takes that crown away. Joe Gardener (Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t gone the way he has expected. He dreams of playing in a jazz club, which is his true passion. When he gets the gig of a lifetime, he falls down a manhole and his soul is separated from his body. In another realm, he quickly tries to figure out how to get back to his body while discovering what it means to have a soul.
Pixar is known for creating relationships that stand out as some of the best in animation history. Duos such as Woody & Buzz, Mike & Sulley, and Lighting McQueen & Tow Mater have been the faces of Pixar for years. Pixar’s newest duo, Joe & 22 (Tina Fey), will also be a great addition to the long list of Pixar characters that everyone loves. When we are introduced to 22 in the Great Before, she has a dim view on life and has struggled for years to find her purpose so can go to Earth and find a human body. Mentors are able to help her but have never succeeded. Mentors such as Muhammad Ali and Abraham Lincoln have failed at their task miserably and it has left 22 hopeless. When Joe’s soul is separated from his body, he learns of a way that could get him back to Earth, but it would have to involve helping 22 find her purpose.
The relationship between the two starts off rocky as neither of them have any interest in being around each other since they have separate agendas. When they start to go on their journey together, each of them starts to learn about the other’s purpose and what it means to have a soul. I loved the development of both characters, especially 22 whose excitement and curiosity about Earth was always giddy. Joe spent most of the film thinking that his purpose was to play jazz music but the more time he spends with 22, he learns that it may be more than that. I loved the transition of Joe’s purpose and what he learned along the way. The film presented that moment in a meaningful way that makes any average person look at themselves and try to figure out their purpose.
Disney / Pixar
The third act is easily weakest part of the film, even if it boasts some strong emotions. The storyline for Joe and 22 was at its highest peak but it failed to deliver a satisfying ending for the pair. The end came about too fast and it left me craving more. I will admit that there are some strong emotions in the end, especially when it comes to Joe and 22 realizing their purpose in life.
I say this for every Pixar movie that comes out, so continuing with that tradition, Soul is Pixar’s best-looking film. Every year they impress me with the level of detail that goes into the process of making the film. From Earth to the Great Beyond, the film is stunning to look at. The designs for Joe and 22 are both realistic and imaginative. I especially love the characters who supervise the souls who are trying to find their purpose liker Terry and Larry. They were translucent, large, and had different designs than the average design in the Great Before. I’m sure when I review Pixar’s next film, Luca, I will say that it is their best-looking film. Pixar is just that good.
Overall, I really liked Soul. It was easily their deepest and most thought-provoking film. Docter continues to show us why he is one of Pixar’s best directors. This is one of Pixar’s films that will have a lasting impact, similar to his other films. I am happy that we got to witness two Pixar movies this year even with the pandemic shutting down movie theaters. I hope Pixar can stick to their upcoming schedule because they have a lot of great films coming out!
Planning to see Soul? Click on the image below to see the movie, and be sure to come back and tell us what you thought!
Soul has a run time of 1 hour 40 minutes and is rated PG for thematic elements and some language.
Disney / Pixar
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