Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz -- and he's good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.
Director: Pete Docter
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove, Angela Bassett
Release Date: December 25, 2020
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Rated PG for thematic elements and some language
Runtime: 1 h 40 min
Review:
Pixar's latest Soul pushes the boundaries of abstraction and metaphysical meditation especially for what's considered a kids movie. Pete Docter, who directed the equally abstract Inside Out, delivers a beautiful film, each frame is visually dense and detailed whether it occurs in the real world or on the astral plane. The story's meditation on what makes life worth living is an interesting subject to tackle for a children's film and the story never dumbs it down. As such, a bevy of references will fly right over smaller children's heads but the candy colored afterlife which is populated by abstract Picasso like overseers and adorable newborn souls puffs will offer plenty to keeps kids interested. Throw in a fun bit of body swapping comedy in the middle act which should give them lots to enjoy even if the larger themes seemed aimed at their middle aged parents. Those themes are handled with great care and consideration which the film brings to a thoughtful conclusion. The voice cast is excellent across the board with Jamie Foxx & Tina Fey doing the largest part of the heavy lifting. They share a good rapport together which shines throughout the film. The supporting cast of is made up of excellent actors and actress such Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad and Angela Bassett which each leaving their mark with their distinctive tenors. Soul is a heady film that will probably linger with the adults longer than the children they see it with, it's a testament to the kind of storytelling that Pixar can pull off as they continue to push the envelope as to what these type "kids" movies can be.
A-
