“Soul” Review

Jaime Foxx voices Joe Gardner, a band teacher and aspiring musician who must discover what life really means.

Pixar is one of those studios that has a nearly flawless track record. With the exception of “Cars 2,” most of their films have been outstanding with some of them among the greatest animated films ever. They made Computer Animation popular with “Toy Story” and since then have made master[ieces like “Ratatouille,” “Up” and “Inside Out.” Now, Pixar has made another masterpiece with “Soul.” 

Set in New York City, the film follows a jazz musician and middle school band teacher named Joe Gardner (Jaime Foxx) who, after getting a big break to play with a jazz band, dies. However, on his way to “The Great Beyond,” Joe escapes and goes to “The Great Before” where souls are given their personalities before being sent to Earth as babies. With a tenacious soul named 22 (Tina Fey) who’s unwilling to live life, the pair go on a journey across Earth and realms to get Joe’s soul back into his body and maybe discover what it means to live.

This is one of those Pixar films where everyone brings their A-Game and, as such, there are few to no problems with this animated gem. Both Joe and 22 have identifiable traits as Joe wants his life to be more than what it is and 22 is simply unwilling to go to Earth, preferring the “luxury” of The Great Before. 

Their chemistry is also incredible as 22 has a really snarky personality that works as a friendly foil to Joe. The film’s comedy is not only hilarious, but is equally geared to both children and adults, a common staple of Pixar. 

But where the film truly excels is in the moments where the characters are supposed to embrace the majesty of life and the human experience. While, on paper, these scenes could come off as contrived and trying to pull at your heartstrings, it really works in “Soul” because they more often than not express the complex emotions visually and simply. While Joe tries to win 22 over to Earth with jazz, 22 finds solace in more simple things like pizza or even nature.

With the help of an unborn soul named 22 (Tina Fey), Joe goes on a quest to live again.

With a studio like Pixar, you know the animation will be good, but “Soul’s” animation is truly spectacular. While the depiction of The Great Before is fine, it feels pretty standard as a utopia with the exception of the entities who run the place (Alice Braga and Richard Ayoade) who have creative designs. The depiction of New York City and the jazz clubs and the overall culture is some of the best animation that Pixar has done. Certain frames of this film could be hung up in art museums.

Since Joe loves jazz, the film needed an impressive score and Oscar-winners Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor have once again made a revolutionary soundtrack which is truly spectacular. 

There’s never a dull moment in “Soul” and although it’s definitely geared for children, people of all ages can look at this film and take something meaningful out of it. This is one of Pixar’s most mature films which is why they are the premium for family entertainment. They aren’t afraid to address difficult subject matter and still have a family friendly message attached that can speak to all ages. 

For those looking for a great animated film and want something that will affirm your love of life, “Soul” is most definitely that film and, with how cruel the world can be, now is the perfect time to watch it.