Soul Movie Review: A Good Addition to a Bad Year

Pixar’s Animation Studio’s “Soul” is a heartwarming, tear-jerker that will leave you thinking. Unlike most Pixar’s films, “Soul” dives deeper into the value of the little things in life. Produced and directed by Pete Docter and Dana Leigh Murray, “Soul” was released on Dec. 25, 2020, on Disney+. 

Summary

The movie follows a middle school band teacher and wannabe professional musician named Joe Gardener, played by Jamie Foxx. Gardener was finally selected for his dream gig, yet he accidentally stumbled into a sewer, which led to a deep coma. His soul awoke not far from “The Great Beyond,” where he attempts to escape back to Earth. However, he ends up in the Great Before. Instead, souls are developed to have a personality before continuing to Earth. 

There he meets a troubled soul named 22, played by Tina Fey, who is determined not to go to Earth. However, that changes when the duo attempt to return to Earth, but she accidentally wakes up in Joe Gardener’s body, and Joe wakes up in a cat’s. As the pair frantically run about town trying to figure out how to switch them back, 22 begins to appreciate small details of life, such as a leaf falling on their head. This creates a new dilemma for when they are back in the Great Before. But only one of them can return though they both want to. The emotional ending focuses heavily on the decision they must make.

Opinion

Do we recommend watching “Soul”? Yes! It’s a well-put-together movie that leaves you wondering. It’s intriguing for both children and adults, which can be a rare find. We would definitely recommend it to anyone wondering if it’s worth watching. 

This movie causes you to rethink your entirety and question your values. It especially helped us realize the importance of living life for yourself and not for what you think others want. 

Many important lessons were incorporated into this movie, yet it was also kept light and humorous, making it easier to watch. We appreciated this because we generally have trouble sitting through movies. However, it was very nice to burst out laughing every once in a while. Overall, the film delivered an important message that can be applied to the lives of children, teens, and adults. It is a must-watch for anyone who likes wholesome humor while also contemplating one’s lifestyle.