Soul Review: A Heartfelt and Soulful Animated Film

Release date: December 25, 2020
Running time: 100 minutes
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton 
Directors: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers
Writers: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, Mike Jones

A musician who has lost his passion for music, Joe (Foxx), is transported out of his body and must find his way back with the help of an infant soul, 22 (Fey), learning about herself.  As the two explore life and living, Joe learns to see his life through the eyes of this soul and gets a better appreciation of his own existence.  

Disney surprised everyone by releasing Soul on Disney+ on Christmas day, rather than continue to delay it and deal with the uncertainty of movie theaters.  And what a great decision that was.  Soul is a Pixar film, so you already know that the animation will be absolutely stunning.  And it really is.  The film takes place partially in New York City and partially in the great beyond, and both are amazingly animated.  New York has bustling crowds, lights, and urban sprawl that looks perfect on the screen.  And the afterlife has bright colors, very different crowds, and some amazingly trippy effects that will take your breath away.  The afterlife has influences from art, other movies dealing with the afterlife, and some of Pixar's own whimsical nature.  But it is the New York scenes that are particularly interesting because they are accurate representations of New York, but also put it in its best light.  The city is beautifully rendered and the film really brings out some of the inner beauty of the city that can be missed in the day to day life.  

And along with the beautiful animation, the cast is wonderful.  Foxx and Fey are the stars and the highlights, and their interactions are natural and pure joy.  It is fun hearing their banter and seeing them both discover more about their characters as the film progresses.  But the movie has plenty of wonderful supporting characters in this journey too, ones that add diversity and heart to the film.  From some of Joe's students, to other musicians, to members of the great beyond, the whole film is wonderfully and enthusiastically voiced.  And speaking of the cast and the characters, Soul is Pixar's first film with a black protagonist, and the movie definitely dives feet first into diversity and inclusion.  The animated film has many prominent black members and has an emphasis on black culture and jazz music.  You can tell the care that was taken with this film in both the natural references and the number of creative and cultural consultants listed in the credits.  There are also prominent characters from a variety of races and cultures, but it is the care and natural inclusion of black culture in this film should be applauded.  

And as the film focuses on a hopeful jazz musician, it makes sense that jazz music is prominently and wonderfully featured.  There are so many great jazz numbers throughout that will make you tap your foot.  And the music accentuates both the performances where it is featured, but also when it is used to help keep the action moving and exciting.  And the story of Soul is one that will invigorate your own heart and soul.  As Pixar always does, it has some wonderful lessons about life and living it to the fullest.  There are some very heartfelt moments, along with some painful ones, but overall you get a film that will help you love the little things about our time on this rock.  There are so many small touches to appreciate, observations about life, funny little jokes that come naturally in films from this studio, and some important life lessons.  And through it all you will be amazed at another soulful hit from this amazing animation studio.

Soul will reinvigorate your heart and soul, with its stunning animation, wonderfully diverse characters and focus on black culture, and humorous and heartfelt story.  

Watch it.

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following us on our various social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.   Soul Premieres on Disney+ on Friday, December 25.

News: Disney Pixar's Soul Moves To Disney Plus Christmas Release, No Premium Payment Required

Disney Pixar's next movie, Soul, was supposed to have a November release before the coronavirus disrupted theaters across America.  Now, Disney will be releasing that movie on Disney Plus on Christmas day, giving all families a nice holiday surprise.  And unlike Disney's last Disney Plus release Mulan, this one will be free to all Disney Plus members.  

Review: Onward

Release date: March 6, 2020
Running time: 102 minutes
Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer

Pixar is known to have a magic touch as almost every movie they make becomes an instant classic.  However, do they have the same touch when the movie deals with real magic?  Onward is a new animated adventure from Pixar set in a fantasy world where magic has been replaced with technology.  It still has all the fantasy beasts and lore, but spells and adventuring have given way to modern conveniences.  However, when young Ian Lightfoot (Holland) turns 16, he receives a package that will change his and his brother Barley (Pratt)'s lives!

As with all Pixar films, the animation in Onward is top notch.  The movie has a great style that blends the modern world with fantasy elements.  It has just enough references to fantasy movies and games to stand out, but still manages to put  them in a modern setting.  And on top of the style, the animation is as gorgeous as ever.  Hair effects, lights, fog, and fire; all are beautifully done and really make the world come alive.  And as you would expect from top notch voice talent, the characters are perfectly voiced.  Pratt and Holland have a natural rapport and do well as on screen brothers.  Pratt is perfect as the gregarious Barley and Holland is likewise fitting for the uncertain younger brother.  That is not to say that the rest of the voice talent are lacking; all the characters are expertly done and really contribute to the immersion you feel in this magical adventure.    

And on top of all of that, there is a ton of humor in this movie.  The writing is sharp and witty, there are subtle references to fantasy, adventures, and modern life, and even unspoken jokes can be laugh-out-loud funny.  For a movie about a fantasy setting, the adventure itself is wonderful.  How Pixar puts the D&D tropes into a modern setting is a joy to see.  There are adventuring clues and riddles, traps, long treks, and heartbreaking setbacks.  The film is clearly inspired by D&D, Lord of the Rings, and many other fantasy worlds, and blends them together into a cohesive story about a fantasy environment that has moved on from magic.  And the adventure itself introduces some magic back into the worlds, and does so with plenty of humor and heart.    

Pixar's Onward will cast a charm spell on you with it's wonderful cast, beautiful animation, and story that has all of the heart and magic that we have come to expect from this studio.

Watch It

Review: Toy Story 4

 

Release date: June 21, 2019
Running time: 100 minutes
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts

After almost 10 years, the next installment of the Toy Story saga returns with Toy Story 4. This movie picks up from the conclusion of Toy Story 3 where we see Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, back on duty protecting his child’s best interest. Now that Andy is off to college, Woody has a new child named Bonnie, a much younger toddler who is ready to embark on the adventure of Kindergarten.  However, when Woody tries to help Bonnie in Kindergarten, he ends up doing more than simply helping her survive her first day.

This movie is more than simply the toys in their home or at school.  The plot takes us to a few locations including a beautifully animated carnival, an antique toy shop, and several other unexpected places.  We also are introduced to old friends and plenty of new ones.  

Like all Disney Pixar movies, Toy Story 4 is visually stunning.  The characters are animated beautifully and the lights from the carnival especially are a joy to see.  Also, the little touches that Pixar is known for shine through here.  I was especially impressed by the wear on Woody where his kid's name was interrupted by natural imperfections. Also, the hair and materials look fantastic; this is Pixar studios at its best.  

Accompanying the stunning visuals was an equally impressive audio experience.  The voice acting, the new score, and the old classics all come together to make this movie sound fantastic.  Speaking of voice acting, the cast is filled with popular voices you will be familiar with such as Keanu Reeves, Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, and many more!  And those voices contribute to a serious story about growing up and a laugh out loud film that is enjoyable for all ages.  

Toy Story 3 ended so perfectly that an additional film did not seem necessary.  But now that I have seen what Disney Pixar can do, I am excited to see what else comes from this universe.  

Toy Story 4 revisits our classic friends while introducing new ones.  It took the impossible task of following up on the third film, and went to infinity and beyond.

See It.

Be sure to stay for the entire credit scene. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS

What to Watch This Weekend: March 8, 2019

In Theaters: Captain Marvel
Marvel's origin story for it's newest fantastic female, and the last MCU movie before Avengers: Endgame.

From Redbox: Creed II
The follow-up to the surprisingly good Creed, this movie manages to make the tried-and-true Rocky formula feel fresh thanks to some fantastic performances and the introduction of characters from Rocky's past.

Streaming (Amazon): Meru
If you wanted to check out another movie from Jimmy Chin, the director of the Oscar winning documentary (and one of my favorite movies of last year) Free Solo, then check this out on Amazon Prime.

Streaming (Netflix): Incredibles II
In case you don't want to head to the theater to check out a superhero movie, Disney Pixar's Incredibles II is now on Netflix.  Although it doesn't feel as special as the first movie, it is an exciting sequel to one of the best Pixar animated films.