Soul (2020)

The high quality Pixar animated movies are best known has struggled in recently. While its computer animation has been skyrocketing to unbelievable new heights, storytelling hasn't been much of an engaging force to match it in the second half of the 2010s (Coco (2018) being the exception). Sometimes the good intentions of those followups like Incredibles 2 and Toy Story 4 drags its feet in the screenplay while using the animation to try to cover it up. Hit or miss humor has also been a notable issues as well with recent examples such as Onward (2020) falling in that area too. This brings us to an anticipated project from the studio, Soul, which was co-directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers. The marketing for it looked very intriguing and a hopeful return to form that many have been craving. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney ended up pulling it from theaters and added it to Disney+ free for those subscribers. After watching it, I ended up enjoying it but not loving it as much as everyone has.

What's it about? After accidental separation of his soul from his body, a jazz musician teacher works to mentor someone on existence in order to get back to his life. What's great about how this is executed is that it doesn't treat its protagonist as a flawless guide but rather as a frustrated individual whose goal makes his behaviors something for him to look back on. While it's definitely a mentorship that deals with the mentee's perspective, there's a main focus on the mentor as his journey affects his mindset in a satisfying mature manner. Existentialism is laid out in such a way that does need a possible second viewing to rediscover those layers throughout the adventure. The ending and strong scenes in the second act are dealt with in such a way that it's a much needed return to form storytelling associated with Pixar. 

 

There are some details, however, that hold it back from feeling like a complete experience (doesn't ruin the film). The humor is still hit or miss to where the physical gags that occur don't land as well as it thinks it does and kinda reeks of that obligatory addition (though some adult history jokes land). The second act, while having some wonderful scenes in it, doesn't carry the same momentum or consistency of the first and third acts. There's also a plot character whose role as an upcoming obstacle for the leading duo doesn't quite gel with the rest of the individuals and didn't feel necessary. 

How's the animation? Just as seen with Toy Story 4 (2019), the quality of visuals used here is a sight to see in a variety of areas. The afterlife is pretty and distinct in its bright colors in such a fascinating environment. Moments where a character is in "zone" as they do something they are passionate about are done a few times but are kinda mesmerizing to look at. But the crowning jewel is how realistic the downtown city area looks alongside normal people. It's just incredible to see this kind of progression from this studio from their humble beginnings to this project.

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Jamie provides an excellent performance in this roles that's layered with unintended frustrations in a path towards career ambitions and gaining a perspective on life satisfactions. Tina gives a great portrayal that's a complement to Jamie in having a snarky viewpoint on existence while having vulnerabilities as a mentee. Honorable mentions Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, and Angela Bassett for pretty good performances in their supportive roles with limited screen time abundant of wonderful material. Dishonorable mentions to Rachel House for her efforts with a forced plot role not clicking that well compared to the rest of the cast.

 

Overall Consensus: Soul is a delightful animated look on existentialism that's supported by solid storytelling, wonderful lead performances, great music, and excellent visuals. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/4 Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes PG

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or co-directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers. You want to see Pixar take on ambitious concepts. You like seeing African Americans in lead animated roles with respect towards the neighborhood culture. You and your family are in the mood for a wholesome journey with an endearing message. You don't mind goofy activities along the way. You are interested in the level of visualization achieved on screen. 

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or co-directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers. You aren't in the mood for some silly shenanigans.