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In 2015, Pixar regular Pete Docter took audiences inside the brain of a young girl to learn about emotions in Inside Out. To follow it up, in Soul, he goes a little deeper, taking viewers on a journey through the life of a human soul.
Soul goes on a journey in and out of the land of the living with middle school music teacher and jazz musician Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx). On the same day that he’s offered a full-time position at the school, a former student offers him the opportunity of a lifetime, playing with his favorite jazz artist. Just as he’s preparing for the gig, he falls through a manhole and ends up on his way to the Great Beyond. Determined not to go before his time, he fights to get back to Earth.
With Inside Out, Docter tackled a pretty cerebral topic in a way that made it all make sense for audiences of all ages. Kids could relate to the character and to her experiences and feelings—and, at the same time, the story was an entertaining one, too. Soul, however, takes a step away from its younger viewers to tell a story that’s a little more grown-up and existential. Instead of telling the story of a girl who’s struggling to settle into a new home, it’s the story of a middle-aged man in crisis. And while his story is sometimes silly, younger viewers just won’t relate to his disillusionment and dissatisfaction in life.
Still, things get even more confusing when he ventures into the spirit world, where he’s teamed up with soul-in-training 22 (Tina Fey), who has no interest in being placed on Earth. The two get up to all kinds of crazy adventures—especially when Joe finds himself in the body of a cat instead of in his own body. But this is some pretty deep stuff—stuff that, admittedly, doesn’t always make a whole lot of sense for even the older viewers.
Of course, Soul does still have its moments of brilliance. The scenes in the real world are quite remarkable. Joe is a likable character, and when he’s at his piano, you’re guaranteed to get caught up in the music right along with him. The music here is outstanding, and the animation is stunning, too—and the sights and sounds of the film will make you feel like you’re right there, exploring the city streets and sitting in the clubs. But while Pixar is known for giving kids smart, sophisticated, and visually stunning stories, this one misses the mark for its younger audience. Though adults will understand Joe’s challenges—and parents might relate to his struggle to get 22 to see things his way—kids might just feel a little lost.
Soul is definitely a beautiful Pixar film—and its story definitely digs deep. But when it comes to entertaining kids, its journey through midlife crisis and its character’s quest to do something important in life falls flat.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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