The latest film from Pixar tackles the big questions: “Why are we the way we are?” “What is the point of life?” “What happens when we die?” This is ambitious stuff for an animated film, but trust me, you are in good hands with Pete Docter, the writer and director of classics like “Monsters, Inc.,” “Up,” and “Inside Out.” The guy is no stranger to deftly handling deeply emotional and philosophical material.
Jamie Foxx provides the voice of Joe, a jazz musician who gets his big break, then promptly has a potentially fatal accident. While his body is in a coma, Joe's soul starts its journey to the Great Beyond, then takes a side trip to the Great Before, which is where new souls are prepared for life on earth. While working desperately to return to his body, Joe meets 22 (Tina Fey), a grumpy, cynical, unborn soul who simply isn't interested in trying life.
“Soul” is a delight on many levels. The animation is outstanding. It's chock full of great music. (The jazz segments are by Jon Batiste, while the otherworldly parts of the film are scored by Nine Inch Nails.) Foxx and Fey provide excellent voice acting and comedic timing. Finally, much like the show “The Good Place,” “Soul manages to mix comedy with a serious exploration of the big philosophical questions.
Most animated movies are safe to watch with your kids. With ones that push the envelope a little, you might find yourself answering questions about where babies come from or something. No big deal. If you watch “Soul” with your kids, you may find yourself answering questions about where we come from, where we go when we die, and what is the point of living life in the meantime. Good luck with that!
4.5 stars out of 5
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