THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS OF THE DISCUSSED FILM. READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
I think what will be a fun argument for moviegoers is what was the best film from Pixar Animation in the year of 2020, Onward or Soul? While others prefer the fantasy film that creates a stronger bond with families, I am part of the group that would pick the film that was a wake up call.
PLOT
Soul follows Joe Gardner, who just got promoted as a full time band teacher but also got offered to perform alongside the band of Dorothea Williams after her impressing her during his audition. This makes him so happy because it is his dream to be a professional musician. His dream is put on hold as he falls into a sewer, not paying attention to his surroundings. His soul is supposed to go into the 'Great Beyond' but he cheats death and falls into the 'Great Before', a place where souls get their personalities. He poses as a mentor to buy some time, mentoring a souls named 22, who has been unable to see the point of living on Earth. Unable to find the last trait that will fill up her badge which will take her to Earth, they go to ‘The Zone’, where souls enter a euphoric trance with their passion. They also encounter Moonwind who rescues lost souls that become obsessed. With his help, Joe discovers that his fall sent him to a coma. When he jumps back into Earth, he accidentally brings 22 with him. The result leads to him entering the body of the therapy cat Mr. Mittens, while she ends up in his body. They escape the hospital and encounter the actual Moonwind who claims he can restore them by 6:30, before Joe’s gig. 22 in Joe's body ends up encouraging his student to continue her path of music after being impressed with her trumpet skills. Afraid of losing the gig, Joe has 22 dress nicely before it takes place. He messes up his haircut, leading to his barber friend Dez (Donnell Rawlings) fix it. 22 accidentally gets the pants ripped, leading to the decision of having his mother Libba (Phylicia Rashad) fix it as well. When seeing her, she is hesitant to help because she worries of him ever being financially secure. With aid of Joe, 22 is able to stand up to her explaining that if he doesn’t do this, his life is meaningless. Finally understanding how important music means to him, she makes amends by offering a nicer suit that belonged to his father. They arrive to the jazz club but before Moonwind could begin restoring their spirits, 22 has an epiphany and wants to find her purpose on Earth, leaving in the process. Joe, as the cat, chases her to a train a station but both are stopped by the Great Beyond’s accountant Terry, who had been tracking them in order to return them to the Great Beyond, to keep the count in order. Upon return, it is discovered that 22 gained her badge but she gives it to Joe and becomes a lost soul in the Zone. Joe does return to his body and is able to perform with Williams, but doesn't seem satisfied with living his dream. When going home, he becomes inspired by 22's collected objects, realizing that there is more to life than being passionate. Playing his piano again, he enters the zone to search for 22. Using a maple seed she collected, she finally understands as he did that a spark means being ready to live. She takes her badge and enters Earth, preparing for her own life. Joe prepares to enter the Great Beyond but is given a second chance by the Jerrys who became inspired by him. The film ends with him promising that he will now live his life to the fullest.
THOUGHTS
I knew from the first trailer that I would see this film in a heartbeat and I am glad that Disney+ was able to provide by streaming this film rather than having us wait longer for theaters to be completely released. I'll always love the theatrical experience when seeing a movie but because of COVID-19 pandemic, I am willing to compromise when necessary. Having said that, I believe director Pete Docter and Kemp Powers give another incredible film in his resume. Because this is from Pixar, you should expect the animation to be at a whole other level. Due to this, I was blown away of how beautiful every aspect looked. From seeing a human perspective to the entire soul perspective, it’s hard not to be fascinated of how it looks. Even when looking at the leaves and maple seeds, it felt so real to look at, which proves how far technology has evolved, as this studio is too. What I get out of this script by Docter, Powers and Mike Jones is arguably the most powerful message a film could ever display: It is okay to find something to be passionate about, but that is not what will define you do. There is more to life than big moments you plan to make because smaller moments matter as well. Stop worrying about planning out your life, just live it while you can. When I understood that through Joe's flashback sequence, it made me choke up because this realization implied to me as well. I have my own personal passion but I know now that it will not be the only thing to define me. The score composed by Jon Baltste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is phenomenal to listen because we quickly connect with it the way the characters do. Music overall can connect us and you realize that when 22 in Joe's body listens to the subway guitarist. I just can't stop being satisfied with that scene which was quick but sweet. While I admit that this movie delivers on such a bold message, I admit there were some flaws to the story. First off, how did Joe not notice a student without an instrument until the session was almost over? I know he doesn't like the job but he should still take it serious. Also how is Joe the only one to cheat death in centuries? I have a hard time that considering people die every day, he is somehow the only one to do so. I like how Jerrys are always positive but how come they're never suspicious? We see that they care about order being restored but it is unnatural how they don't act that way. It is funny how 22 is able to stroll around New York in a nightgown but how come no one noticed her leave with Joe the cat at the front door? There were receptionists and I do not believe they were busy enough to be distracted. If anything felt pointless to me, it was 22 mentioning the possible love interest that was Lisa. I know it's a joke on how she's browsing through Joe's memories but it doesn't work for me because that character does not appear, leading to no effect on the plot. It is suspenseful how Terry enters Earth for the search of Joe and 22 but if she wanted to be more stealth, she could've created her own body in order to blend in. And if that wasn't an option, they should've said so. And how long did Terry wait at the subway? That looked unnecessary considering that she was doing so well tracing them. Imagine if they didn't take the subway, making the decision an act of fate. If it is easy for 22 to travel to the Zone, how come other unborn souls like her haven't accidentally entered the box? The Jerrys have shown to be highly gullible to ignore it, but it sounds unrealistic that none have walked in. This movie's visuals provide such realism but how the hell did Joe not get a stain on the suit? Subways can be a dirty place and I don't believe his suit looks that nice after falling down the stairs. And lastly, why is Joe alone on the path to the Great Beyond when there thousands of other souls in the opening? This is arguably the biggest continuity error for me because I feel like it would've been cooler if a Jerry pulled him from the Path to privately discuss his fate in another location. Ignore all of these flaws, than you will likely love this movie as much as I do. As I get back to the goods, I think a big highlight that earns its recognition as well as the animation, it is going to be the voice cast that bring life to their characters. Jamie Foxx brought a lot of traits with the role of Joe Gardner, more than I expected. He stood out for becoming someone whose passion became selfishness. Seeing how he discovers there is more to life than music is incredible because it is through his lens that we understand anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it. His flashback montage was the final nail in the coffin on the film's message that works effectively. All I hope for by the end is that he really enjoys his new path. Tina Fey was something else went it came to the role of 22. Even though she comes off highly cynical, the actress brought so much enthusiasm with it, which is what made her hilarious. The biggest laugh for me will be the running gag on how historical figures couldn't stand her. I mean it's pretty hard to not laugh on her encounter with Abraham Lincoln. Seeing her become more optimistic and accepting was satisfying to see because it represents how people can change, you just can't give up on them. Seeing her head to Earth, I can only assume that she will enjoy whatever life she creates. I found it long overdue for Graham Norton to do a mainstream movie like this and he delivered with bringing enough charm of his own to make Moonwind as memorable as the rest of characters in this film. It took the role of Dorothea Williams for me to realize how smooth of a voice Angela Bassett has, which is fitting when playing a jazz musician. Richard Ayoade and Alice Braga were perfect choices to play the Jerrys as they sound completely majestic, which sounds almost ideal for characters presented as gods. Last but not least, Rachel House was so hilarious as Terry. She presents the character not as a villain, but someone who is arrogant of what has to be done, which is why she won't be likable at first glance. In short, Soul is another hit from Pixar for succeeding in delivering a personal message. So if you have Disney+ and love animated movies that give more than what would meet the eye, see this one now.
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