A fascinating tale of hope and
redemption, Soul is Disney Pixar’s
latest entry in feature animation. Laced with themes of second chances and celebrating
the joy of life, it is surely one of the best films of the year. It’s Pixar,
right?
Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx) is a
struggling jazz musician who teaches part time sharing his love of jazz while yearning for a career in his true
passion. As fortune smiles with a
golden opportunity that could change his life, tragedy strikes, and he is literally
plunged into an ‘out of body’ world of uncertainty and confusion. Desperate to return to his mortal life, he
befriends another soul, (voiced by Tina Fey) and together they race against
time to get to an important gig. Reevaluating his life and dreaming of a better
future, can Joe reclaim his destiny and have happiness?
Pixar’s animation is so vivid and lifelike particularly the depiction of its
otherworld enhanced by impressive visual effects to make this a sumptuous, cinematic
experience. And then there is that jazz soundtrack, a wonderful collection of rich, melodic chords.
With elements from other similarly
themed films like Heaven Can Wait and
All of Me, and like many Pixar films,
the storyline builds feeling and pathos slowly into an affecting narrative that by the end, has a hefty, emotional payoff. What comes
through is Joe’s realization of the effect he has on other people, of shared
experiences and how important and precious is life, one that is worth fighting for,
even sacrificing for.
It’s a deep, reaffirming film
with plenty of heart and, yes, soul. There are two certainties this awards
season: Soul will win Oscars, one for Best Animated Feature and one for
Best Score; bank on it.
**** of **** stars. (Disney plus)
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