rlaphoenix
10
By rlaphoenix
This is my favorite Disney Pixar movie, even beating Monster's Inc!
There wasn't a minute where I wasn't enjoying the movie, there's very powerful meaning to this movie (that will go over kids' heads) and for once, it (in my opinion) tackles an issue big with teens and adults more than kids (at least more than usually).
The movie's message is (from what I understood it anyway) about anxiety, sadness, and fear of how you choose your life path. Even going as far as showing how you're so-called purpose in life may not even be correct (or real to begin with).
This is by the creators of Inside Out, which gave really good messages across about feelings. It was more kid-oriented, so Soul (in my opinion) being more about teens or adults was a surprise that I did not expect. I'm not saying this isn't a kids movie, I'm saying you shouldn't avoid it if you're not a kid.
It probably helps this movie that it's got it's messages across with Music as an instrument (get it?), as I too love music heavily including all kinds of genres (seriously, if you saw my YouTube music history you would think I'm somewhere between a 5-year-old girl, to a 101-year-old Beatles fan).
I seriously recommend giving this one a watch.
SWITCH.
9
By SWITCH.
In a year where most of us have been trapped indoors, the timing of 'Soul's' release can be seen as either a blessing or a curse. For some, it will act as a calming balm for a tough year; the perfect vehicle for inducing a good cry. Others, on the other hand, may reject it as yet another unnecessary mirror held up to their biggest fears exacerbated by a year where living with perceived “purpose“ has been near impossible. No matter which side of this you fall on, 'Soul' implores you to find beauty and gratitude in your circumstances. There is no doubt that is by far the best film Pixar has released in years - possibly even this decade.
- Ashley Teresa
Read Ashley's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-soul-pixars-finest-work-in-years
Ricardo Oliveira
N/A
By Ricardo Oliveira
Soul is the latest effort by Disney Pixar, a beautiful and wonderful film that will leave anyone to ponder about life, its value and the magic inherent in existence.
The film tells the story of a man who accidentally falls into a ditch and "dies". However, he does not accept his death and begins a journey into his own afterlife until he is able to reunite with his body, in a coma on earth.
For a children's film, Soul is surprisingly deep, perhaps even too deep, especially for a child. The film touches on various existential themes, from purpose to the meaning of life, and will make us lose ourselves in thoughts about our own life.
The characters are a marvel, especially the protagonists, because they are complete with complex layers that give us all kinds of feelings. The voices that bring them to life do an excellent job in making all the emotions that pass through them appear.
When it comes to animation, once again Pixar exceeds itself and brings us a film that is a living work of art, each frame a beautiful picture of colours and movement that extends for two hours. It's really magical to see life on the small screen, the realism in some of the scenes will leave the audience really amazed.
The smaller ones, however, may not understand the complexity of the film, and I don't feel that this is exactly the most entertaining film that will make them pay attention in 100% of the scenes, much due to the fact that it is not necessarily as energetic as many of the most watched animated films in recent years. It is, however, a valuable lesson that is present in the film, and letting children try to understand it will be the right choice to make when viewing Soul.
All in all, this effort by Pixar is worthwhile, wonderful, beautiful and moving. The truth is, I found myself reevaluating my whole life and pondering the fact that time is money, because time is life.
Kamurai
7
By Kamurai
Really good watch, would watch again, and can recommend.
I'll have to admit, I went into this thinking it would be Disney's yearly racist progressive attempt, so the bar was pretty low.
The movie is actually delightful, and shockingly deep. The title indicates it has to do with the human soul, so I was expecting something along the lines of "Inside" or having to do with jazz, and while it has a rather nice combination of those two things, the attempt on the deep inner workings of the universe in the "inbetween" is incredible.
I imagine everyone will have their own interpretations of what the movie represents mechanically, but the story itself focuses on the pursuit of dreams and happiness combined with the experience of life.
The movie animation is fantastic and the voice actors are all top shelf. The story is awesome, and the characters are strong, deep, and interesting. I find it hard to believe that anyone would actually not like the movie.
The structure is a little basic for something so fantastical, but I think that's by design to keep appeal to most audiences that expect a general family Disney format.
r96sk
7
By r96sk
Pleasant film.
'Soul' didn't connect with me on any deep level, but it is an undoubtedly sweet film. It attempts a lot of heart and I respect that. Jamie Foxx has been in some of my favourite films and he is good as Joe here. I also like the casting of Graham Norton as Moonwind.
One thing that probably stopped me thoroughly enjoying this is the animation and character design, particularly when in the "Great Beyond". It's not that it looks bad, or anything close, but I just found it a bit too plain. I never felt attached to any of the characters or settings there. I did, though, enjoy the sounds and music, especially in the aforementioned afterlife area. They do do that nicely.
It's definitely a good film and one with a nice and honourable message, I just needed that something extra to enjoy it more personally.
Fox.red
9
By Fox.red
I watched a cartoon with children. Kind and deep cartoon. I liked the humor, especially when the hero's soul moved into the cat. I recommend it for family viewing
CinemaSerf
7
By CinemaSerf
Now this is not my favourite style of animation, I find it all a little unnatural to watch. That said, though, this is a charming story that follows the life of a music teacher who really just wants to play his beloved jazz. "Joe" finally gets an opportunity to tinkle the ivories with the band of the renowned "Dorothea". She like shim, he likes her - then an accident befalls and in best "Matter of Life and Death" tradition, he is on a conveyor belt to the afterlife. Determined not to follow the masses of other dead folks, he jumps from the pathway and ends up in a curious plane of existence that is designed to train new souls for exportation to newborns arriving on Earth. Shrewdly, he manages to capitalise on this administration mix-up and become a mentor - to the unruly and pretty irredeemable "22". After a bit of bargaining, the latter, who has been there for aeons and has no interest at all in being "born" - agrees to help the former to get back to Earth in the right body. What ensues now are a series of characterful escapades that see them flirt with rebirth (only in swapped bodies) but that ultimately cause both to re-assess what their priorities are. Of course there's some moralising - it's Disney - but that is delivered quite subtly and wrapped in some entertainingly witty dialogue and some - though not enough - gorgeous jazz. There's not much doubt as to the conclusion, but along the way we find a story that's optimistic, life-affirming and does rather encourage people to count their blessings. Glass half full, and all that!
