IR Film Review: SOUL [Disney+]

The essence of Pixar revolves in its best forms around taking abstract concepts and reimagining them in the new world. John Lasseter's form of storytelling was one thing but the perception with the continued brain trust has shown an essence for certain innovation. "Inside Out" was the first of these but it did so in a very broad scope but with certain textures of metaphor that are unmistakable. "Soul" isn't quite as good but it is still pretty great, taking a simple form to another abstract concept and giving it a sense of identity. Whereas "Inside Out" was within the realm of emotion, "Soul" takes place in the realm of mortality which can be a darker subject and an interesting tightrope to walk (yet those themes still ran through the quite excellent "Toy Story 3"). While much of "Soul" runs along comedic bounds with a sense of play, it is when it is in the ether world that it truly shines. This has much to do with the design as the ideas. The way certain things are visualized shows the perspective of what is being shown. Jamie Foxx as the lead character, a teacher/jazz musician finding his way through a place he doesn't feel he needs to be versus Tina Fey as an abstract character of sorts who doesn't quite have form until one point is a nice volley. It strikes the best chords when a real problem is faced versus sight gags. But that is the balance that Pixar as a studio tried to maintain. Giving away any more might spoil the angle of the movie but it retains its heart while still walking an inherent tightrope of tone. B

By Tim Wassberg