No surprises there: Disney/Pixar just delivered yet another knockout. This wonderful movie from the same people who gave us “Up” and “Inside Out” have done it again. “Soul” is a masterclass in animated features, a deeply touching journey that will resonate with adults even more so than kids. In true Pixar fashion, we follow the story of a Jazz musician (voiced by Jamie Foxx) who seemed to have lost his “spark”. Then an “out of body” experience happens, which leads to a series of unpredictable events. I’ve deliberately kept this review as spoiler-free as possible. Much like “Inside Out” and other superior Pixar features, it’s best to experience “Soul” with a fresh eye. But there is a reason why these movies stand out as much as they do: no one else puts such thought, care and research into their work. What the people behind this unforgettable film have achieved is beyond anything you’ll see in animation this year. I don’t know how kids will respond to it, but a movie like “Soul” will most certainly touch the heart of grownups. In these troubled times, that’s a gift.
Categories: 3.5/4, animation, The Twenty-First Century