Profound, inventive, surreal. To me, Soul Is The Joy of Life. Better yet, Soul Embraces Life. I call this film, Pixar’s existential sensation. Not surprisingly, this is a thought provoking movie that will have you going through more than one emotion. Along with, beautiful fantastical landscapes and music. The movie asks questions that philosophers, after all these years of civilization, still can’t answer. Who are we, where do we come from, why are we the way we are? So, Soul does ponder on our roots. But, beyond that, it takes us on an uplifting journey. Undoubtedly, the messages are loud and clear. At its heart, is the joy of life. The exercise of counting our blessings and living life to the fullest every day. Yes, the simple things of life are underscored. We are reminded of how amazing it is to be alive. And, how we can find joy and beauty in it all. If anything, Soul will give you a bigger will to live life. Definitively, it highlights how no matter what might be happening, there is something to live for. Are you ready to get in the zone? We sure hope we all get there!
Pixar Soul Parent Guide
While Onward did talk about being alive again, Soul takes us down another path. Without a doubt, there is a plethora of topics to explore and talk about. Passion, fighting for dreams, diversity, inclusion, life, death, loss, grief, friendship, family, mental health, love, empathy, mentorship, support, beliefs, religion, spirituality and even mid-life crises. While, beauty, heart, and humor, are present in the film, will the younger ones in your family enjoy it? Is Pixar Soul Kid-Friendly? Let’s consider:
Action and Violence
Despite the action being relatively minor, it is critical to the storytelling. Violence might be perceived, for example, when the film addresses the lost souls.
Language
None to report, except for the work hell. Some families stay away from it.
Nudity and Adult Topics
Again, life, death, and the afterlife are deep big topics present during the entire movie
While your kids might have not had a hard time dealing with death in say Coco, Soul looks at it differently. The anguish to get back to one’s body might be a strife for little ones.
Imagery
As deep as the subject matter is, the graphics sure liven the story up. Additionally, humor makes several appearances and I am all over Tina Fey’s role. But, I don’t think the combination of both is enough for those under 8. Here, watching from the comfort of our home can come as a plus since we can pause the movie when the kids seem to be less interested.
Inclusion
The film centers around Joe Gardner, an African American middle-school teacher and Jazz artist played by Jamie Foxx. He is the first African-American protagonist of a film of this type. We get to see his mom and her female support network. Additionally, there are important cultural points that are shared with us. Like, Joe needing to have a haircut before a very important interview. The masters in the afterlife are perfectly non-denominational. To the point, they all share the same name.
Overall Parental Guide
Overall, Soul talks more to adults than it does children. Yes, you might have easy conversations on the topics it addresses with your more mature and curious children. Looking for easy conversation starters? Well, focus on the joy of life and take it from there. Maybe even remind them of the importance of paying attention to the world around them. Little ones under 8 might be afraid at times. The more sensitive ones will have a hard time with the chase to get back to life, and with death as well. Even though some topics might not be of big interest to the younger ones, they will still enjoy the film. The comedy really brings big points for the kids as well as the animation work itself. 
What Exactly is the Meaning of Life? Pixar’s Soul Review
While we don’t know and the movie doesn’t answer the question, it does point us in a positive direction. True, the movie offers some heartbreak and a tear or two might be shed, But, it offers humor and a breath of fresh air. It does come full circle. So, after watching, you will find happiness. Or, at the very least you will seek for it in what you already have. That, in my book, is grandiose.
Soul Is The Joy of Life
Without fail, we overlook many things as we go through our days. And, as many a child or artist, has reminded me, God is in the details. Frankly, I can’t get over the Matisse-Miro and maybe even some Picasso-Dali – like art that jumps at me from the movie. Perhaps it is the unexpectedness of the graphics that make me admire this animation as I would a masterpiece at a museum gallery. I love it. Moreover, regardless if you are artistic, extroverted, or organized you will find some of yourself in Soul. And, so it embraces all of us while it tells its tale. Undoubtedly, the execution is quite original. Additionally, it all fits in brilliantly. Like, of course, only Pixar can deliver. 
Soul Embraces Life
Now, I will say that Soul speaks to my heart. Nevertheless, it does not make my top five Pixar movies. Despite that, I still believe it is a must-see film for the entire family. This film comes to us at the time when we need it most. The biggest takeaway for me, is that this beautifully executed artform makes me stop. Yes, stop, and makes me think. Also, it makes me feel. With so much going on today, it sends a message loud and clear: embrace life! Because, even in every strife we go through, there is something beautiful that makes us who we are. Don’t take it for granted. Live every moment to the fullest. Breath in. Yes, you are alive and in itself is a marvel to rejoice in!
About Disney Pixar’s Soul
Soul will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on December 25
What is it that makes you…YOU? Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks, and interests before they go to Earth.
Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
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