Reviews on the Street

Movie Review: Disney Pixar Soul

Bypassing a theatrical release and going directly to the Disney+ streaming service, Disney Pixar’s Soul
offers something for all. Starring Jamie Foxx as titular character Joe Gardner, a middle school band
teacher with dreams of becoming a working Jazz musician. Tina Fey voices the cynical soul 22, who is
more comfortable in “The Great Before” than she believes she’ll be on Earth. With an impressive Jazz
score and a strong supporting cast boasting such talents as Angela Bassett, Phylicia Rashad, and Daveed
Diggs, the movie offers much in the way of self-discovery. Still, it falls short in what was advertised as a
Black man’s journey to achieving his dream.

Pixar hits the mark in its ability to capture the rich and vibrant skin tones and features of people of color
and in providing an authentic glimpse into the magic that is the black barbershop experience. Soul takes
you on a journey of discovery and altruism to aid the characters, and the viewer in realizing their
“Spark.”