Soul (2020)
Release Date:
2020
Movie Rating:
PG-13
Runtime:
1h 40m
Synopsis:
In Soul, Joe Gardner is a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. Just as he gets his big break, an unexpected accident separates his soul from his body, sending him to the Great Before, a place where new souls get their personalities before heading to Earth. Desperate to return to his life, Joe teams up with 22, a soul who has never found the spark to live on Earth. Together, they embark on a journey that takes them through various realms, encountering quirky characters and facing challenges that test their resolve. As Joe tries to find his way back, he and 22 navigate the complexities of life and existence, leading to unexpected adventures and discoveries.
Soul, released in 2020, is an animated fantasy film that blends elements of comedy and drama, making it a captivating choice for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its imaginative storytelling and meaningful themes. While some parents express concerns about certain complex themes, the overall sentiment is positive, with many praising its ability to engage young audiences while delivering valuable life lessons.
Why Kids Should Watch Soul
Soul is celebrated for its heartwarming messages and engaging storytelling.
- Promotes the importance of finding one's passion and purpose in life.
- Features a strong character arc with Joe Gardner, who learns valuable life lessons.
- Offers visually stunning animation that captivates young viewers.
- Encourages appreciation for everyday moments and experiences.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Soul
Some parents express concerns about the film's exploration of existential themes.
- Explores complex themes of life and death that may be challenging for younger children.
- Includes scenes that might be confusing or intense, such as the portrayal of the afterlife.
- Some abstract concepts may be difficult for kids to fully grasp.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers meaningful life lessons, engaging storytelling, and stunning visuals.
What Parents Should Know About Soul
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Joe Gardner's journey emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion and appreciating life's small moments. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film's exploration of the afterlife and existential themes may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Joe's initial self-centeredness is addressed, and he learns to value others' perspectives. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Joe and 22's interactions highlight the importance of understanding and supporting each other. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is to find joy in everyday life and pursue one's passions with purpose. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Soul for its ability to convey deep messages through a kid-friendly narrative. The film's strengths lie in its beautiful animation and the positive life lessons it imparts. While some themes may require parental explanation, the movie provides an excellent opportunity for meaningful discussions. For families seeking similar experiences, films like Inside Out and Coco are also recommended for their engaging storytelling and emotional depth.
Official Soul Trailer
Soul, released in 2020, is an animated fantasy film that blends elements of comedy and drama, making it a captivating choice for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its imaginative storytelling and meaningful themes. While some parents express concerns about certain complex themes, the overall sentiment is positive, with many praising its ability to engage young audiences while delivering valuable life lessons.
Why Kids Should Watch Soul
Soul is celebrated for its heartwarming messages and engaging storytelling.
- Promotes the importance of finding one's passion and purpose in life.
- Features a strong character arc with Joe Gardner, who learns valuable life lessons.
- Offers visually stunning animation that captivates young viewers.
- Encourages appreciation for everyday moments and experiences.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Soul
Some parents express concerns about the film's exploration of existential themes.
- Explores complex themes of life and death that may be challenging for younger children.
- Includes scenes that might be confusing or intense, such as the portrayal of the afterlife.
- Some abstract concepts may be difficult for kids to fully grasp.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers meaningful life lessons, engaging storytelling, and stunning visuals.
What Parents Should Know About Soul
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Joe Gardner's journey emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion and appreciating life's small moments. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film's exploration of the afterlife and existential themes may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Joe's initial self-centeredness is addressed, and he learns to value others' perspectives. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Joe and 22's interactions highlight the importance of understanding and supporting each other. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is to find joy in everyday life and pursue one's passions with purpose. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Soul for its ability to convey deep messages through a kid-friendly narrative. The film's strengths lie in its beautiful animation and the positive life lessons it imparts. While some themes may require parental explanation, the movie provides an excellent opportunity for meaningful discussions. For families seeking similar experiences, films like Inside Out and Coco are also recommended for their engaging storytelling and emotional depth.
Official Soul Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Soul
Soul's most common core values include Self-discovery, Appreciating what you have, and Finding your voice. Throughout the movie, kids learn about self-discovery as the characters embark on a journey to understand their true passions and purpose. This is highlighted when Joe Gardner, the protagonist, explores what truly makes life meaningful beyond his initial dreams.
Appreciating what you have is another key value, as the story encourages children to recognize the beauty in everyday moments and the importance of gratitude. This is shown when characters pause to enjoy simple pleasures, teaching kids to value the present. Finding your voice is also central, as characters learn to express themselves authentically and pursue what truly matters to them. This is exemplified when Joe and his companion, 22, navigate their own paths, encouraging kids to embrace their unique talents and perspectives.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Being yourself | Compassion | Creativity | Curiosity | Dealing with loss | Determination | Emotional growth | Empathy | Gratitude | Growth mindset | Letting go | Perseverance | Self-expression | Self-worth | Trying new things
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Soul
Following Your Passion: In Soul, kids learn the importance of following their passion through Joe's journey. Joe's love for jazz music drives him to pursue his dreams, even when faced with obstacles. This teaches children that pursuing what they love can lead to fulfillment and happiness.
Appreciating the Little Things: The movie highlights the beauty of appreciating the little things in life. As Joe and 22 explore the world, they discover joy in simple moments like feeling the wind or enjoying a slice of pizza. This encourages kids to find happiness in everyday experiences.
Recognizing Your Potential: Joe's story shows children the importance of recognizing their potential. Despite setbacks, Joe realizes his unique talents and abilities, inspiring kids to believe in themselves and their capabilities.
Letting Go of Control: Soul teaches kids about letting go of control and embracing life's unpredictability. Joe learns that not everything can be planned, and sometimes, going with the flow can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.
Valuing Deep Connection: The film emphasizes the value of deep connections with others. Joe's relationship with 22 demonstrates how meaningful connections can enrich our lives and help us grow, teaching children the importance of empathy and understanding.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Believing in Yourself | Choosing Your Path | Enjoying the Journey | Letting Go of the Past | Supporting Personal Growth
Why Kids Love Soul
Soul takes kids on a magical journey through vibrant realms filled with funny characters and unexpected friendships. The movie's colorful worlds and catchy songs create an exciting atmosphere where kids can explore alongside Joe and 22. As they navigate through the Great Before, children are captivated by the quirky, magical mentors who guide them along the way. The film's epic quests and smart problem-solvers keep young viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next.
Kids will enjoy the playful music and characters who sing, adding a lively rhythm to the adventure. The story's focus on making new friends and teamwork winning the day resonates with kids, as they see the importance of collaboration and support. With its mix of humor, music, and enchanting settings, Soul offers an engaging experience that sparks imagination and excitement, making it a favorite for young audiences.