Pixar’s Lightyear has been praised for its stunning visuals but criticized for its unimaginative story, which is unusual for the animation studio. It pales in comparison to more well-written plots from its critically acclaimed films, like the one from Soul, for example.
The numerous hilarious reviews and its high rating on Letterboxd are more than enough proof of how the profound movie has touched and impressed fans. Some of the funniest comments left by users on the social media platform perfectly capture the unique viewing experience the animated film offers, which often leaves audiences in tears for all the right reasons.
Feeling Twenty-Two
A large part of what makes Soul one of the best solo Pixar moves is its initially annoying character, 22. She’s a soul-in-training who has spent longer than anyone else in the You Seminar or the Great Before, a place where souls find their spark and complete their badges before going back to earth. 22 has been unable to complete hers due to a disinterest in human life.
A musical review from Jay quotes a Taylor Swift song most people may know, simply writing the lyrics about how they’re “feeling 22.” It’s a cute reference that could also refer to how they relate to 22’s lack of motivation to live as a person.
A Therapeutic Experience
Joe’s incredible journey to the Great Beyond and back delivers a poignant and deep message about what makes life worth living. Paired with 22’s eventual understanding of the beauty of the small things in life and the film creates a truly unique viewing experience that can leave audiences in tears.
This is certainly what happened to •Lily•, who writes that “therapy’s good” and compares it to how they “cried” their “f**king eyes out while watching” the “Pixar film.” The movie’s therapeutic effect is rooted in its powerful narrative that reminds fans about what’s truly important in their daily lives.
Questioning Life Choices
When Jerry reveals to Joe through a thought-provoking quote that a “spark isn’t a soul’s purpose,” the protagonist is confused and refuses to accept it at first. It’s only once he realizes that a spark is actually a soul’s drive to live and readiness to appreciate everything life has to offer that he’s able to convince 22 that she doesn’t have to be a lost soul anymore.
This heavy lesson has affected Patrick Willems, who remarks that they “gotta go question all” their “life choices.” That’s exactly what Joe does, as the fruitless pursuit of his dream of becoming a jazz musician has caused him to lose sight of the things that really matter – he has been taking things for granted without realizing it.
Blob Life
The most intense part of 22’s arc takes place after Joe rudely claims that it’s only because of his passions that her badge has become filled up. She runs away to “The Zone” and becomes a lost soul, repeatedly muttering an echo of Joe’s words about how she has no purpose.
This may be part of what David Sims is referring to with their gut-busting review saying “it's a hard blob life.” The funny comment is a reference to 1982’s Annie, specifically the song ‘It’s The Hard Knock Life,’ which is performed by the kids in the orphanage. Just like those children, 22 is going through a tough time and is overwhelmed by pessimistic thoughts.
The Insecure Soul
In the You Seminar, young souls are assigned their personalities and traits, with wings like the “Excitable Pavillion” determining what kind of person they will be. It’s funny how Jerry seems to assign these characteristics at random, not really caring that these will determine those souls’ future lives.
A sidesplitting review from a Letterboxd user urges readers to “tag” themselves before admitting that they’re “one of the souls that got assigned as insecure.” Based on the film’s logic, any negative traits people have come from the Great Before, too.
Soft Inside
22 comes off as arrogant and irritating at first, as she acts like she knows better than her mentors, which include historically significant figures like Plato. Eventually, though, it’s easy to see that she’s just hiding behind that facade, as she’s upset about never finding her spark.
The user maria relates to this side of 22, describing how they’re “a soft ass b***h deep deep deeeeeep inside.” 22’s experiences may ring true for anyone who feels like they’re missing something vital that seems to come so easily to everyone else.
Blame The Universe
The way Jerry assigns personalities and traits in the Great Before implies that people are born with these qualities, which can be both positive and negative. For instance, a soul is ushered into a pavilion that gives aloofness, which means the person that soul will eventually become should exhibit that same characteristic.
This teaches Alor the “moral of the story” of the Pixar film, which is that people “absolutely can AND should blame the universe for everything.” It’s a hilarious review that misses the point of Soul’s important lessons about appreciating life.
What The Docter Ordered
Pete Docter has built an incredible reputation for himself through his award-winning films. Before Soul, he worked on Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out, just to name a few, which have all left their mark on cinematic history and are well-loved by Pixar fans.
A funny pun from Cormac captures the recognition from viewers that most films by the director are good ones, as they’re “just what the Docter ordered.” It will be interesting to see what he works on next, as his works with the animation studio almost always turn out to be renowned box office hits.
Not To Be Dramatic
Joe’s trip to the afterlife and the Great Before raises important questions about life and death. It’s only through almost going to the Great Beyond that the protagonist is able to take a long hard look at how he has lived his life and ask what he really wants out of it.
The user Zara seems to want a similar journey, writing “not to be dramatic but Pixar makes” them “want to be dead.” Thankfully, death isn’t necessary to have the same epiphany that Joe and 22 eventually get, as the film reminds fans that it’s possible to stop and be grateful for every waking moment.
Can’t Be Bothered
An amusing and underrated scene from the film shows a hedge fund manager’s soul being rescued by Mystics Without Borders. After his soul gets out of its repetitive loop saying “make a trade,” his physical form on earth is shown asking a critical question about what he’s “doing with” his “life” before shoving his computer away and declaring that he’s alive.
The movie has a similar effect on James at first, who recounts how the Pixar film “made” them “want to finally start living” their “life.” It’s, unfortunately, a temporary effect, as they “woke up the next morning and realized” they “couldn't be bothered.”