When Disney Plus announced that their Pixar Soul movie was coming to Disney Plus this Christmas, I had some words for them. (I actually wrote a whole post about it on Popcorn and Tequila, which you can read here.) But I knew I had to WATCH the film before I could truly be angry at anyone. So I did, and well … here’s my parent movie review of Pixar Soul.

Here’s Everything Parents Need To Know About The Pixar Soul Movie

This Parent Review is also for Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Godparents, siblings, and anyone else that may be looking to watch the Pixar Soul movie with kids.

pixar soul disney plus movie poster

What is Pixar Soul movie about?

Pixar Soul is about a Black musician named Joe Gardener, who’s currently a music teacher, but wants to pursue his dream of being a professional Jazz musician. After a disappointing music class, and being told that he’s now a full time employee with benefits and all, Joe gets a call from a former student who’s now a professional musician (thanks to Joe) for a once in a lifetime gig!

But when Joe suddenly dies, he refuses to accept his death, and tries to get his soul back into his body, with help from his new mentee, 22. On their journey to get Joe’s soul back to his original body, Joe also helps 22 in ways her other mentors couldn’t, and both learn that your spark, isn’t necessarily your purpose.

Is this movie kid-friendly?

Yes it is! Even the depression and anxiety topics are handled in a kid-friendly, very Pixar, way.

Is this movie best for younger kids? Older kids?

All kids I’d say! I do mention a scene where younger kids would be scared below, but aside from that moment younger kids should be fine.

Are there any inappropriate scenes or components for kids? (ex: language, songs, etc.)

Nope, none at all!

Are there any positive messages in this movie?

Totally! Pixar Soul reminds us to live life to the fullest and touches on depression and anxiety in a way that helps others really understand and visualize what happens.

How scary is the Pixar Soul movie?

A tad scary? My 8 year old worries a lot, so she got a bit scared a few times, but other than that it was fine! Kids can just close their eyes or hide their heads for a bit if they do get scared. It’s nothing serious to worry about. Well, the monsters are a bit scary when they start running, so be aware of that moment towards the end of the film.

Is there a ton of violence in this movie?

No, no violence at all that I can recall. (If there was I would have noted so in my notes, but nope! None!)

Was it worth the price for our family?

Well … it was free! (If you already have Disney Plus) and now … in true Artemis Fowl fashion, I can understand WHY Disney Plus made this free. But yeah, if I had actually paid for this in theaters I wouldn’t be mad! My daughter loved it, and I had a fun time watching it with her. Had I paid a premium price for this at home? I’d be mad as hell.

But of course, it’s different for each family, so keep your family in mind when reading my thoughts. YOU know your family best. So if your family would totally enjoy Pixar Soul, it may totally be worth it, and since we already have Disney Plus it didn’t cost us a penny extra.

Will parents actually enjoy this movie?

Eh, I don’t know. I personally did not. (You can read what I hated and loved about Pixar Soul here on Popcorn and Tequila.) But I’m also super anal about things, especially things that mean a lot to me, so I had very high expectations for Pixar Soul and they just weren’t met.

But maybe you’ll enjoy it! Who knows! The only way to find out, is to watch it!

Are there any catchy songs kids may remember or get stuck in your head?

Nope! The scoring is pretty, but kids aren’t going to remember any songs from Soul the way they remembered all the words from every song in Frozen.

Do you need to stay for the end credits?

Ummm … yesss! I mean you don’t NEED to, but we always watch the end credits, and it’s super cute. Riah saw it and was like “I don’t think Terry would be happy they’re using her stuff!” However, there’s a super cute Terry bit at the end that I thought was funny.

Anything else worth mentioning?

Well, of course, there is! Lol

If you’ve read my movie reviews on Popcorn and Tequila (my movies + tv shows blog for adults) then you know I ALWAYS have a ton to say. Lol

So here are some other things worth mentioning …

  • Daveed was in this thang for like 5 mins (ugh)
  • Your spark is not your purpose
  • The souls being zapped off into the unknown was really pretty
  • 22 is a handful
  • They show “the artistic zone” and how people zone out when they’re being creative which was super cool
  • I love the reason why the Knicks keep losing
  • The cat and the mouse scene is hilarious
  • The male Jerry repeating what the female Jerry said really pissed me off
  • I love the vibes in the barbershop
  • Joe doesn’t spend the entire movie being a soul
  • I absolutely love that the lead in the band is a very successful Black woman who makes all the calls

And that’s it!

I hope this movie review helps you make a decision on whether or not the Pixar Soul movie is right for you and your family.

Movies are supposed to be a fun activity for parents and kids to enjoy together, but there’s nothing worse than trying to sit through a movie that your kid HATES. So I really do hope this helped!

If it did, please let me know in the comments. Also, check out my favorite Pixar Soul movie quotes here!

Pixar Soul premieres on Disney Plus this Christmas! Will you be watching it?