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Soul (2020)

One of the most hyped film of 2020, especially after it was delayed a couple of times after the pandemic took hold. Pixar’s Soul has been the subject of much conversation when Disney announced that it would be uploaded onto Disney+ on Christmas Day. I had actively avoided watching any trailers but knew that it involved jazz somehow. Watching the film provided to be both captivating and enlightening, providing one of the most emotional scenes I have ever seen in a Pixar film (yes, you read that correctly!).

Soul is directed by Pete Docter who is responsible for some of the best Pixar films including my favourite of all time, Up. What Docter does so well is include more mature themes that children may not understand initially but can grow to appreciate whilst maintaining that feeling of hopefulness and light. The film follows aspiring jazz musician, Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx) who is struggling to find purpose as he works as a middle school teacher to make ends meet. Juggling the pressure from the school and his mother, Joe finally is given an opportunity to play with professional musician, Dorothea (voiced by Angela Bassett) but an unfortunate incident leads to his untimely death. What follows is an abstract and bizarre journey that explores what happens after life. When he finds himself mentoring an unborn soul called 22 (Tina Fey) to help find their spark and purpose to live, Joe begins to understand that there may be more to life than just jazz.

The film has garnered a lot of controversy among parents who feel as though the subject of life and death is too macabre to explain to children but death is a part of life and if your child is too young to understand then they are not likely to be affected by that aspect of the plot. Pixar’s earlier films Coco and Onward are among the many films that have incorporated life and death into their narrative yet generated no controversy for doing so. Soul has more to offer than simply suggesting what may lay ahead and there is enough music and liveliness to keep the overall tone lifted. Films can often be seen as a form of escapism but there is no harm in including some challenging questions and ideas into the storyline.

As expected, the cast is glittered with stars, bursting at the seams with huge A list names. I have previously mentioned some of them above and everyone does a fantastic job. I would, however, like to draw attention to the casting of Richard Ayoade and Rachel House as some of the monitors based in the “Great Before”, the place one enters before venturing to the “Great Beyond”. Ayoade and House mainly provide comic relief and their distinctive voices are always a nice inclusion in any film.

In terms of the score, it’s quite clear that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are having a stellar year after their recent collaboration for David Fincher’s Mank. The score for Soul is unlike any sound they have experimented with before. Combining jazz inspired music with dramatic ballads to show the clash between worlds from Joe’s perspective, the score is more subdued than what I thought it would be, particularly considering that jazz and music in general plays an integral role in the film. However, it feels as though that decision was made to show that music doesn’t necessarily have to be everything in Joe’s life. The tender moments we see him (or 22 as him) share with the people around him get him to realise this.

Soul really was worth the wait and more, particularly a scene near the end in which Joe journies as far as he can with 22 to Earth made for one of the huge emotional moments in Pixar history. The animation feels like it has been turned up a notch in terms of how much detail and scope the artists go. The scenes in which Joe ventures through the Great Before are the reason why audiences became captivated with Pixar in the first place. That unhindered imagination where nothing is impossible is hard to ignore and easy to appreciate. I do feel as though the ending could have done with an extra scene just to tie everything up neatly but that is proper nitpicking. Missing out on Soul is missing out on one of the best cinematic experiences of the year. It is just such a shame that it wasn’t to be appreciated on the big screen.

What did you think of Soul? Let me know in the comments below!

Soul is now showing on Disney+ so watch it as soon as you can!

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London Film Festival 2020: Wolfwalkers

With Soul only showing at the BFI Southbank cinema at the London Film Festival, I was worried there wouldn’t be an animation for me to watch. When I saw Cartoon Saloon’s new feature Wolfwalkers on the list, I knew immediately that I had to watch it. Directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart and based on a script by Will Collins, Wolfwalkers is a hand drawn animation set in 1650 in Kilkenny, Ireland. The film follows Robyn Goodfellowe (Honor Kneafsey), a young English girl who aspires to be a hunter and assist her father, Bill (Sean Bean) in killing the wolves that run wild in the local woods. With her trusted falcon, Merlin, at her side, Robyn encounters Mebh (Eva Whittaker) who is a wolfwalker, a girl who is human when awake and becomes a wolf when she is asleep. The film explores surface themes such as relationships between family and friends and identity in a new place but also digs deeper into topical discussions on caring for the natural environment and the oppression on Ireland by England. The result is a masterpiece that combines an array of design techniques in the animation and a story that will melt anyone’s heart. Much like fellow animation studio Studio Ghibli, Wolfwalkers is suitable for children and adults alike and is equally rewarding.

The animation style is extremely unique and contrasting between the two locations used. The busy town is structured with a neutral colour palette. A lot of greys and browns fill the landscape and the structure of the town itself feels very enclosed. There is also a heavy use of straight linework and outlining to highlight the trapped feeling of its inhabitants. This is contrasted with the more free-form approach to the woodlands which is full of swirls and curves. The initial outlining of the inhabitants of the woods and the trees and plants can be scene but the bright colouring and expressive scenery exacerbates the freedom that Robyn longs for. When seeing the world through the wolves’ eyes, the animation style is wispy and minimal. Everything in the landscape is greyscale and free-form but the living things have a particular bright aura colour that trails behind them. In an industry that mainly resorts to computer animation nowadays, its wonderful to see a studio that is revolutionising hand drawn animation in a way that is so captivating.

The characters of Robyn and Mebh are the central point to the story. Coming from completely different backgrounds, the two share a common feeling that they are alone. Robyn living in a new country and struggling to fit in under the new orders that come from her father’s new boss, the Lord Protector and Mebh being one of two wolfwalkers in the pack with the other being her mother, Moll (Marie Doyle Kennedy) who has gone missing. Robyn longs to be a hunter and free but is constrained by the sexist society that threatens to contain her whereas Mebh is an extreme example of this freedom. She is free to the point where she is lost and doesn’t know where to look for her mother. Together, the girls agree to help each other in the hopes of breaking free of the threats from the Lord Protector who hopes to burn down the forest and kill all the wolves in it.

The supporting characters are also given a fair share of screen time. Sean Bean does fantastic voice work as Bill in his signature Yorkshire accent we all know and love. Bill is a single father who is afraid of his superiors and does everything he can to protect himself and Robyn. Society has clearly knocked him down and he is unhappy with the life he has been given but keeps this from Robyn. The character arc from Bill being trapped in his own way to finding freedom is beautiful because he is so hesitant on whether he deserves that freedom and it’s such great character development. Mebh’s mother, Moll, on the other hand is not onscreen as much but she has an ethereal presence throughout the film as it is her magic that threatens the Lord Protector. Wanting her daughter to leave her when she is captured and move the pack to a new location shows her dedication to the preservation of the natural land and the safety of those in it. Also, the design for Moll and Mebh is astonishing with both donning a mass of red hair adorned with flowers and leaves.

The music in the film is breathtaking with captivating songs sung by folk group, Kíla, with a score composed by Bruno Coulais. Using instruments heard in traditional Irish folk music, the score and songs help to enhance the world and assists in setting the scene. There is also a song by Norwegian powerhouse, AURORA which is beautiful as expected. As any great score and song should, it elevates the film to create a rounded experience and it all flows perfectly with the visuals.

Thought-provoking and powerful, Wolfwalkers is a deeply impactful film that has elements of Ghibli in its morals and storytelling. The characterisation was fully rounded and the world of the film is realised to minute details. It’s a gorgeous and rewarding watch and I am so happy I made the choice to watch it. My favourite of the festival so far. I hope that Wolfwalkers continues its success into awards season as it definitely deserves to be among the Best Animated Featire category and is, so far, my favourite animation of the year so far.

Wolfwalkers will be released in the United Kingdom on 30th October so make sure you catch it.

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Top 10 Tom Hanks Performances

It’s no secret that I am a huge Tom Hanks fan. He has been one of my favourite actors for as long as I can remember and there is a reason why he is so loved by everyone. An extremely talented actor and nice personality, Tom Hanks has built a reputation for being one of the most respected actors in history and it’s easy to see why. It was so difficult for me to pick a top 5 so I’ve gone ahead and done a top 10 instead. This list is only the tip of the iceberg for this man’s career and shows his range. We see him evolve from a kid adult to a prison officer working on Death Row to portraying Walt Disney himself.

Hanks is an actor who encapsulates his roles and is a constant draw for the box office. He’s worked with some of the best directors and actors around particularly Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away and The Polar Express) and Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can and Bridge of Spies). There’s no performance that he has done that I don’t love. Admittedly, the Dan Brown films are one of my guilty pleasures even though they are absolutely ridiculous but Tom Hanks brings such an enthusiastic performance that I find them so much fun to watch, especially Angels and Demons.

Here are my top 10 in chronological order:

Big (1989)

Big is one of those films that I could watch time and time again and never get bored. Following Josh Baskin, a young boy who wishes to grow up and then does overnight. This film is made even better when he grows up into Tom Hanks. Hanks has so much fun as adult Josh in this role as he fills his apartment with everything a cool kid had in the 80s. He is the perfect mix of charming and hilarious. I mean, who doesn’t love the scene with the piano?

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

It wouldn’t be a true Tom Hanks list without featuring a classic Nora Ephron romcom with Hanks and costar Meg Ryan. My favourite of the bunch is Sleepless in Seattle which makes my heart melt every time I watch it. Hanks plays Sam, a grieving architect whose son calls into a radio show to tell their story. In true Ephron form this film is the true epitome of the romcom genre and is a delight to watch. The climactic scene on the observation deck of the Empire State building has me screaming at the TV every time.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Possibly the most famous Tom Hanks role, Forrest Gump sees Hanks play the iconic titular character who sees the world in a different way. Bringing Hanks the Best Leading Actor Oscar for the second year in a row after the previous year’s Philadelphia, Forrest Gump propelled Hanks into a global phonenom and landed him at the top of every director’s list. His performance is not condescending nor over the top as he places a heavy focus on Forrest’s naivity rather than his disabilities.

Toy Story Franchise (1995-present)

It would have been a crime not to include these but I couldn’t pick just one. Tom Hanks’ Voicework as Woody the toy cowboy is nothing short of extraordinary and really brings the toys to life. For over 20 years, Pixar have charmed us with the story about a group of toys who watch their owner grow up. Hanks’ performance is worked up and super stressed as Woody struggles to keep his control. He’s a brilliantly flawed character who constantly makes mistakes doing what he thinks is right. The fourth installment that was released this year was revolutionary for Woody as he finally embarks on a life that he wants.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Hanks’ first collaboration with Spielberg is probably the most dramatic and to that point, “blockbustery” of his career. Playing Captain John H. Miller who leads a small group of soldiers to find and rescue the missing Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), Hanks made his mark as the big leading man in cinema. It’s the film that should have swept the Oscars but was beaten by Shakespeare in Love in a huge misjustice for the Best Picture gong (don’t get me started). What separates this film from other war films is that Hanks between the heart of the film and shows the emotion behind the fighting.

The Green Mile (1999)

The Green Mile is one of those films that brings me to tears every time I watch it. Following Hanks as head prison officer, Paul Edgecomb, working in the Death Row block. When a 6 foot black man, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), is jailed on the block, mysterious events begin to happen that cause Paul to challenge his morals and his faith. It’s a brilliant film that I don’t think receives the praise that it deserves, mainly due to it being the second prison based Stephen King adaptation after The Shawshank Redemption in 1994. Hanks is fantastic as Edgecomb. He is sharp, observant and has a strong moral compass. The scenes with him and Duncan make for some heart wrenching cinema as the truth behind Coffey’s imprisonment come to light.

Cast Away (2000)

If I had to pick one Tom Hanks performance to put at the top of my list, this would be the one. It’s iconic, it’s fantastic and it should have earned Hanks his third Oscar. Hanks plays Fedex driver, Chuck Noland, who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a desert island for year. The premise is simple but the film is anything but. Hanks goes all out to deliver a career best performance that sees Chuck removing teeth with an ice-skate blade, catching fish with a spear and finding companionship with a volleyball called Wilson. What makes this film truly standout is Hanks’ ability to keep the audience’s attention by himself for the film’s 143 minutes.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

This fun flick sees Hanks reunite with Steven Spielberg for the chase of a century as Hanks plays FBI agent, Carl Hanratty on the hunt for Frank Abagnale Jr (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young conman across the globe. It’s a brilliantly entertaining film to watch as Hanks fails time and time again to capture Abagnale. Hanks and DiCaprio are an odd pairing for leads but it works really well and you can tell that both are having a good time.

Captain Phillips (2013)

This gem of a film is a stellar thriller that showcases Hanks’ timelessness as an actor. Playing the titular character whose cargo ship is overrun by Somali pirates, Hanks works brilliant alongside Barkhad Abdi who plays Somali pirate, Abduwali Muse. Most of the cast in this film are fairly unknown and it’s nice to see that although Hanks is the lead, that others are given the chance to shine, particularly Abdi, who won a BAFTA for his performance. Hanks isn’t an actor who has to hog the spotlight every time he is onscreen.

Saving Mr Banks (2013)

Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. Do I even need to say more? It’s one icon playing another and it is perfect casting. I absolutely adore this film and am always watching it when it is on the TV. Following author P L Travers (Emma Thompson) as she is pursued relentlessly by Disney who wants to adapt her famous Mary Poppins books into a film, we see Travers enter a world she has no interest in. Hanks is truly magical as the big man himself and lights up the screen everytime he appears.

So there you have it! We have journeye through the highlights of this legend’s career. With a deserved life achievement Cecil B Demille award on its way from the 2020 Golden Globes, Hanks’ career is far from over. I am excited to see his upcoming films.

Which Tom Hanks performances are your favourites? Let me knows in the comments below!