22 vs. Earth (2021)

22 vs. Earth is a buoyant little spark of Pixar-style storytelling that turns a cosmic waiting room into a playground for big feelings and bigger laughs, all without breaking a sweat. Tina Fey’s 22 is as sharp and stubborn as ever, and the short has real comic zip as it follows her mischievous “rebellion” against the very idea of going to Earth, with the Jerrys hovering like amused, patient guardians. What makes it special is how it sneaks in a warm, surprisingly thoughtful nudge about purpose and connection while keeping the tone light, colorful, and delightfully silly. It’s brief and best enjoyed as a companion piece to Soul, so if you want a standalone plot-heavy adventure you may find it slight—but if you’re on the fence, this is an easy, welcoming watch that leaves you smiling.

22 vs. Earth is clearly trying to be a cute, bite-sized companion to Soul, giving 22 a spotlight and squeezing a life-lesson into a quick, kid-friendly package. The problem is it feels more like a clever sketch than a fully satisfying story: the “rebellion” setup is amusing, but it’s thin, fast, and doesn’t land with the emotional weight the premise hints at. If you want the richness, music, and depth of Soul, this may leave you feeling like you ordered a meal and got a free sample instead. Still, the animation is polished, the tone is gentle, and Tina Fey’s dry delivery makes it an easy watch if you’re simply in the mood for a light, harmless add-on rather than a meaningful follow-up.