Sony can’t stop, won’t stop. GOAT, the latest entry to their animation catalog, wins not by being different but by being simple, and that works for me.
Produced by NBA star Steph Curry, written by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley, and directed by Tyree Dillihay, GOAT is set in a world where anthropomorphic animals live and breathe for a full-contact, basketball-like sport known as roarball. Dominated by big, strong animals of all kinds, the fierce sport is forever changed when a young goat named Will comes on the scene. Mocked for being a “small”, Will (Caleb McLaughlin, Stranger Things), has dreamt of playing roarball for his hometown Vineland Thorns his whole life. When he finally gets his chance, being small isn’t the only thing he’ll have to overcome in order to succeed.
After a video of Will playing against Roarball’s current star, Mane Attraction (Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge), goes viral, the owner of the Vineland Thorns offers him a spot on the team. It’s a dream come true until he meets his hero, Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union, Truth Be Told), who does not want him around. But this doesn’t stop Will at all. He becomes relentlessly unfazed, hoping to help his favorite player bring home the Claw.
GOAT thrives on the idea that simple is better. The film follows the familiar underdog trope, which can feel unoriginal to most viewers, but the story’s energy makes it work. As the story evolves, the relationship between Will and Jett is tested. Both must find a way to navigate this new arrangement and come together for the benefit of themselves, their team, and their hometown. I love how much resilience the writers gave Will. His outlook made him a lovable character who never let the outside noise get to him. Despite his obstacles, his positivity and hope keep him from giving up or letting his insecurities guide him.
McLauglin gives a solid voice performance, embodying the young goat. Union is also great, playing the stubborn, aging panther ballplayer. The rest of the team is rounded out by the voices of Steph Curry, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Patton Oswalt, and Nick Kroll. But it’s Aaron Pierre who shines as the antagonist, Mane Attraction. It’s such a fun performance.
Getting to know this world and its characters was a real treat. The art design adds a beautiful layer to the world-building, featuring numerous detailed elements that bring the rainforest-inspired city to life. Using a hybrid technique that blends 2D and 3D, the film looks incredible, especially during the roarball sequences. I loved seeing the exaggerated facial expressions, slow-motion moments, and epic showdowns that truly brought this sport to life.
Although GOAT is simple, the film may play it all too safe, and a lot of that stems from the pacing. The emotional beats don’t really have time to simmer. And do NOT say “it’s just a kids’ film.” KPop Demon Hunters and the Spider-Verse films work this aspect brilliantly. While both Will and Jett have emotional moments, they are quickly swept away to move the film along, giving us a few too many gag moments that didn’t always work for me. This is where the filmmakers could have drawn more inspiration from the studio’s other films by playing into moments that could’ve elevated the film even more.
All in all, Sony Animation is on a roll, producing some of the most interesting titles in the industry. GOAT doesn’t do anything unique or different, but its story and cool animation design make it a solid feature that’s enjoyable. It won’t reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to. The kids, especially, will love every bit of what GOAT has to offer.
No Comment! Be the first one.