Forget everything you thought you knew about animated sports movies. A new contender has entered the arena, and it’s led by a goat – literally. “GOAT” isn’t just a clever title; it’s the story of Will Harris, a determined young goat with an impossible dream.
Will, voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, isn’t your average farm animal. He’s a “medium” sized goat with a massive ambition: to play roarball, a high-octane, intensely physical version of basketball. He idolizes Jett Fillmore, a celebrated black panther and star player for the struggling Vineland Thorns.
Trapped in a dead-end job delivering for Whiskers Diner, Will seizes a daring opportunity. He challenges Mane Attraction, a dominant stallion and rival roarball MVP, to a one-on-one game. Though he loses, Will’s unexpected courage and skill go viral, catching the eye of Florence Everson, the Thorns’ desperate owner.
Florence sees Will as the spark her team needs, but Jett isn’t convinced. She fears the young goat is too small for the big leagues and worries that her own reign as a star is fading. A clash of generations and personalities ignites, threatening to derail the Thorns’ chances.
The Thorns themselves are a wonderfully eccentric bunch. They include Lenny Williamson, a rapping giraffe brought to life by NBA star Stephen Curry, Olivia Burke, an ostrich perpetually glued to her phone, and Archie Everhard, a devoted rhino father. Rounding out the team is the unpredictable Modo Olachenko, a Komodo dragon, and their somewhat hapless coach, Dennis, a long-nosed monkey.
The voice cast is a powerhouse, featuring talents like Gabrielle Union as Jett, Jennifer Hudson, and even surprise cameos from basketball legends like Dwyane Wade and Angel Reese. Their contributions elevate the film beyond typical animation, injecting genuine energy and authenticity.
“GOAT” arrives as a welcome success for Sony Pictures Animation, following a recent setback with another project. This film isn’t just funny; it’s surprisingly heartfelt, exploring themes of perseverance, believing in yourself, and overcoming doubt.
Directed by Tyree Dillihay and co-directed by Adam Rosette, the film boasts a sharp screenplay and a fresh perspective. It’s a story about defying expectations and proving that even the smallest competitor can achieve greatness.
While it may not redefine the animated landscape, “GOAT” is a strong contender for one of the year’s best family films. It’s a vibrant, hilarious, and ultimately uplifting experience that will leave audiences cheering for the underdog.
Rated PG for some mild language and humor, “GOAT” runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes and is currently playing in theaters.
