‘GOAT’ Review: A Hilarious Animated Adventure with a Heartwarming Message
In a world where sports celebrities are paid astronomical sums, it's no wonder a young goat would dream of becoming a star player. Sony Animation's latest creation, 'GOAT', introduces us to Will, a determined young goat with big aspirations. Despite his small stature, Will is inspired by the struggles and triumphs of Stephen Curry, who serves as a producer and lends his voice to the film. The title itself is a clever play on words, hinting at the story's central theme.
The movie begins with a young Will, captivated by the thrilling world of roarball, a fast-paced basketball-like sport played by animals. He declares to his mother, played by the talented Jennifer Hudson, that this is his destiny. Fast forward to adolescence, and Will, now voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, continues his journey, aiming to emulate the legendary Jett Fillmore, a panther star player for the local team, the Vineland Thorns.
Jett, a star on the court, is far from a team player, leading to the Thorns' consistent losing seasons. Will, working as a food delivery worker, finds his luck changing after an unexpected pick-up game with the skilled Mane Attraction, an Andalusian horse voiced by Aaron Pierre. Despite losing, Will's talent and courage make him an overnight sensation on social media.
The Thorns' publicity-seeking owner, Flo, played by Jenifer Lewis, signs Will to the team, much to Jett's frustration. Will's journey is filled with challenges as he navigates a team of eccentric characters, including an ostrich obsessed with social media, a Komodo dragon with a quirky accent, a giraffe who has lost his passion, and a rhino whose fatherhood has tamed his aggression. The team's coach, a proboscis monkey voiced by Patton Oswalt, offers more grief counseling than pep talks.
The plot thickens as Will's determination inspires Jett to become a better team player. The Thorns, once a struggling team, find their rhythm and make it to the championship game. The animated visuals are a sight to behold, with diverse stadiums representing different ecosystems. From the Cave, where players dodge stalactites, to the Inferno atop an active volcano, and the Cryosphere, where the game is played on ice under the northern lights, the creativity knows no bounds.
The hyperkinetic animation style, reminiscent of Sony's 'Spider-Verse', might be too much for adult viewers, but the CGI is undeniably stunning and incredibly funny. The anthropomorphic animal world, filled with athletic creatures, is a delight to behold. While the film's writing is good, with humorous references to hip-hop videos and cheesy sports promotions, some jokes, like Will's famous quote, 'When there's a will, there's a way,' might fall flat.
The voice performances are consistently impressive, with notable contributions from sports stars like Angel Reese, Kevin Love, and Dwayne Wade. Wayne Knight steals the show as Will's gerbil landlord, overwhelmed by his growing family. 'GOAT' is a fun and heartwarming animated adventure, perfect for families, with a message about perseverance and teamwork that resonates with all ages.
