The animated landscape is increasingly crowded with animal characters pursuing human dreams. Following in the footsteps of singing swine and secret-keeping pets, “Goat” attempts to add basketball to that mix. Produced by Stephen Curry, the film arrives with a built-in audience and a hefty dose of expectation, but ultimately falls short, delivering a predictable and saccharine story that feels, as one critic put it, like a disappointing air ball.
“Goat,” directed by Tyree Dillihay, centers on Will (voiced by Caleb McLaughlin), an anthropomorphic goat with aspirations of roarball (the film’s version of basketball) glory. Will dreams of playing for his hometown team, the Vineland, and idolizes star player Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union). The narrative, however, quickly settles into familiar underdog territory. Will, considered “tiny” by professional standards despite his passion, gets a shot at the big leagues after a viral moment challenging a much larger player, Mane Attraction (Aaron Pierre).
The film’s world-building is one of its stronger suits. Unlike the predator-prey dynamic of “Zootopia,” “Goat” presents a more inclusive sporting environment, where size is a prejudice to overcome, not a barrier enforced by rules. This is a subtle but welcome touch, suggesting a world striving for fairness, even if the story itself relies on well-worn tropes. The visual design, too, is noteworthy. Vineland is a vibrant blend of natural and urban elements, with vegetation organically integrated into the infrastructure, and game locations that unfold in visually striking ecosystems – from volcanic landscapes to lush forests.
However, the film’s aesthetic strengths can’t fully compensate for a script that lacks originality. Critics have pointed to a reliance on vapid internet references and a general sense of déjà vu. The supporting characters – a rhinoceros, a giraffe (voiced by Curry himself), an ostrich, and a Komodo dragon – feel underdeveloped, lacking the distinct personalities that elevate ensemble casts in films like “Sing.” While Archie (David Harbour), the rhino with comically violent daughters, provides a few chuckles, the team largely blends into the background.
The dynamic between Will and Jett is central to the film’s emotional core. As Will gains recognition, Jett feels threatened, leading to a predictable “never meet your heroes” arc. McLaughlin and Union deliver solid voice performances, imbuing their characters with enough personality to make the conflict engaging, but the emotional beats feel somewhat manufactured. The film attempts to explore themes of ambition, teamwork, and self-belief, but does so in a way that feels superficial and lacking in nuance.
“Goat” arrives at a time when Sony Pictures Animation is still riding high on the success of groundbreaking films like , which revolutionized animated visuals with its unique blend of 3D CGI and traditional hand-drawn techniques. While “Goat” demonstrates visual flair, it doesn’t push boundaries in the same way. The film’s aesthetic, while vibrant, feels less innovative and more in line with contemporary animated features.
The film’s release comes as Stephen Curry continues to cement his legacy both on and off the court. His involvement undoubtedly brought attention to the project, but “Goat” struggles to live up to the expectations set by its producer’s own “GOAT” status. The film’s premise held the potential for a more insightful exploration of failure and perseverance, particularly for young viewers, but instead delivers a formulaic and predictable narrative.
Rated PG for some rude humor and brief mild language, “Goat” runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes and opens in wide release on . While the film offers some visual appeal and benefits from strong voice acting, its lack of originality and reliance on tired tropes ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a visually appealing but ultimately forgettable addition to the animated sports genre.
