What if the greatest of all time, or G.O.A.T. is found not in the largest animals with the greatest strength, but rather in the driven mindset of an animal goat? Sony’s latest film, “Goat” is produced by NBA legend Stephen Curry and seeks to answer this very question. 

“Goat” is a delightful children's movie that stars “Stranger Things’” Caleb McLaughlin voicing the motivated goat, Will Harris. Other notable voice-over performances include Gabrielle Union as the blank panther Jett Filmore, “Stranger Things’” David Harbour as Archie Everhardt the rhinoceros, and Stephen Curry as Lenny Williamson the giraffe.  

With a major NBA star backing up the film as a producer and voice actor, and an animation company that produced hit movies such as “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” the film was set to be a success. 

I am happy to report that my high expectations were met.

This film centers on the life of Will Harris, an aspiring roarball player who wants nothing more than to play for the Vineland Thorns and save them from their losing streak. However, he soon finds himself with odds stacked against him as he is categorized as a “small” due to his size, compared to bears and giraffes on the court. Through a heartfelt story and unlikely friendships with a blank panther, ostrich, rhinoceros, dragon and a giraffe, Will Harris overcomes his limitations to end the Vineland Thorn’s downward streak. 

The story and plot of this film are excellently paced and are simple enough to keep children entertained. Yet, the colorful artwork and design are enough to keep adults intrigued as well. In particular, fans of the artwork and animation in the “Spider-Verse” movies will thoroughly enjoy this film.

From the beginning of the film, audiences are immersed in a vibrant world of color, with animals ranging from elephants and bears to horses and, of course, goats. The stop motion animation style, combined with the roarball action sequences, makes this film a true visual spectacle. Fans of Disney’s “Zootopia” franchise may recognize a similar setting and lively animal worlds in this film.

Another notable element of this film that I thoroughly enjoyed was the action sequences and jumbotron nature of many of the shots. Audiences are transported into several roarball arenas, including dangerous arenas in the vines, the ice, and even in the fire. The attention to detail that went into the design of the roarball arena scenes is truly unmatched, with vibrant shots of the announcers and jumbotron graphics. As someone who grew up attending NBA games, “Goat” beautifully captures the excitement and energy of attending a major league basketball game. By the end of the film, I was cheering loudly for a victory from the Vineland Thorns. Fans of basketball and the NBA are in for a real treat with this film. 

“Goat” also includes subtle product placements and nods to basketball culture with clever inclusions of urban streetwear and designer basketball shoes. Sony is well-positioned to begin selling the stylish jerseys and basketball shoes featured in the film. Therefore, the film has the potential to support brand collaborations and effective product marketing. 

Whether you are a basketball fan or not, audiences of all ages can enjoy the action, colorful design and underdog story of how Will Harris became the greatest roarball player of all time.

Tags: Review

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About Rebekah Michel

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