In an age where animated features seem to flourish, *Goat* leaps onto the scene with its high-octane premise but ultimately falls flat. Premiering on 13 February in the UK and US, this raucous family comedy, inspired by basketball legend Stephen Curry, struggles to resonate with its audience, offering a predictable storyline wrapped in frenetic animation.
A Familiar Tale of Underdog Dreams
At the heart of *Goat* is Will Harris, a pint-sized goat voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, who dreams of breaking into the world of “roarball”—a turbocharged rendition of basketball. Unfortunately, Will’s aspirations are met with scepticism, as he faces off against towering opponents like rhinos and horses. His idol, Jet, a panther voiced by Gabrielle Union, is a seasoned player on the Thorns, a team on the brink of glory. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are treated to the familiar tropes of the underdog striving to prove his worth, but the execution feels disappointingly stale.
Noise Over Narrative
While there are moments of comedic relief sprinkled throughout the film, they often get drowned out by a relentless cacophony. The roarball matches are designed to be exhilarating, but they come across as overwhelming, akin to standing beside a helicopter during takeoff. The film’s fast-paced visuals transition from lush jungles to icy arenas, yet instead of engaging the audience, they contribute to a sensory overload that detracts from the story.
Moreover, the film’s target demographic of young children seems at odds with its frequent references to social media and mobile phones, elements that might not resonate with those under eight. The narrative becomes cluttered, leaving viewers with little more than a ringing in their ears as they exit the cinema.
A Star-Studded Yet Flat Production
Despite the star power behind *Goat*, including Curry as a producer and performer, the animation fails to capture the heart and soul one would expect from such a collaboration. The film feels like a missed opportunity to weave in the real-life challenges Curry faced at the onset of his career—being told he was too small for professional basketball. Instead, the emotional depth is overshadowed by a reliance on noise and visuals that deliver little substance.
Why it Matters
In a landscape rich with animated films that successfully blend humour, heart, and meaningful messages, *Goat* serves as a reminder of how critical storytelling is in this genre. With its lack of originality and emotional resonance, the film may struggle to make a lasting impact, leaving audiences yearning for more from their cinematic experiences. As families seek films that entertain and inspire, it becomes increasingly vital for creators to strike a balance between captivating visuals and heartfelt narratives.
