GOAT
Will, a small goat with big dreams, gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that 'smalls can ball'!
Trailer
Review
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by sequels and reboots, 'GOAT' emerges as a refreshingly original and heart-pumping underdog story that truly earns its title. Director Tyree Dillihay crafts a vibrant world where the high-octane, co-ed sport of 'roarball' – a thrilling mashup of rugby, basketball, and parkour – is king, ruled by lions, tigers, and bears. Enter Will, a diminutive goat voiced with earnest charm by Caleb McLaughlin, whose dream of playing professionally sets the stage for a hilarious and inspiring journey. The film's core conflict is beautifully simple: can heart and innovative strategy overcome pure physical dominance? The plot avoids overly complex twists, instead focusing on Will's struggle to earn the respect of his skeptical teammates, including a gruff veteran lion (Aaron Pierre) and a fiercely competitive cheetah (Gabrielle Union). The animation is stunning, particularly in the roarball sequences, which are choreographed with the fluidity and dynamism of a major sports broadcast, thanks in part to Stephen Curry's consulting role. While the 'believe in yourself' theme is familiar, the film injects it with genuine wit and a fantastic ensemble cast that brings real personality to the animal athletes. The humor works for both kids and adults, though a few jokes land with a thud. At 100 minutes, the pacing is brisk, ensuring the action and emotional beats hit their marks without overstaying its welcome.
Pros
- ✓Stunning, dynamic animation that makes the fictional sport of 'roarball' feel thrillingly real and visually spectacular.
- ✓A heartfelt and perfectly cast voice performance from Caleb McLaughlin as Will, supported by a strong ensemble including Gabrielle Union and Aaron Pierre.
- ✓A genuinely creative and well-executed world-building premise that feels fresh within the sports animation genre.
- ✓Effective, multi-layered humor that delivers laughs for both children and adults without relying on crassness.
Cons
- ✗The central underdog narrative follows a very predictable story arc, offering few surprises in its plot progression.
- ✗Some of the side characters, particularly a few of Will's teammates, feel underdeveloped compared to the compelling lead.
'GOAT' is a resounding success—a film that is as clever as it is kind-hearted. It transcends its simple premise through exceptional execution, delivering pulse-pounding sports action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a surprisingly potent emotional core. While it walks a well-trodden path in terms of story structure, the journey is so richly animated, charmingly performed, and full of inventive spirit that its familiarity becomes a comfort rather than a flaw. It's a movie about proving your worth not through brute force, but through creativity, perseverance, and teamwork—a message delivered without heavy-handedness. For families, it's a near-perfect outing, offering shared excitement and warmth. For animation or sports film fans, it's a showcase of genre innovation. 'GOAT' doesn't just suggest that 'smalls can ball'; it proves that a small film with a big heart can absolutely soar. Highly recommended for anyone seeking fun, inspiration, and a truly good time at the movies.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Families with children aged 6 and up, fans of inventive animated films, and viewers who enjoy uplifting sports underdog stories.
⭐ Standout Elements
The brilliantly conceived and animated sport of 'roarball' is the film's crown jewel. It's a fully realized, rules-coherent spectacle that provides the film's most exhilarating moments and serves as a perfect metaphor for its themes. The voice casting, particularly Caleb McLaughlin's perfectly pitched performance, which balances vulnerability with determination, is also a major highlight.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents exceptional filmmaking that deserves your attention.
Cast
Caleb McLaughlin
Will Harris (voice)
Gabrielle Union
Jett Fillmore (voice)
Stephen Curry
Lenny Williamson (voice)
Aaron Pierre
Mane Attraction (voice)
Nicola Coughlan
Olivia Burke (voice)
David Harbour
Archie Everhardt (voice)
Nick Kroll
Modo Olachenko (voice)
Jenifer Lewis
Florence Everson (voice)
Patton Oswalt
Dennis (voice)
Jelly Roll
Grizz (voice)
