“GOAT” is an absolute slam dunk for the entire family

From Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind the recent “Spider-Verse” movies and the recent Netflix smash “K-Pop: Demon Hunters,” comes “GOAT,” an original animated comedy set in an all-animal world.

The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who 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!”

The latest animated movie geared for families, “GOAT” is a feel-good, heartwarming underdog story that features incredible animation and great voice talent. Now, even though this underdog story can be slightly predictable, I honestly think it’s still a great watch for the whole family.

This animated family movie utilizes a unique, stylized 2D/3D animation style similar to the “Spider-Verse” movies. Even though this animation style has been used before, the style is still incredibly vibrant and makes the visuals really pop out. I also really like the unique design of Vineland, where nature (branches and foliage) is integrated into urban architecture. 

The filmmakers really utilized the amazing animation style with the arena environments. Each “roarball” match takes place in distinct, imaginative ecosystems, such as a cave with falling icicles, a volcanic court with lava and a frozen “Cryosphere.” All of these environments are visually appealing and unique.

The main narrative of the animated movie -  a small, determined character trying to make it big - can be highly predictable. But, I’m completely fine with it as the movie is packed with plenty of fun humor and charm that helps make this a highly enjoyable watch.

Now, even though the overall story is fairly simple, “GOAT” has plenty of positive themes of perseverance, self-confidence and team bonding. And the emotional payoff from these themes also helps make “GOAT” a worthy watch.

All of the “roarball” action that we see throughout the movie is easily one of the highlights of this movie. Like I stated before, each roarball sequence is completely different with their unique styles and arena-specific rules. There’s also plenty of fun characters that are incredibly likable, especially the little twin girl rhinos and the gerbil landlord (voiced by Wayne Knight). The little girl rhino characters really bring their own

fun energy to the story, and at a screening I attended, quite a few of the audience members laughed almost every time they were on screen.

Overall, “GOAT” is a solid, energetic family-friendly win that all families should check out. Sure, the story is formulaic. Yet, the movie features plenty of fun, likable characters, great positive messages, really beautiful animation and is something young basketball fans could also enjoy!

Cast: Caleb McLaughlin (Will); Gabrielle Union (Jett Fillmore); Stephen Curry (Lenny); Aaron Pierre (Mane Attraction); Nicola Coughlin (Olivia); David Harbour (Archie); Nick Kroll (Modo); Jenifer Lewis (Flo Everson); Patton Oswalt (Dennis Cooper); Jelly Roll (Grizz); Wayne Knight (Frank)

Writer/director: Aaron Buchsbaum (writer); Teddy Riley (writer); Tyree Dillihay (director) (various episodes of “Bob’s Burgers”); Adam Rosette (director)

MPA: Rated PG for some rude humor and brief mild language   (runtime 100 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggZA2oi8S5s

• Tyree Dillihay and Adam Rosette's directorial debut.

• Jennifer Hudson's first animated film to have her providing the speaking voice of a character as opposed to only the singing voice.

• Released around the time of the 2026 NBA's All Star's weekend.