Sony’s new animation venture leaves it all out on the court writes Carter Smith
Legendary Basketballer Stephan Curry was deemed too small for most in his early years. One hell of a shot on him, but worries he may not be able to translate it to the NBA made him overlooked for years on end. But he had hoop dreams. Dreams which turned in reality. Reality which turned into an animated film about a Goat called Will Harris (Caleb McLaughlin) and his against all odds rise in Roarball.
Goat, directed by director Tyree Dillihay loosely based off Curry’s journey to stardom, in its simplest terms, this is if Disney’s cash cow Zootopia was about Basketball and not police. Will, like Judy, was deemed too small and constantly passed over until their persistence gave them a chance to show what they are worth. Will never looked back.
What ensues is a rather charming story about the impact sport can have on a community, team work and using what people perceive as your disadvantages to your advantage. Once again, very similar to Zootopia, but dare I say Goat is more successful in its messaging.
Whereas Disney have had to make sequels correcting their decision for as to why the first movie left out certain species, Goat fully realises the potential of this animal world. It feels less off animal world cosplaying humans and more what a society would look like intertwined with the things we have grown accustomed to. It works.
Of course, being a kids film certain humour falls flat if you are anything past Primary School and it is packed with a few cliches here and there, but the heart it has and the stellar animation makes up for its few pitfalls.
- Goat is free to watch on Sky Cinema
