GOAT
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* ** and Beau’s bonus review of Cold Storage! ***
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A small goat (Caleb McLaughlin) 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.
STORY: A
A heartfelt, engaging underdog story.
Many critics are taking the same shot at this movie, saying we’ve seen this story a million times before.
That may be true, but it’s not a bad thing. Yes, the screenplay follows a formula. But there’s a reason the formula exists: when every plot point feels earned and organic, we get magic.
PEOPLE: A-
No benchwarmers in this cast.
Caleb McLaughlin nails his first big post-Stranger Things role. His earnest, inspirational line delivery echoes Shameik Moore’s Miles Morales performance.
The supporting players - Gabrielle Union, David Harbour, Steph Curry, and Nick Kroll - combine to form an all-star cast. Kroll racks up the steals (as in stealing every scene) as Modo, an unpredictable, wild Komodo Dragon. Curry does well in his feature film debut, playing the tallest dude on the court (which must have been a stretch for him).
FILM NERD STUFF: A
Bold portrait mode makes this film pop.
The artists painted the film’s background to look slightly blurry, which makes the sharply drawn characters really pop off the screen. The result is another gorgeous, groundbreaking film from Sony Animation.
ONE BIG LESSON: A
Once you find the thing you need, the thing you want finds you.
We’ve seen this play before. In fact, I’d wager 90% of stories share this exact lesson.
Why? Because at some point we’ll all be standing at the stripe with the game on the line, and this lesson is what will help you put the ball through the hoop.
And really, this is the reason why we have stories: so that we all will be ready for the big moment when it crosses our path.
FINAL COMMENTS:
This is a near-perfect family film.
It knows how to speak to kids, and it has a great message that kids need to hear. Parents who give themselves over to its many charms will find themselves loving it.
FINAL GRADE: A
GOAT is playing in theaters at the time of writing. Rated PG. Common Sense says it’s ok for 7+.