GOAT Review

Small Hooves, Big Dreams: The GOAT of Underdog Sports Tales

In a world where being the "Greatest of All Time" is more than just a title, it’s a species, the new animated film GOAT proves that you don't need a massive stature to leave a massive footprint on the court. We journey into the fantasy world of Vineland, populated by anthropomorphic animals, to meet a goat named Will Harris when he is just a kid (pun intended).

Raised by a single mom, Will’s life changes the day she takes him to the Green House Colosseum to see the local team, the Thorns, play roarball, a full-contact, co-ed version of basketball. As he watches the star player, a female panther named Jett Fillmore, dominate the court, Will is mesmerized and declares, "I want to be just like her" (implicitly challenging the common assumption that power and physical dominance belongs solely to male players).

Ten years later, Will is all grown up and making deliveries for the Whisker Diner, the same place his mother worked and where Jett’s high school jersey hangs on the wall. Unfortunately, being classified as a "Small" in the Vineland caste system has choked his bank account and he can’t make rent on his apartment.

After a video goes viral of Will getting a few good shots off of Mane Attraction, an Andalusian horse and star of the Lava Coast Magma, he catches the eye of Flo, the warthog owner of The Thorns who recruits him to join the struggling team. Jett, now a veteran, is facing the twilight of her career, and a brutal losing streak has left the roster demoralized.

Will is ecstatic about joining the team, but finds his biggest hurdle isn't the game, it's his size. To find his place, he’ll have to win over a colorful cast of skeptics: Modo, a quirky Komodo dragon; Archie, a rhino obsessed with parenting perfection; Olivia, an ostrich still finding her wings; and Lenny, a giraffe who’d rather be hitting high notes as a singer. Leading them is Coach Dennis, a proboscis monkey who has his hands full turning this eccentric collection of animals into a unified front.

Stung by the "all stats, no Claw" label, Jett is obsessed with a winning season, even if her dominant playstyle begins to alienate the rest of the Thorns. It’s only when Will bridges the gap with Jett and secures their first victory that he gains the respect of his fellow players and they begin to find their rhythm as a team to chase the ultimate championship award: the Claw.

Small But Mighty

A classic underdog tale, the film mirrors the real-life journey of producer Stephen Curry, legendary superstar of the Golden State Warriors, who also voices Lenny the giraffe. Much like Will, Steph was initially dismissed for being "too skinny and small" for the NBA (standing at 6'2" - five inches shorter than the league average).

The heart of the story lies in the power of dreaming big. Despite being teased by Mane’s gang, who insist that “smalls can’t ball”, and facing cynical reporters who assume his roster spot is a shameless publicity stunt, Will never wavers. Beyond his lightning-fast dribbling and elite footwork, his real superpower is his spirit. His speeches to his teammates serve as a poignant reminder: when it comes to true strength, height may get you on the court, but heart is what makes you a champion.

Supportive Family and Community Spirit

Will’s passion for the game is rooted in his mother’s unwavering belief in his potential. From offering steady guidance to gifting him tennis shoes inscribed with "Dream Big," she didn't just support his goals, she fueled them. In the present, those memories drive Will to strive for excellence, instilling a work ethic that continues to define his character long after the final whistle.

That same spirit animates the Thorns’ fanbase. The rallying chant of “Roots run deep” transforms each game into a celebration of identity, proving that the most enduring victories are built upon community and character, not just the scoreboard.

Passing the Torch

The story also touches on the struggle of aging and the fear of becoming obsolete, with Jett turning her career into a desperate sprint to prove she still belongs. When asked to film a promotional video positioning Will as the team's new face, she remains defiant: “I’m the G.O.A.T. I’m not passing the torch.”

We see Jett’s brilliance mixed with a raw vulnerability. While her ambition makes her formidable, her inability to trust her peers forces her to carry the weight of the entire team alone. However, her evolution culminates in a pivot toward altruism. When it comes to winning the Claw, she learns it’s not about whether you get it, but “how you get it is all that matters.”

The film scores with a winning mix of humor and nostalgia, packed with basketball references for every fan of the sport to enjoy. Yet, beneath the humor, it provides an unvarnished look at the pressures of modern sports, from aggressive marketing tactics to the gritty politics of franchise management.

Boasting a vibrant, mixed-media aesthetic with 3D models and textured backgrounds, the film’s painterly CGI animation brings an electric energy to the screen. The camera moves with the same velocity as the athletes, thrusting the audience into the soul of the action for a truly immersive experience.

GOAT balances high-octane roarball action with a grounded story about finding your footing when the world expects you to trip. A passionate reminder to dream big and stay humble, this film perfectly captures the magic of teamwork, the strength of a support system, and the courage it takes to be the Greatest Of All Time! With two slam dunks, this film is a win!