Sony Pictures Animation has been on a winning streak recently, and their latest film, GOAT, is undoubtedly one of the finest sports movies released in recent years. With stunning visuals, an outstanding voice cast, and entertaining basketball scenes, there is so much to appreciate about this film, making it a truly refreshing experience.
The era when younger viewers could enjoy multiple sports films each year is behind us, allowing them to develop a passion for the sports depicted on screen. Nowadays, such releases are rare, which is why we must genuinely value what GOAT offers.
The animated movie takes place in a realm inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, where a sport similar to basketball called roarball enjoys great popularity. Young Will Harris is passionate about roarball and aspires to play, yet he is deemed too small as a Goat, especially since the other players include larger animals like panthers, bears, and wolves.
This story makes GOAT a movie that resonates with audiences and is perfect for children. Young viewers can identify with Will, potentially inspiring them to explore basketball. A genuinely enjoyable film like this can have a positive impact on kids, and we certainly need more of such uplifting content in Hollywood.
GOAT Is An Excellent Sports Film For Children
The initial point to grasp regarding the greatness of GOAT for children is that it is genuinely an excellent film. While some projects that gain popularity among kids may not receive favorable reviews from critics and are merely entertaining, it is the critically acclaimed children’s movies that usually possess lasting appeal.
Toy Story, Kpop Demon Hunters, Encanto, and numerous other animated films have captured the hearts of children around the globe, while also receiving acclaim from critics. GOAT shares this distinction, as demonstrated by its remarkable 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The protagonist’s childlike nature significantly contributes to the story’s success. Young viewers can see a smaller hero triumphing against challenges and feel inspired to believe in their own abilities. Additionally, having the legendary NBA player Stephen Curry as a producer for GOAT enhances it’s appeal, as his remarkable career parallels that of Will.
In contrast to LeBron James or Michael Jordan, a child learning basketball can easily replicate Curry’s skills on the court. While kids may not be able to dunk like Jordan or James, they can certainly shoot three-pointers like Curry. This ability is precisely what enables Will to pursue his dream.
There Are Few Children’s Sports Movies Being Produced These Days
During the millennial generation, it appeared that sports movies were frequently being produced specifically for them. These films often featured young protagonists, enabling the primary audience to relate to the characters portrayed on screen.
The Mighty Ducks, Little Giants, Rookie of the Year, The Sandlot, and several others are iconic ’90s films that showcase children excelling in major sports. These movies were released nearly every year, with some even debuting in the same year, but they have since faded into obscurity.
GOAT distinguishes itself from the crowd as a unique animated sports film. This uniqueness helps attract a broader audience, as children who may not initially be fans of basketball can discover it and develop a passion for the sport. This is particularly effective due to the innovative approach taken to make roarball feel distinctively tied to basketball.
GOAT Is Among The Finest Basketball Films In Recent History
While it’s true that sports films are not released as frequently as they once were, there have still been several noteworthy titles in the last ten years. Critics have praised Champions, Hustle, The Way Back, and High Flying Bird as successful films.
Nonetheless, films such as Space Jam – A New Legacy, Uncle Drew, Shooting Stars, and White Men Can’t Jump received either negative feedback or mixed reviews. This significantly positions GOAT as one of the top contenders, if not the very best, among that group in recent times.