07/04/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | APR 7, 2026

25 Goat -ed animation, lackluster story MOVIE REVIEW

o Sure-footed fun that does not stray too far from herd

Ű BY ASHIQIN AHMAD

D IRECTED by Tyree Dilihay, Goat is not a film that tries to reinvent the animated wheel but instead, it leans into familiarity, delivering a straightforward narrative shaped for a specific audience. The animated film features anthropomorphic animal athletes playing roarball, led by a young goat named Will Harris (voiced by Caleb McLaughlin) who fulfills his childhood dream by joining the Vineland Thorns team. The Vineland Thorns team include a black leopard, veteran player named Jett Fillmore (voiced by Gabrielle Union), a giraffe named Lenny Williamson (voiced by Stephen Curry), a komodo dragon named Modo Olachenko (voiced by Nick Kroll), an ostrich named Oliva Burke (voiced by Nicola Coughlan), a rhinoceros named Archie Everhardt (voiced by Zul Ariffin) and their coach, a proboscis monkey named Dennis (voiced by Patton Oswalt). Will is the smallest player in the team, often having to prove himself worthy of playing the sport too. The film follows a well-worn structure where a central character is navigating personal growth, supported by a group of companions who each embody distinct traits and emotional beats. Yet, while its story rarely surprises, Goat finds its strength in how it presents that story rather than what it is trying to say. The pacing is consistent, the stakes are clear and the emotional arcs are simple enough to resonate with children. With a plot that is easy to follow and largely predictable, the film positions itself as an accessible entry point for younger viewers, particularly those under eight. For older viewers, however, the narrative’s predictability becomes more noticeable. Key turning points can be anticipated early on and the film rarely deviates from its expected path.

The Vineland Thorns players develop a strong sportsmanship bond with each other.

textured tone to the character, making Archie feel relatable and distinct. Characters with personality, even in simplicity Despite the straightforward plot, Goat succeeds in creating a cast of characters that are easy to invest in. Each character is defined by clear traits and small, recognisable flaws, which makes them accessible to younger viewers. There is a deliberate simplicity in how these personalities are constructed, but it works within the context of the film. The central characters are likeable without being overly polished. They make mistakes, they learn and they grow in ways that are easy to follow. The supporting cast, particularly the more eccentric figures, adds texture to the narrative. These array of characters provide contrast, ensuring the film never feels too uniform in tone. However, there is also a limit to this simplicity. While the characters are engaging, they rarely evolve in unexpected ways and their arcs follow familiar patterns as their resolutions feel predetermined. For a younger audience, this is unlikely to be an issue, but for older viewers, it may leave the character development feeling somewhat surface-level. Struggle to feel ‘relatable’ One of the film’s more noticeable missteps lies in its attempts to appear modern and relatable. Throughout the story, there are multiple scenes where characters

the film apart visually. It reinforces the tone of the story, creating a world that feels playful yet expressive. The comic-book influence is particularly evident in the way action sequences are framed, often resembling panels brought to life. Colours are used boldly and the overall design leans into exaggeration rather than realism, which works well for a younger audience. There is also a sense of intentional imperfection in the animation. Unlike the polished sheen of many contemporary animated films, Goat embraces a slightly rougher texture, which adds charm and character. It feels handcrafted rather than manufactured, and that distinction gives the film a unique visual voice. Performances that carry the film The voice cast plays a crucial role in elevating the material. Their characters lean into eccentricity, providing moments of levity that help balance the film’s more predictable emotional beats. These “oddball” characters, in particular, stand out, often stealing scenes through their quirks and comedic timing. One of the more unexpected additions to the cast is Stephen Curry, whose performance carries a natural charm. While not a professional actor by trade, he fits comfortably within the ensemble, contributing to the film’s overall sense of playfulness. For Malaysian audiences, the localised version offers an added layer of familiarity with Zul Ariffin voicing Archie. His performance brings a grounded, slightly more

check their phones or interact through social media. These moments feel at odds with the film’s otherwise timeless visual style. Rather than enhancing the narrative, these elements come across as forced. They seem inserted with the intention of connecting with younger viewers, but instead, they disrupt the film’s flow. The reliance on digital interactions feels unnecessary, especially in a story that already has strong visual and emotional foundations. This tension between timeless storytelling and contemporary references creates a slight disconnect. The hand-drawn, comic-book aesthetic suggests a world that exists outside of a specific time, yet the inclusion of modern technology anchors it too firmly in the present. The result is a film that occasionally struggles to find a consistent tone. innovation Ultimately, Goat is a film that prioritises entertainment over innovation. Its plot may be predictable, but it is delivered with enough energy and visual flair to keep audiences engaged. The pacing ensures there is always something happening and the combination of humour, emotion and action creates a balanced viewing experience. The film’s strongest asset is its ability to hold attention. For its target audience, this is arguably more important than narrative complexity. The vibrant animation, engaging performances and likeable characters work together to create a film that is easy to watch and easy to enjoy. Not groundbreaking, but consistently engaging. Final verdict Goat may not leave a lasting impact in terms of storytelling, but it succeeds in delivering what it sets out to do. It is a film that understands its audience and caters to them with clarity and confidence. Its visual style sets it apart, its performances add depth and its characters provide enough charm to carry the narrative. For younger viewers, it offers a colourful and engaging experience. For older audiences, it presents a visually interesting but narratively familiar ride. In both cases, Goat proves sometimes, execution matters just as much as originality. Entertainment value over

Will steps into the professional arena for the first time and finally fulfills his childhood dream. That said, predictability does not necessarily undermine the film’s effectiveness. There is a certain comfort in how Goat unfolds, and it understands the importance of clarity for its intended audience. It may not challenge expectations, but it executes its formula with enough sincerity to remain engaging. Visual identity that stands out Where Goat truly distinguishes itself is in its animation style. In an era dominated by ultra-smooth, hyper realistic visuals, the film opts for a hand-drawn, comic-book-inspired aesthetic that feels refreshingly tactile. The textures are more pronounced, the lines more deliberate and the movement carries a slightly stylised rhythm that gives each frame a sense of individuality. This choice does more than just set

0 Director: Tyree Dilihay 0 Cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, Zul Ariffin, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll and Jennifer Hudson. E-VALUE 8 ACTING 8 PLOT 6

Will (left) may be small in size, but his big dreams allows him to play alongside his childhood idol Jett on the same team.