On Sunday 8th February, London Mums Magazine reporters headed to Picturehouse Central for a multimedia screening of GOAT, the latest film from the artists behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and K-Pop Demon Hunters. With such strong predecessors expectations were high, but the film delivered. GOAT is out now.
The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams of becoming a professional roarball player (imagine basketball mixed with treacherous obstacles and rugby style tackles). In this concrete jungle, the sport is dominated by bigger, fiercer animals. Will is determined to change the game and prove that “smalls can ball.”
Before the screening, families enjoyed plenty of entertainment such as basketball hoops, glitter tattoos, and AI photo opportunities with characters from the film.
My six-year-old son and I both loved the movie. Although he may have been slightly on the younger side of the target audience, he stayed completely absorbed throughout. I also had no concerns about language or content – the film carries a PG rating for brief mild language and some rude humour.
Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things) voices Will, bringing warmth and determination to the character. When Will finally gets his chance to play with the giants, the story delivers a familiar but welcome message: you can achieve what you set your mind to, and teamwork really does make the dream work.
Leaving the cinema, my son announced he wanted to be like Jett Fillmore, a black jaguar and one of the fiercest characters. He usually chooses the toughest character as his favourite, which nearly always is portrayed as male. So it was refreshing to see the film challenge traditional gender expectations, with Jett revealed as a strong female character and Will as a ‘short king’. The roarball teams feature both male and female players, helping normalise the idea that sport is for everyone.
The storyline is kept focused and easy to follow, the pacing is fast, and the animation is visually striking, supported by a high-energy soundtrack.
Overall, an enjoyable family watch and a solid 8/10 from us.
The trailer
I am a mother of two teenagers and a London Mums magazine’s contributor. I review attractions, movies, restaurants, toys. In my profile picture, I am together with my partner in crime and London Mums’ editor Monica Costa.
