'Goat' review: Young viewers deserve more-inspiring sports movies - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Carlos Aguilar

February 12, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Los Angeles Times reviews *Goat*, an animated sports movie produced by Stephen Curry, calling it a predictable and uninspired underdog story wrapped in a generic sports film formula. The movie follows a young goat named Will who aspires to become the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in a sport called roarball, which is akin to basketball but lacks originality. Despite its vibrant visuals and inclusionary themes, the film fails to break away from overused tropes, making it feel formulaic and lacking depth. The review highlights how *Goat* leans heavily on internet culture references and vapid humor, making it more of a sugar rush than a meaningful experience. While the characters are well-voiced by actors like Caleb McLaughlin and Gabrielle Union, their interactions lack complexity and emotional nuance. The predictable conflicts between Will and Jett Fillmore, the team's star player, further reinforce the film’s unoriginality. Visually, *Goat* stands out with its blending of natural landscapes and urban settings, but this fails to compensate for the weak storytelling. Comparing it to other animated films like *Sing* or *Zootopia*, the review points out that *Goat* doesn’t bring anything new to the table, making it forgettable despite its efforts to entertain. The critique underscores how modern animated sports movies often prioritize instant gratification over meaningful narratives. While *Goat* may appeal to younger audiences with its colorful visuals and basketball-inspired plot, its lack of originality makes it a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling. For readers interested in news about children’s entertainment or the animation industry, this review highlights the importance of innovation in animated sports films to capture the attention of young viewers seeking more inspiring stories.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/12/2026