Review of A Goofy Movie (1995) by Adam F — 28 Mar 2015

I tend to like movies about fathers and their sons and I don't think there's nearly enough good ones. If you feel the same and you want a comedic take on this aspect, I think you will enjoy "A Goofy Movie".

It has some good, memorable songs, a lot of visual and cleverly written humour and a few touching moments too. The best part of the film is the really strong message about the importance of a relationship between fathers and their son(s) and how as the two get older that relationship needs to change and evolve for the bond to stay consistently strong.

I like that the story is absolutely ludicrous. You might even call it "goofy". I actually wish it was longer because there are a few scenes that feel like they're missing. Our two heroes are in one location and then it cuts to days later and they've travelled a great distance.

I wish we could have seen that journey. As far as animation goes, it's not breaking any new grounds, but it more than does the job. There isn't a villain in this story, just the drama between Goofy (Bill Farmer) and Max (Jason Marsden) and the struggles come mostly from the fact that as boys grow up into men, the relationship between father and son shifts in unpredictable ways.

It's earnest and heart warming but it doesn't feel cheesy. It's good enough to watch by yourself but it will be a lot more effective if you watch it with your old man for some nostalgic goodness or with your own children.

(On Dvd, July 9, 2012).