Review of Goats (2012) by Sean B — 17 Oct 2012

Goats.

My rating: 5 out of 10.

Another Netflix streaming film, Goat (2012) was mediocre at best. Technically and visually, I felt it did a fantastic job, but the problems with this film lie in the direction and editing. The film is directed by Christopher Neil. This is his directorial debut as he has a slew of credits working as acting coach and rehearsal advisors. Knowing that this was a directorial debut has made a big difference in my opinions after watching the film. The film shows a solid cast with Vera Farmiga, David Duchovny, Ty Burrell (Modern Family - Phil), Justin Kirk (Weeds - Andy), Dakota Johnson, and Graham Philips. I felt the cast all acted well, but felt none of them fit the roles needed to tell the story which was either the writer's issue or the directors.

The film follows Ellis (Graham Phillips) as he prepares to leave his mother (Vera Farmiga) and Goat man (David Duchovny) to go to the same all boys' boarding school his father (Ty Burrell) went too. It shows the hardships of living in a divorced family while being a single child as Ellis tries to make his way through the prestigious Gates, the school he now attends. A coming of age story that follows a young man trying to make his way in a confusing world while his parents both attempt to bring him back into one another's lives.

The pacing of the film was way off. Transitions were slow and the film trotted towards an end with sudden unexpected elements thrown in trying too hard to emulate films like "Sideways". The strongest elements of the film were the cinematography and the music. This was Wyatt Troll's first feature length Cinematography credit and I felt he did a great job. Overly-artistic at times, but the camera had proper composition and fluid movements. The music was done by Woody Jackson and Jason Schwartzman. This was Jackson's first credited feature composition, but actor Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, I Heart Huckabees) is also credited for the composition of "Funny People" (Adam Sandler). They both collaborated to make a memorable score/soundtrack.

This is an interesting film to watch indeed. I felt it tried too hard to be the next Alexander Payne flick, but something entertaining to watch indeed. I really wanted to enjoy this film much more than I did as I loved the cast, the story, and the filming style; but it all fell flat to me. If you have Netflix streaming, I would love to know your thoughts about the film. Check it out and send me a message!

*Rated R, 94 Minutes Run-Time, English Language (with lots of Marijuana).