“A Goofy Movie” (1995)

A Goofy Movie

Grade: B+

As a child, my family owned A Goofy Movie on VHS, and although I’d watch it semi-frequently, I didn’t really like it. Never much of a Disney fan, I especially resented the central character, Max Goof, and — precocious kid that I was — wondered why teenagers were so stupid. Watching the film 20 years later, perhaps I was a bit too harsh: the film provides a timeless lesson on growing up, and I’ll definitely make sure my kids watch it when that opportunity arises. A few more notes on A Goofy Movie:

Directing:

A follow-up feature-length film to the TV show Goof Troop, A Goofy Movie earns its theatrical release with some impressively beautiful animation. Kevin Lima (who would also direct Tarzan) emulates the style of Don Bluth through heavy use of soft colors and pink hues — every scene looks like a sunset. The hand-drawn charm is a relic of a bygone era, and it’s no wonder that films of the Disney Renaissance have grown in stature as time goes on.

Acting:

Bill Farmer has voiced Goofy since 1987, and his ability to be a zany yokel and a heartfelt single father provides the film with genuine pathos and emotion. On the other hand, Jason Marsden’s sharp, raspy remarks are perfectly representative of an ungrateful and rebellious teenager. He does a good job with the material — no wonder I couldn’t stand Max as a kid.

Writing:

A Goofy Movie is a coming-of-age movie and a buddy road-trip movie rolled into one, while also providing a mature take on adolescent themes. Even if the comedy doesn’t really amount to anything other than basic slapstick, there is some genuine emotion to be found in A Goofy Movie. All things considered, the universe that the story inhabits is well-crafted and quite realistic — somehow, someway, A Goofy Movie is a wistful work of MTV-generation 1990s nostalgia, with well-timed musical numbers and an overall laidback vibe that captures an accurate teenage experience.

Music:

To prove that this is indeed a real movie, Disney hired esteemed composer Carter Burwell for the soundtrack. His symphonic score is sentimental and affecting and quite dreamy — the choirs and harps match Lima’s rosy visuals. As a musical, the songs are surprisingly terrific and on the same level as other Disney hits from the era (e.g., The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast). My favorites are “On the Open Road” and “Nobody Else but You,” which truly tug at the heartstrings. Any song that can utilize Goofy’s dialect to rhyme “trophy” with “catastrophe” is a winner in my book.

Ending (SPOILERS):

I could’ve done without the Powerline song-and-dance reprise at the end (he’s a rock star who sort of sounds like Prince, played by Platinum R&B recording artist Tevin Campbell). But I’m glad that Max became a better person, imparting a valuable lesson to audience members of all ages to honor and cherish and not be totally embarrassed by their parents. This is a very wholesome movie…and honestly one of the better father/son films out there, animated or otherwise.

“Cheddar!!!!” — Bobby

Why A Goofy Movie gets a B+:

Featuring a great message for kids and adults alike, A Goofy Movie benefits from lush animation, catchy songs and 1990s nostalgia.

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