Not Just A Goof Review
By Kevin Hoskinson
Entertainment Editor
The new documentary Not Just A Goof explores the making of A Goofy Movie in-depth and its lasting impact. It features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with Director Kevin Lima, producer Dan Rounds, voice actors Bill Farmer and Jason Marsden, and animators. Coming off the success of films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, it was the little film that could and one that Disney had zero faith in.
Unfortunately, their faith level was correct. Upon its release, the film was met with dismal box office returns and horrible reviews. While initially considered a failure, the movie had gone on to develop a strong cult following and means so much to so many for a number of different reasons. While it’s about a father and son relationship at its heart, it also dives into what it’s like to be a teenager, friendship, and what it means to be a fan of something. Not Just A Goof explores all of this and the struggles that went along with making a contemporary Disney animated film when magic and fairy tales were their bread and butter.
Initially, it was going to be a series of gags, which audiences were used to from Goofy. Jeffery Katzenberg, then chairman of Walt Disney Studios, thought it would be an interesting concept to have Goofy and Max embark on a road trip, a story he drew inspiration from his real life with his daughter. The story developed from there, and first-time director Lima soon found himself in over his head. In fact, most of the crew members were first-timers in their positions, and their lack of experience almost killed the film numerous times. There was drama about finding the right voice for Goofy for a feature film, which Steve Martin was briefly considered for at one point. Katzenberg, who was a champion for the film, departed just as the film was finished, leaving things in limbo. A lot went on to make a film that wasn’t even a top priority in the studio’s eyes.
Through everything, the film was completed and released. I remember seeing A Goofy Movie in theaters in 1995 when it came out. At the time, I was the same age as Max and connected with it on that level. There was the girl I wanted to impress. I was kind of nerdy. The last thing I wanted to do was hang out with my dad. Watching it now, I relate to Goofy so much. I’m still nerdy. My kids are growing up. And the only thing I want is to be the “cool dad” and hang out with them. It’s a multilayered movie like that; you can watch it and get something out of it no matter how old you are. It’s about so many things (family, being a teenager and adult, relationships, fandom, etc..) that you can relate to all of it on a certain level.
A Goofy Movie is a classic Disney film that seems to have rightfully found its following. I teared up at the end when people told their personal stories about the movie and its meaning to them. I felt it in my soul. The soundtrack is still in regular rotation on my playlist and has taken on a life of its own. I2I and Stand Out are certified bangers, and many people worldwide agree. It’s the little film that could and it may not have been successful upon release, but it’s finally getting its flowers. Not Just A Goof is now streaming on Disney+. If you are a fan of animation and/or A Goofy Movie, it’s certainly worth a look.
Rating: 4 Pastrami Nations out of 5.
