Flashback Review: A Goofy Movie

We all know Goofy’s one of the most famous Disney characters. In 1992-1993, Mickey Mouse’s pal starred in his own TV show titled, “Goof Troop” aired on ABC’s former programming block The Disney Afternoon. The show centers on Goofy, a single father raising his son Max. Pete (my all-time favorite Disney character) lives next door with his son P.J. Unlike the old school Goofy “how to cartoons”, several episodes follow him and Max partaking in everyday life activities. This doesn’t stop Goofy’s typical slapstick gags. Although I’m more of a Toonami person, I used to watch Goof Troop growing up along with “Recess,” “House of Mouse,” “Kim Possible” and “American Dragon: Jake Long.” After Goof Troop was cancelled, a follow-up movie “A Goofy Movie” focuses on the titular character and Max go on a father-and-son road trip. The latter uses his dad to secretly take him to a concert to hang out with the girl of his dreams.

Released in 1995, (same year Heat came out) it received mixed reviews from critics and made enough money at the box office. Overtime, A Goofy Movie gained a cult following among ’90s Kids and ’90s Babies. Five Years Later, a direct-to-video sequel known as “An Extremely Goofy Movie” set a few years after the first movie, Goofy gets fired from his job and he must attend college to earn a degree while Max attends the same one.

Square Enix is currently working on “Kingdom Hearts IV.” Before the game comes out in the future, I wanna share my thoughts on A Goofy Movie.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. We all grew up watching Goofy cartoons and played the “Kingdom Hearts” series.

Happy & Sad Qualities

Happy: Bill Farmer & Jason Marsden both did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.

Other Cast Members such as Jim Cummings, Rob Paulsen (his name is Robert Paulsen) Pauly Shore (not kidding) & Wallace Shawn all did a decent job for their respective performances.

Animation fully upgrades Goof Troop’s hand drawn style.

Kevin Lima (Tarzan, Enchanted) did a good job directing.

Chris Matheson (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure) co-wrote the script.

Fun Fact: Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza) revealed A Goofy Movie is her favorite movie.

Chemistry between Goofy & Max serves as the main highlight. As the story progresses, they overcome their differences as polar opposites courtesy of Character Development.

Pacing didn’t feel fast or slow.

Humor retains the Goofy’s signature slapstick comedy. My favorite joke is when Bigfoot wears a pair of headphones dancing to “Staying Alive.”

Pete & P.J. also appear camping. They even meet the pair.

Max’s favorite pop star Powerline is based on Prince and Michael Jackson.

Musical Numbers are pretty catchy. My favorite is “On the Open Road.” Shame it didn’t get an Oscar nomination for “Best Original Song.”

Max has a Mickey Mouse phone in his room.

Max guesses Donald Duck as Goofy’s best friend. Goofy and Donald later embark on a crossover trip with Sora in the Kingdom Hearts series meeting Disney and “Final Fantasy” characters.

At the 28:13 mark, a Wilhelm Scream is heard. I almost forgot, Goofy’s holler is heard in the title.

As a kid, I was confused when Goofy angry at Max felt way outta character. Now that I’m older, I realize Max used his dad to take him to a concert. Both Goofy & Max keep secrets from each other. After a call from the principal, (a liar) Goofy didn’t want his son to go to prison on death row in the electric chair like Sean Penn in “Dead Man Walking.” The latter didn’t want his dad to meet Roxanne or else he’ll embarrass him. Max fears he doesn’t want to grow up like Goofy.

Dante Bosco (Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender, American Dragon: Jake Long) voices a geek. Don’t believe me, he shouts “Yo Stacy!” “Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me baby!”

Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck make cameo appearances during the musical number On the Open Road.

Sad: You can tell the movie’s dated. It has ’90s written all over it.

The Final Verdict: A-

Despite dated, A Goofy Movie is a great follow up to Goof Troop. If you wanna introduce your kids, nephews, nieces or let your kid have a slumber party with friends, introduced them to this gem. Don’t forget to introduce your kids to Goof Trop streaming on Disney Plus and An Extremely Goofy Movie.