A Goofy Movie (1995)

Directed by Kevin Lima. Starring (voices) Jason Marsden, Bill Farmer, Jim Cummings, Rob Paulsen, Pauly Shore, Kellie Martin, Wallace Shawn, Jenna von Oÿ. [G]

Disney MovieToons feature based on the animated TV series, “Goof Troop”, and starring studio icon, Goofy, a well-meaning but indefatigable single dad to teenage son Max (having never seen the show, I have no idea who Mom is, and whether she’s six feet under or merely “out of the picture”—the movie provides no explanation). Max is at the age when…dog-men?…are only concerned with having fun, looking cool, and scoring with their crushes, so when Goofy takes him on a father-son summer road trip for bonding, the youngster is anything but enthusiastic. Within shared company, the dad is overeager and embarrassing while the son is sullen and withdrawn, so it’s hard to feel consistent sympathy or affection for either party. The episodic story can’t be accused of laboring for meaning or entertainment value—the messages are on the surface and the concert climax is rushed to the point where it feels like a dream—but it’s paper-thin, predictable stuff. Has developed a small but devoted following in the years since; presumably they’re also fans of the show who can find succor on shorthand? Pauly Shore went unbilled voicing one of Max’s friends, but his line delivery is immediately (agonizingly) recognizable. And speaking of voices too distinctive to miss, Pat Buttram swings by for a cameo, his final film role.

51/100