In the 90s, Disney aired an afternoon cartoon called “Goof Troop.” It was about the shenanigans Goofy and his young son Max got into along with their friends Pete and PJ (Pete’s son). It was a popular show during Disney Afternoons and soon, it got the movie treatment.
“A Goofy Movie” opened in 1995. It was my sister’s first movie. She sat on my dad’s lap, eating her popcorn and drinking her drink, and watched the movie.
After today, SPOILERS!
The movie begins by aging Max. He was a child of 11 in the show. Now, he’s a teenager in high school. And he’s a bit of an outcast. But with the school year coming to a close, he’s determined to change that. So he hijacks the end-of-year assembly and performs a number by the biggest name in music—Powerline. At the end, his peers respect him and his dream girl, Roxanne, asks him to a party.
But he also gets in trouble. The principal calls Goofy at work, warning him that his son is halfway to prison. It’s a bit radical, but it scares Goofy. So he decides to take Max on a road trip like he used to with his own father. Hijinks ensue.
Meanwhile, Max is in a jam. He got out of his date by saying he was going to the Powerline concert. And dancing onstage. Uh oh. So, he has to figure out what to do before then. Hijinks ensue.
Being a Disney movie from the 90s, of course there is music! And some pretty good songs that get overlooked in the Disney Songbook. There’s the opening song, “After Today.” It captures the feeling of the last day of school. The excitement before that final bell…There’s also “On the Open Road,” a traveling song. And Disney sends up their own Country Bear Jamboree in “Lester’s Possum Park.” Powerline’s songs are very good as well.
The movie is sweet and has some funny lines. My family and I quote it every now and then. And if you’ve never seen the movie, at least watch the scene where Goofy and Max encounter Bigfoot. It’s hysterical.
It’s a great buddy road trip film. And Goofy and Max do truly bond. Max lets himself have fun and not be “cool” all the time. And Goofy tries new things. This is balanced with Pete, who has also decided to go on the road with his family. He is certain that he is right and just bosses PJ around. Nothing is learned by him. All and all, a it’s good lesson. That parents and children need to give and take to bond.
Is this a perfect movie? Eh. I may like it too much to fully explain the faults with it. But I know it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Just watch it yourself and see.
Next month: The Swan Princess
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