Goats (2012) User Reviews

A quirky comedy turns into a coming-of-age dramedy and gets a little lost on the way

[napierslogs · 6/10 · 8 September 2012]

What starts out as a silly comedy quickly descends into a fairly average coming-of-age dramedy. But after reading an interview with the director, "Goats" is very clearly a coming-of-age dramedy; it's just the marketers that would like to pretend that it's a quirky comedy – usually an easier sell for indies. The change in genre is both good and bad news for the audience.

We are first introduced to Ellis (Graham Phillips) as he's living with his mother, Wendy (Vera Farmiga), a new age hippie, and Goat Man (David Duchovny) a step-father-like figure, on a sprawling desert farm. Goat Man smokes weed and makes goat treks – whatever those are. His mother talks in nonsense philosophical quips as she comes up with more and more ways to become one with nature.

It's a relief when Ellis goes off to prep school because those early comedy stylings could only go so far. In prep school, Ellis clearly doesn't really know normal. He doesn't get along with his roommate and he keeps expecting Goat Man to send him marijuana in the mail. He's at the school because of his father's money and name, but thinks of his father as some worthless jerk who left him and his mother.

While the film isn't really going anywhere, the characterizations are good. I wasn't really sure what the film was trying to say, but one thing that I picked up on is that no matter how different people may be, they are all selfish. Hippies are just as selfish as those that are rich and privileged. His mother expects Ellis to come home for Thanksgiving even though she won't answer the phone or return his calls. So Ellis decides to spend the holiday with his father who is just as insufferable as he thought.

His father, Frank, is played by Ty Burrell in a very good, dramatic role. When we meet Frank, we also meet his new, younger wife, Judy (Keri Russell). She's the nicest character in the movie, and is the spark for the expected eventual outcome.

The acting is good, in particular Graham Phillips as our young hero. Ellis is pretty bland, but Phillips infuses as much warmth and charisma into him as possible. We don't mind following Ellis to prep school, mostly because it would be much better than spending time with his whining, annoying, screaming mother (who is communing with nature). But like the protagonist, the movie gets a little lost when he arrives at school. The only comedy is when he calls home and Wendy's new boyfriend answers the phone, or when Wendy's new boyfriend wears a small Speedo, or when Wendy's new boyfriend throws a hissy fit with Goat Man. Did I mention that Wendy's new boyfriend is played by Justin Kirk? He's hilarious. But he's also not really important to the narrative of the film.

As I mentioned, "Goats" gets a little lost when Ellis arrives at prep school. At this point it's a coming-of-age drama, and it takes him the entire school year to arrive at the tiny bit of acceptance he was searching for.

The Goat Whisperer and The Smart Kid

[ikeybabe · 5/10 · 16 June 2014]

This film tells a nice little story. This is the story of a teenage boy who is surrounded by dysfunction, but he's smart, insightful and pretty much knows better than everyone around him. I liked the concept and the story. David Duchovny and Vera Farmiga did a great job playing these wacky people - a grubby man who has a real affinity for goats and wants to be known by a seriously Hispanic name even though he is clearly not Hispanic and the rich spiritually-compromised mother who is completely selfish and self-dosed with whatever respectively . And the young man did a nice job being a center - the stabilizing force. The whole cast was pretty good and the acting well-done. The script was interesting and kept it moving at a good pace. Overall, it was an enjoyable movie.

Not a Worthy Drama

[takashi_kupo · 5/10 · 25 January 2014]

There is not much to like about the film except for the actors. Vera Farmiga shows us why she's an Academy Award nominee, stealing every scene she's in. David Duchovony has a sexy bod. The guy from Weeds plays the guy from Weeds. And Graham Philips? I'd rather he had a better vehicle to showcase his talent, but I suppose we all have to start somewhere.

The premise of the film, if a solid one can be written, isn't very solid. A young boy under the tutelage of a wise man named Javier, AKA the Goat Man, gets a chance to leave the comfort of his dysfunctional home and be a normal student at a prep school. He meets a bunch of non-sensical young men in the process, none of which are charming, endearing, or compelling characters at all. He gets drunk with some, high with the others, and he spends his time learning nothing but showing us how great of an academic he is (saying in one scene that he's getting all A's even though there's no evidence to say that he's extremely studied or intelligent).

Boy meets girl, girl is charming, but that storyline is pointless too. We meet the young boy's father played by Ty Burrel, and his father's new wife, played by the sensational Keri Russel. The father is a douche and the new wife is way too nice to understandably be in love with the douche father. The father's character arc is supposedly wrapped up at the end when he comes to visit the boy and helps him retrieve a stolen item, but it's another unbelievable arc in a series of subplots that the film throws at us expecting us to believe.

The movie goes on a bit aimlessly, never ceasing to grant us boring turns and twists that neither endear us or provoke meaningful thought. One last issue I would take with the film is the all white cast. Like other independent titles, one would think that this film would showcase a more broad spectrum of the locations that the film portrays. But like other independent titles to fall into the same trap, Goats can't imagine even the darker skin of an extra clouding up the already murky plot of final product.

Everyone lets you down in the end.

[Jerominator · 7/10 · 24 May 2013]

This is one of those stories that you walk away from tempted to think it was about nothing in particular. I think it's rare a writer or director sets out to make a film about nothing though and it's just a question of whether or not you can decipher what it was supposed to be about.

Our central character, basically a good kid who's mature beyond his years, is unfairly caught up in the acrimony between his divorced parents. His mother appears to be a deeply troubled, self-centred wannabe hippie, who would probably fail any kind of test designed to evaluate fitness to be a parent. We don't see so much of the father although it transpires he left her for another woman at some point, subsequently did very well in business, but became estranged from his son in the process. We later find this isn't the full story though and he's not quite the monster the mother would have him be, though he's far from perfect either.

Suffice to say the boy is at the somewhat derelict, lonely centre of a damaged family, which probably explains why he gravitates towards Goat Man - Duchovny's easy-going stoner who lives with mother and son in exchange for odd jobs, while tending goats on the side.

We join them as the boy's about to leave for college some distance away. He says his goodbyes and embarks on his new life at boarding school, getting into the swing of things, trying to make friends.

What stands out here is the almost total absence of concern or contact from his mother, father, or Goat Man, though the latter at least tries to write to him but his cannabis-laden correspondence is intercepted by the postman.

The boy's repeated attempts to contact his bizarre mother lead him to infer that she now has a new live-in lover, who the boy, like Goat Man and me, takes an instant dislike to.

When eventually his father does get in touch, he's tempted to go and spend thanksgiving with him instead of his mother reflecting his hurt at her lack of concern and his reluctance to ingratiate himself with her new boyfriend. Suffice to say this weekend does not go well and the boy ends up on the wrong side of a somewhat misplaced judgemental rant from his father.

And so the game of emotional ping pong continues...

On returning to school, he unwittingly gets into a fight with his also-troubled room-mate. Yes this poor lad's a proper lightning conductor it seems! It's not all bad news though, the boy's troubles are nicely offset by a burgeoning romance with a girl who works in the canteen. Hurray - he finally gets a break in life ...

Every silver lining has a cloud though and alas, this boy seems fated to be drawn in and brutalised by those dearest to him. Through the course of the movie we see his mother, father, Goat Man, the room-mate, and the burgeoning love interest all betray or wound him.

At least before the end, we see some reconciliation with the room-mate, the father and Goat Man, so you're not left on a total downer. And the whole thing's not handled in an over-sentimental or melancholic way so it's really more of an "up" movie than it sounds.

So for me the over-arching theme was disappointment in those closest to you. Whether that's what was in the minds of the writer/director is another thing entirely.

David Duchovny was great as Goat Man. Tempting to think he's just aping Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski but on closer inspection this character's quite a bit different - I think he does it justice and makes it a believable character.

I liked Graham Phillips as the boy - he underplayed a character that could've easily been OTT emotional and clichéd, but was instead surprisingly likable. I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more of him, but hopefully not in teen vampire nonsense.

So nothing spectacular or clever here, just an interesting, and in places touching, character study of a boy experiencing an unusual amount of betrayal, hurt and disappointment in his life. It's easy on the eye, well-acted, with some nice locations. All in all definitely worth a watch despite the low reviews.

Oddball of a movie that deserves a viewing

[jordondave-28085 · 7/10 · 4 May 2023]

(2012) Goats DRAMA

Adapted the screenplay from his own novel by the name of Mark Poirier, that was co-produced and directed by Christopher Neil which is a subtle oddball of a film centering on 15 year old, Ellis Whitman (Graham Phillips) coming to grips with the break up of his family and the people he interacts with, once leaving the household to go to an all boys prep school. At first, Ellis appears to be the only normal one since he's the narrator, but viewers should be able to feel empathy with other characters as the film is progressing, particularly the father, Frank Whitman (Ty Burrell) at first they nicknamed him as "F-cker Frank" who abandoned him and his mother to be with other people... and so we thought. It is called "Goats" because of Ellis's bond with the animals as well as the quirky character "Goatman", an unusual role played by David Duchovny who does nothing but smokes cannabis, and originally lives in the same household as Ellis as caretaker of the pool and gardener. Vera Farmiga (Into the Air) who plays the Ellis's mother as Wendy is probably the only character that's hard to identify but overall she's still quite harmless. Kerri Russell also stars as Judy, and a memorable sleazy performance by Justin Kirk as Bennett. This is one of those rare oddball movies about how things are able to work themselves out without resorting to extreme measures.

Wish it were a lot better but Ty Burrell deserves praise for his fine work here

[mbs · 4/10 · 23 August 2012]

So so film has a really strong performance from "Modern Family's" Ty Burrell to recommend it for but sadly not much else to really separate it from the pack of the other high school kid comes of age in boarding school films out there. Film's trailer promises a wacky comedy about a hippie like guy with a lot of goats and a lot of life lessons to impart but the film really more or less uses him as set dressing...which is a shame because David Duchovny is clearly having a good time and is quite game for whatever the script wants to throw at him and indeed he seems so ready for wackiness that we all but laugh the first time we see him because it looks for all the world that his character is going to be the real star of this movie and a real laugh getter--but aside from having him duel with ex Weeds star Justin Kirk for the affections of a rather over the top Vera Farmiga the screenplay either can't or won't let Goat Man do much of anything else. The film's center is "The Good Wife" son Graham Phillips as a kid raised in the desert and finding his way in this boarding school--and befriending his roommate and finding a young woman and etc. The film's real star should've been Goat Man. I'm not saying that the film is lousy or even boring although it has some boring stretches, but its kind of slight, when the elements were clearly here for something really vivid and memorable. The film even has characters that it clearly doesn't know what to do with besides Goat Man and the crazy new age mom and the obnoxious boyfriend---there's also the tough chick who threatens to beat up Phillips at the beginning of the film, lives in the desert with Phillips and Goat Man and everyone and is taken under Vera famiga's wing in the middle of the film, but the film never gives her anything to do there's also Keri Russell (forever Felicity to me) who's character is given somewhat of a build-up but then once she gets introduced she's given nothing to do and is all but forgotten about from the rest of the film as well, which brings me back to Ty Burrell. He plays the much much hated father of Phillips' character. Vera Farmiga whom vastly overplays the new agey mother of Phillips' character (and is bravely unsympathetic here--meaning her character is very unlikable) has spent a good amount of her screen time bashing her ex-husband so when he finally shows up played by the dad from Modern Family--we're all ready to pretty much hate him--but the strong somewhat no nonsense portrayal by Burrell actually makes him the most likable character (not to mention the most level headed) in the entire movie. I thought his presence actually served to anchor the entire film itself--and his presence as a supporting character really served to help ground the whole movie itself into a reality that it was sorely lacking otherwise. Oh again its not that its a bad movie per se--but it should've been a lot better then it was.

phew! for a second there i thought i came to the wrong place...

[imizrahi2002 · 7/10 · 2 November 2012]

OK. so it wasn't the greatest coming of age film i've ever seen. but it had its moments. don't want to spoil those for anyone. especially since i didn't check the spoiler box. i think, maybe, those who didn't like it needed something more. if nothing else, more explained. probably young and looking for answers. thing about life is, answers are where you find them... and sometimes things 'just are'. i'm ALSO thinking that they wanted to see the movie go in certain directions. and it doesn't. it, like any other (good) story, has its own agenda. and by this i mean other than making a gajillion bucks. sorry for those of you that wanted it, but no car chases, nudity(which is a shame considering that vera farmiga is in it. not this movie people. sorry), wildass tripping scenes, gunfights or car chases. one goat chase, though. oops. was that a spoiler? what i meant by the summary was that the rating, as of my writing this, is five point FOUR! five point FOUR! i was amazed at how low it was. but then i saw a bunch of favorable reviews. good thing, too, cause you don't want me to turn this around and go home. OK. time for the next film. look folks(i probably mean 'kids'), maybe you should just stick to the blockbusters and leave the indies for those of us who can handle them, rather than thinking your opinions are worth diddly. i almost didn't see this film because of the ridiculously low rating. but then a friend told me she really liked it. saved again. hallelujah and good night.

Such a horrible movie I had to register for an IMDb account

[tomgotfredson · 1/10 · 13 August 2012]

As you can see, this is my first review since registering for IMDb. However, if you look at about 90% of the other reviewers at the time of my post, it is there first review as well. These people obviously have something to gain from this film doing well as there is no possible way this film could have garnered this much positive response.

I tried to like this movie, I wanted to like this movie and I even watched this movie till the weak ending, but this was one of the worst movies I have ever seen in my entire life. The acting and the script were horrible. There were "plot twists" that went nowhere and were not explained away except maybe on the floor of the cutting room. There is just so many weak attempts to make film likable and cram it all into 94 minutes that you end up detesting not only the characters, but the actors for allowing themselves to take part in this travesty.

Do not buy this movie, do not purchase it on OnDemand. I am literally still floored at how bad it was a day after seeing it. Just look at the other reviewers profiles, either it was so life altering that they had to register to put in their review (as I was), or the movie is so bad that they are moved to create fake reviews for a horrible attempt at a quirky indie movie.

Beautifully told

[midwestSMB · 28 January 2012]

The first word that came to mind as I left the premiere of GOATS was forgiveness. The story is funny yet reflective and beautifully told. Impeccable acting and perfect direction brought each character to life. The story gently speaks of the struggles individuals face and how those around them learn to cope and to forgive, regardless of uninterrupted mistakes. Special kudos to the young actor who played Ellis. He was convincing and genuine. It seemed to me like each actor understood the depth of the story which translated into GOATS' authentically human relationships. It truly is an incredible story, with something to offer everyone.

Great acting

[joel696 · 7/10 · 5 February 2012]

***SPOILER?*** While the plot was a bit meandering like a goat on a trek, it was for the most part entertaining. The acting was superb by the lead and Vera also had a solid performance. I look forward to seeing what graham does next. Not only was his performance solid, he seemed to be the most poised in answering questions after the movie. Nice job Graham. I felt like the movie went in a few too many directions that might better be handled in a series of shows on network television. I did end of liking the main characters except for goat man. His character, while interesting, didn't seem to have any real depth to it. All in all it was an entertaining movie with superb acting by graham that was thinned out a bit by a plot that got lost in the hills a bit.

Average teenage drama! 4/10

[leonblackwood · 4/10 · 15 February 2014]

Review: This is your everyday tale of a teenager growing up with weird surroundings. We have seen this type of storyline many times before, but the unique thing about this storyline is the fact the leading character is being brought up by a goat man. There is enough in the plot to make the story interesting, but I did fall asleep a few times during the movie because the leading character seemed pretty dull with not much personality. All of the surrounding characters in the movie, especially Duchovny, have strange life's with much going on, which the young teenager has to deal with, along with college life and a alcoholic room mate. Personally, I was hoping for a something a bit different than the norm, but there isn't enough to make this movie stand out from different movies in this genre. Watchable!

Round-Up: If this movie had a leading character with better screen charisma, then it wouldn't have been to bad. Even if they would have taken out the leading character, it had enough substance to be a different type of movie. Anyway, for me, it is Duchovny that makes this film, but the disappointing thing is that he is not in it that much. We are just watching a boy become a man who had to make some difficult choices, like every teenager nowadays.

Budget: $5million Worldwide Gross: N/A

I recommend this movie to people who are into there dramas about a teenager growing up with strange surroundings. 4/10

Modern coming of age story with a completely original flare.

[libertyforallusa · 9/10 · 25 January 2012]

My wife and I screened this film at the Sundance Film Festival World Premier this evening and were proud to have given it a 9 out of 10 stars! This fantastically funny modern coming of age story is carried by a great cast that truly brings the audience into a world of starkly contrasting personalities. I never stopped laughing for the entire 90 minutes, not just at the overtly funny moments but at the subtle idiosyncrasies that each character brings to the screen. Put simply I loved this film. David Duchovny as the Goat Man alone is an act that could go on the road. In his directorial debut Christopher Neil has produced a film that I could easily see becoming a cult classic!

Made me feel sorry

[cekadah · 7/10 · 24 May 2014]

Even though this flick had a definite effect upon me I'm only giving seven stars because I felt the story was presented too episodic and choppy.

There's Graham's relationship with his mother, then his relationship with goat man, then his relationship with his Gates dorm roommate, then his relationship with his absent father, then his relationship with the girl that walks across the Gates campus. None of these seem to come together to mold out the story. Each person is compartmentalized into his life.

But maybe that was the directors intention as the overwhelming message in this movie is 'we might lives among others but ultimately we are alone in this world'.

This is Not a comedy! It might be lite drama but there is very little funny to be found.

Waste of time

[henrycoles9 · 3/10 · 14 November 2020]

This was billed as an exciting adventure to the best of my understanding and it was anything but. Plus, I only watched it to see more of Dakota Johnson but as with many other movies, it turns out she had such a minor role it's baffling why she was cast or why her character even existed.

GOOO-at Boy!

[thesar-2 · 6/10 · 29 September 2013]

How does one review such a clichéd, though somewhat enjoyable indie film as Goats?

While it wasn't the worst (absolutely labeled as an independent film and certainly not a mainstream) film, it was so by the numbers for this kind of film, it wasn't the standout I thought it would be. And that said, still, it has enough to carry me through to the ending.

Poor Arizona. That's where I currently reside. We cannot get a break. This movie begins and centers around Arizona, specifically somewhere near Tucson, two hours south of me. It has a boy, well, young man, Ellis, who takes care of his hippie mother and is best buds with bud-producing Goat Man – not his real name, but since he's always around the animals he hates, it's been granted to him.

Ellis needs to go to prep school – the same one his divorced father went to. And that's far away. Will his Stuck-in-the-60s mother (the always lovely, but never gets the full recognition as she should: Vera Farmiga) survive without her son? Will he get into trouble in school? Will his father reunite with him and if so, will it better him?

The movie does play out in the A-B-C's of Independent Film, but again, there's enough interesting dialogue and characters to move the goats from one side of the script to the next. So, I mildly recommend it with the reservation that I challenge film students to expand on the clichéd tactics of hundreds of movies before them.

A no substance movie, a reflection of the director and writer.

[OhmPhanphiroj · 3/10 · 25 December 2023]

If you are what you eat, this movie is also a reflection of how mindless and numb skulled the director and the writer are. First, as a book, this movie has nothing to offer to anyone but a handful of oxygen wasting Gen Z. There is nothing much intellectual to talk about this banal movie, the nude David D's scene could not help this worthless crap movie. The main actor is kid of cute, but that's the extent of what he offers throughout the movie. Each character has nothing deep to relate to, and the story stays on the surface without digging deep into the soul or meaningful moments about life and its complexity. To sum it up, this movie is just another waste of hollywood space (if we call it movie). It will just be a waste of money, time, and an indication that movie makers sometimes are just rich but brainless people whose leisure is to waste money for personal entertainment and nothing to offer to the world outside of its bubble head. I wont go as far as saying that avoid this movie, but if u are so bored and restless and sleeping pills wont do it for u, then watch this movie, maybe it will help u fall asleep fast enough.

An amazing film, unique and touching!

[elkingcgm · 10/10 · 27 January 2012]

I saw this film at the Loft here in Tucson, Arizona, where a lot of the movie was actually filmed! It was one of the best movies I've seen this film season-up there with 50/50 and the Descendants. The film had depth to it, which made the comedy in in it witty and made the audience want to know what would happen next. The best undiscovered (as of yet) film of the year. The actors and actresses were beyond perfect for the film-you could tell they cared about the characters, and they were selected perfectly for their roles as well. Seeing David Duchovny as a pot-head goat farmer was exquisite. All in all, this movie was amazing. I hope it comes out in theaters so I can take everyone to go see it!

A great film !!

[GregPanteix · 9/10 · 28 January 2012]

I saw this movie in Sundance. It was an amazing moment. the audience loved it and was 100% behind the story of young Ellis.

At last a subtle movie that shows how complex life is, that growing up is not an easy thing to do and that human relationships are a tricky things.

the cast is great, the photography is awesome, the directing is right on.

I give this film a 10 because its the kind of film i wish there was more of. yes i laughed and i felt and i related to the story but it was never forced and the director Chris Neil is always careful of being true and making the moments touching yet never overdoing it.

Go see Goats when it comes out , and you'll remember it.

Brilliantly casted, nicely executed and a good story to boot

[hillbilly85719 · 9/10 · 29 January 2012]

Great cast with chemistry delivers an engaging performance of an coming of age tale. The story revolves around Ellis, a teenage boy trying to carve out his own life despite having the enormous weight of raising his new-age mother. His troubles are further compounded by his father figure, Goatman, a full blown stoner/gardener who seems mentally stuck at the age of 17. Be prepared to laugh out loud.

Set in Tucson, AZ, the movie also features some of the most beautiful images of the Sonoran Desert. No fake landscapes and plastic saguaros, Tucson's authentic glory is on display in this film. The feel of the town is real.

Although I appreciate many independent films, there are few I want to see over and over, and this is one that I follow from the big screen, to the cheap-theater, and all the way to blue-ray.

A unique and touching coming of age story about a boy who is trying to find who he is while dealing with his new age mother while is only mentor is a man called "Goat man".

[iclaire · 9/10 · 28 January 2012]

Goats, a film directed by Christopher Neil, is a fantastic, unique coming of age story, that spins the common story of personal discovery into something new and previously unseen. I was lucky enough to see the premier of Goats at the Sundance Film Festival. It was a major hit with the audience. Its touching, funny, and original story had the audience watching with bated breath. The cast of Goats was amazing. Graham Phillips played the main character of Ellis, a boy who trying to cope with his difficult parents as well as other problems. His mentor and stand in father, "Goat Man" is played by David Duchovny, a pot growing, goat herder. Both actors hit their roles out of the park making this film a huge success. I would definitely recommend this wonderful film!

My favorite from this year's Sundance

[nursewing · 10/10 · 27 January 2012]

I was lucky enough to score tickets to the premiere at Eccles on Tuesday, and I consider this the best film from this year's lineup at Sundance. Funny and touching. I saw fourteen films, and this is the one that's living on in my head. The acting is amazing! Graham Phillips is not only an attractive kid, but he carries the film with the finesse of a much more seasoned actor. My friend was bugged by Wendy (played by Vera Farmiga) but we're supposed to be bugged by her! Farmiga pulls off the selfish, new age, nightmare of a mother in a way that somehow manages to be touching, hilarious, and a little disturbing. And then there's Justin Kirk as Bennet: perfect a**hole. Hysterical. I'll never look at a red Speedo in the same way again! Duchovny has never been better. He *IS* Goat Man.

Great direction from first-timer, Christopher Neil. Cinematography made me want to go to Tucson.

Amazing film

[saffron77 · 10/10 · 28 January 2012]

This film was so sweet and surprising. The story unfolded in the midst of gorgeously shot Arizona desert. The characters pulled me in immediately with their depth of emotion and experience. I laughed, I cried, and I felt a lot move within me when seeing this film. Even the story itself I felt a connection to, as if anyone could understand the straddling of divergent worlds as a teenager. I appreciated a film about adolescence and coming of age that was real enough to identify with, even if I'm not close to being a teen anymore. A remarkable story and well crafted into a film. Truly a gifted filmmaker, this story had strong performances. Bravo bravo! Can't wait to see it again in my city at the Sundance theater!

Very funny and warm

[fargom · 9/10 · 27 January 2012]

I saw this movie when it showed at the Loft Theater in Tucson. It was very funny with lots of great moments. The audience clearly enjoyed it and there was a lot of laughter. But I found the warmth of the movie even more interesting. The way the characters grew and redeemed themselves was really touching and heartwarming. The cast is amazing. It's hard to single any single role out because they were all exceptional. David Duchovny seems to be getting the most press and he deserves it but Graham Phillips, who plays the lead role of Ellis is remarkable. I just loved it. Am still thinking about it two days later.

The Q&A after the film gave some really interesting insights into how the movie got made and great stories about the filming process. I'm dying to take friends to see it in the theater. Hope it is out soon.

One of the best films to premiere at Sundance

[nystromespace · 10/10 · 27 January 2012]

I saw the premiere at Sundance and the audience was visibly moved and delighted. Goats is funny and wild. A great piece of entertainment. David Duchovny captures the wisdom and irreverence of Goatman with true daring and total (bearded) commitment. This will go down as one of Duchovny's great performances, in a class with Jeff Bridges's turn as The Dude in The Big Lebowski. Graham Phillips matches Duchovny's exuberance with his own sly charm. Phillips plays up his character Ellis's vulnerabilities and strengths so that the audience really comes to know and care about Ellis. He's a smart kid who sees through adult vanity. This is more than a mere coming of age story. Ellis, comes into a profound awareness and understanding of his own power and learns how to take serious action in his life.

The script is an impressive piece of storytelling. Mark Jude Poirier should be commended for adapting his novel--never an easy task for a writer and one Poirier finesses with wit and emotion. I can't wait to read the book. The director, Christopher Neil, clearly has a profound love of cinema. He knows how to shoot a beautiful scene--the scenes in the desert will take your breath away--and pull complex performances out of his cast. For me, Goats was the standout event of Sundance. Not to be missed.

Fun film with depth and character

[SP-Rocket · 8/10 · 1 February 2012]

Having read a review prior to attending the screening, I had mixed expectations about Goats. But in the time since, this complex and poignant film has stuck with me more than most any film I have seen lately. As billed, Goats is a coming of age story, but it is much deeper than the typical angst ridden drama with a teen central character. In fact, all the people in 15-year-old Ellis's life, no matter what their age, face the turmoil of growing up.

A smart, but weed-toking slacker, Ellis is probably the most grounded of this oddball mix of humanity. Graham Phillips does a marvelous job of showing us his emotional journey rather than short cutting with some cheesy exposition. He doesn't have any real drive other then a conflicted sense he needs to move beyond the life he grew up with. This portrayal is very true to life. Director Christopher Neil gets a lot of depth out of his actors without over doing it. The performances of Vera Farmiga and David Duchovny are wonderful as the over-the-top, self absorbed seeker of spirituality Wendy, and the so laid back his is almost in reverse Goat Man. Justin Kirk is fun to watch as Wendy's arrogant, two timing sleaze bag boyfriend. An all to brief cameo of Minnie Driver as a spiritual coach is a hoot.

There is stark visual contrast between Ellis's new world of east coast boarding school and his old life in Tucson. This mirrors the emotional jarring Ellis is going through. As the film treks forward on two parallel trails, we are also reminded that, despite our protests, life continues without those we love. When these trails intersect, we see how Ellis is pulled between his two worlds.

The scenes shot in and around Tucson, Arizona give Goats a unique look. Thankfully, the film avoids the clichés of Tucson. Sure we see saguaros, the mountains and vast alluring desert landscapes. But they are part of the environment the characters naturally inhabit rather than used as pretty postcard filler shots. It also, for the most part, avoids the clichés of boarding school. There is a nice twist when the track coach takes Ellis's joint, and simultaneously blackmails him in to running cross-country, while savoring a smoke.

Throughout the film, a lot is said indirectly through action, or through dialog containing multiple meanings. When Goat Man says, "I hate my goats," it reveals a moment of clarity: an inner disappointment with his life and the feeling he is trapped in it.

The packed crowd at the screening I attended laughed, cheered, and in the end, erupted into applause. Where so many films of this genre plod to a tedious end, Goats treks lightly to its conclusion. It is not tied up neatly with a bow. The characters all have a long journey ahead, and most likely, they won't get where they think they want to go. Kind of like, well, goats. In the end, I found I wanted to see more of the story. It is an entertaining film that leaves you with something to talk about.