When the animated film “A goofy movie” first hit theaters in 1995, it was met with a modest $35.3 million at the domestic box office, according to Box Office Mojo. However, over time, the movie found its audience among young millennials who watched it on home video, mainly VHS. Today, YouTube and TikTok are filled with content about the film, and Disney has capitalized on this interest by releasing new merchandise that outnumbers the products that existed when the movie was originally released. The film tells the story of Goofy, a lovable but often hapless dog, and his teenage son Max, as they embark on a road trip that brings them closer together. Unlike many Disney films made during that time, this film is a contemporary story entrenched in the 1990s through its upbeat pop music and characters’ wardrobes.
Kevin Lima, the film’s director, described it as “an animated film that feels like a John Hughes movie.” Lima’s film was produced mostly in Paris by Disneytoon Studios, a television division with a smaller budget than those for projects at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The film’s modest box office performance at the time of its release was overshadowed by its enduring popularity among young audiences. Today, the film has become a cultural cornerstone, with many Black viewers in particular embracing it as a symbol of a Black father-son relationship.
A recent documentary, “Not Just a Goof,” which explores the making of the film, has sparked a new wave of interest in the movie. The documentary was produced by Eric Kimelton and Christopher Ninness, who met in 2010 while working for Lima and shared a love for the film.
Kimelton, Lima’s nephew, was inspired to pursue a career in filmmaking after attending the premiere of “A Goofy Movie” at Walt Disney World in Florida as a child. He realized there was a whole other possibility to life beyond his small town. Ninness, who also directed the documentary, was initially inspired to make a documentary about “A Goofy Movie” after watching the documentary “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2.”
The documentary, which features never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, explores the making of the film and its enduring popularity. It also delves into the ways in which the film has become a cultural touchstone, with many fans embracing it as a symbol of a Black father-son relationship.
Lima acknowledged that he didn’t originally set out to make a film about Goofy, but took the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming an animation director. He said that making the film helped him grapple with his feelings about having an absent father.
Ninness, who got personal in the documentary, said that he has a complicated childhood and found solace in rewatching “A Goofy Movie.” He hopes that his scene in the film will inspire others who have experienced similar struggles.
The film’s impact extends beyond its cultural significance, with many fans embracing it as a symbol of a Black father-son relationship. A 2022 episode of the series “Atlanta” titled “The Goof Who Sat by the Door” was inspired by the film and imagines it as the brainchild of a Black man who became Disney’s CEO.
Key Takeaways:
- “A Goofy Movie” was released in 1995 and has since become a cultural cornerstone.
- The film’s enduring popularity has led to a new wave of interest in the movie, with a recent documentary exploring its making and impact.
- Many Black viewers in particular have embraced the film as a symbol of a Black father-son relationship.
- The film’s impact extends beyond its cultural significance, with fans embracing it as a symbol of a Black father-son relationship.
In conclusion, “A Goofy Movie” has left an indelible mark on pop culture, and its enduring legacy is a testament to the power of animation to connect people across generations and cultures.
The film’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come, with new fans discovering the movie and existing fans continuing to share their love for it.
As Kevin Lima said, “Here’s a whole community who took this movie and used it to represent something bigger.