Can a Disney film featuring one of the animation giant’s most famous characters become a cult classic? If the film is 1995’s Goofy Movie, the answer is: absolutely.
The film, which has become a cultural milestone for younger Millennial viewers, returns to the big screen at Columbia, screening Saturday afternoon as part of Ragtag Cinema’s “Screentime: Discover Film, Together” series.
In 2020, Drew Taylor of Vanity Fair described the film’s evolution from a very modest hit to something much bigger.
“Devoted fans have created live-action tributes to it that have garnered millions of views on YouTube. A Goofy Movie merchandise has become a hot seller at several retailers. A 20th anniversary reunion of the cast at the 2015 D23 Expo, Disney’s official biennial fan convention, felt more like a rock concert than a celebration of a seemingly obscure animated favorite,” Taylor wrote.
Featuring voice talent from Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings, Kellie Martin, and some quintessential ’90s names – including Tevin Campbell and Pauly Shore – the film centers on a road trip by Goofy and his teenage friend Max. Father-son dynamics, the awkwardness of puberty, first loves, and a pop star named Powerline all play a role.
Many moments work in the film’s favor, say loyal viewers. But director Kevin Lima believes the relationship between Goofy and Max gives the film its surprising staying power.
“I think there’s something truthful at the core of everything that endures,” Lima told Vanity Fair. “And at some point we all feel that way about our parents. We want to move on from our parents, only to realize years later that they were fine. They did the best they could. They loved me.”
“Screentime: Discover Film, Together” is a ragtag series dedicated to similar family bonds, inviting multiple generations to come together and “foster a lifelong love of moviegoing,” the website says. Previous titles include “ET: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “The Goonies” and “Jumanji.”
“Goofy: The Movie” will be shown on Saturday at 1 p.m. For more information and ticket availability, visit https://ragtagcinema.org/film/a-goofy-movie/.
Aarik Danielsen is the Tribune’s features and culture editor. Reach him at [email protected] or call 573-815-1731. He is on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
