Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disney docu about '90s Disney film best for biggest fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Not Just a Goof
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
NOT JUST A GOOF offers never-before-publicly-seen videos of interviews and behind-the-scenes work of those involved in the creation of the 1995 animated film A Goofy Movie. The documentary is co-directed by the nephew of A Goofy Movie's director, Kevin Lima, who is the main source of information for this film. The documentary details both the process of how the 1995 film got made, what its creators intended and felt about their work at the time, and the film's surprising resurgence decades later as a beloved cult classic.
Is It Any Good?
Charming and heartfelt but very niche, this documentary will find an audience, but it won't be for everyone. Not Just a Goof might be too much background even for die-hard fans of A Goofy Movie (of which, according to this film, there are many!). The documentary provides some interesting behind-the-scenes of the artistry of the animation process and how Disney worked as a production structure in the 1990s (including some animated depictions of the real story). But it also feels like a notably personal project, potentially of more significance for those intimately involved than for casual viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what A Goofy Movie, the film detailed in Not Just a Goof, meant to them personally. Did you relate to the father-son story at the film's heart?
Some people initially disliked that A Goofy Movie made Goofy more than "just a goof." He had problems, deep feelings, and a difficult relationship with his son. Do you prefer your animated characters not to experience such human issues? Why, or why not?
The animators describe how no critics liked the movie and, across the board, panned it upon release. Do you think critics are sometimes wrong? Can you think of a film you liked that got bad reviews? Do you agree with this review?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 7, 2025
- Cast : Kevin Lima
- Directors : Eric Kimelton , Christopher Ninness
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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