Goat tells the story of a new college kid coping with a brutal assault from his past. His main goal throughout the film is to be accepted into the fraternity that his brother is already in, but flashbacks from his past haunt him throughout the rushing process. Nick Jonas (Brett Land) and Ben Schnetzer (Brad Land) act as the two brothers, creating a relationship that at times grows stronger and at other times swirls into dishonesty and deception. Jonas portrays fine acting skills, but Schnetzer really seems to hone in on the performance. Schnetzer's character develops in such a complex way, giving the audience questions about his own morality. At times he is a victim, but he also often acts as a stubborn instigator.
Jonas of course brings attention to the film as a big name actor and musician. James Franco also joins him as an old fraternity brother, returning to the frat for a good time. Franco again shows his skills as an actor with his hilarious 10 minute clip. If you are seeing the film because Franco is in it, don't get too excited because he is not in a lot of it. However, his part is the greatest role in the whole film so still check it out.
Overall, I have a sort of love/hate relationship with this film because it is so brutally honest. I was physically cringing at some scenes because of their uncomfortableness, whether it was nudity or abuse. I loved that the film was so real and reflective on the problems with the college greek system. Yet, I hated that I was forced to watch innocent people being put through such a terrible process for rushing the fraternity. Congratulations Andrew Neel, you certainly got your point across with this one!
The Bottom Line: Its often brutal and cringeworthy, but it is also a reflection of the pressures that young people face in life.
Score: 7.8/10
Jonas of course brings attention to the film as a big name actor and musician. James Franco also joins him as an old fraternity brother, returning to the frat for a good time. Franco again shows his skills as an actor with his hilarious 10 minute clip. If you are seeing the film because Franco is in it, don't get too excited because he is not in a lot of it. However, his part is the greatest role in the whole film so still check it out.
Overall, I have a sort of love/hate relationship with this film because it is so brutally honest. I was physically cringing at some scenes because of their uncomfortableness, whether it was nudity or abuse. I loved that the film was so real and reflective on the problems with the college greek system. Yet, I hated that I was forced to watch innocent people being put through such a terrible process for rushing the fraternity. Congratulations Andrew Neel, you certainly got your point across with this one!
The Bottom Line: Its often brutal and cringeworthy, but it is also a reflection of the pressures that young people face in life.
Score: 7.8/10
