Movie Family Therapy: A GOOFY MOVIE

How do you reconcile damaged relationships between parents and children?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are taking a look at the father-son relationship between Goofy and Max in A Goofy Movie. They’re talking about how children naturally distance themselves from their parents as they age and how parents can stay connected while giving them space. Jonathan explains why parents push their kids, and both him and Alan share the weird roadside attractions they’ve subjected their children to.

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Cinema Therapy is:
Written by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker, and Alan Seawright
Produced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright, Alan Seawright, and Corinne Demyanovich
Edited by: David Sant
Director of Photography: Bradley Olsen
English Transcription by: Anna Preis

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[Jonathan_Collins]

This movie is perfect because when you're young, you are totally on Max's side. When you grow old, you begin to see the things like Goofy and thus the circle is complete and you become a better parent.

[thefanofeverything]

I really respected my dad when he sat me down and told his teenage son that he understood why I hid things. Saying, “adults control everything, when you go to bed, what you eat, what you wear. The only thing kids can control is who knows your emotions and your secrets”. He said it’s okay if I don’t want to talk about stuff, just as long as if I’m not okay I let him know.

[BatAmerica]

It's rather hilarious that one of the most accurate and raw portrayals of fatherhood comes not from a pristige drama, but an animated spin off character.

[osets]

One of my favorite parts is when Goofy gives the map to Max who then goes on to having them do things Max likes. Max, noticing his dad isn't enjoying everything he likes, decides to have them go to a place his dad enjoys. Goofy seems to lack understanding of what Max likes (for the most part) but Max does know what Goofy likes and chooses to make time to do those things Goofy enjoys during the trip.

[bad-girl-coventhe-owl-club]

"I'm not your little boy anymore, Dad. I've grown up, I've got my own life now!"
"I know that! I just wanted to be part of it."
Just this 2 lines are why Goofy Movie understand parents-children relationship better than any other movies.

[Normal-Lad]

My favorite part is when goofy uses the cigarette lighter to cook the can and says "i guess it really is good for something" its just such a nice disney touch, acknowledging something bad and turning it wholesome

[TheRogueCommand]

"How was Max conceived?"
If you've seen the disco scene from the sequel, you know Goofy has *GAME* we just don't see it often 😂

[torqueoz]

I love that, growing up, I always thought, "What the hell is Goofy's problem? Let Max be!". As an older teen, I always think, "What the hell is Max's problem? Spend time with your dad!". Now, as an adult, I can see and feel for both sides

[DonJuanDecepticon]

I like that goofy and max literally are trying to navigate turbulent waters.

[VermillionStallion]

My father is the one who showed me this movie, I don't really get what's it about at first, but now, 2 decades later, as an adult, everything is crystal clear.

I miss you so much dad, thank you for showing me this movie.

[Rembreiker_lychec]

Goofy raises his son as a single father and has to deal with the ups and downs of that.
Donald is raising his three nephews with the help of his uncle and friends.
Mickey has been beating around the bush with the same girl for 94 years.

[dedrayoung]

Max goof is possibly the most relatable teenager Disney has made.

[DJFlare]

I just love how Goofy's reaction to his son's confession after the make-up song isn't just "aw that's cute you have a crush", but also "I am going to HELP you pull off this crazy plan that nobody has any right to believe would work.".

Even MAX, when he thinks about it, doesn't think it's feasible and even tries to convince his dad they should just go home and tell Roxanne the truth, but nope! His son needs to be on stage with Powerline to impress his girl! He's gonna make it happen!

That's such a Goofy thing!

[amymonemontoya]

Growing up with narcissistic parents made this movie impossible for me and my sister to enjoy when we were kids. I remember sitting through that conversation between Goofy and Pete with my Mom agreeing with Pete over my shoulder. When "Chicken Little" eventually came out, she agreed with Buck Cluck, up until he acknowledged that his love wasn't something his son had to earn. She stopped the movie to tell me that Buck was wrong and her love was something we (my sister and i) had to earn. Long story short, I have a list of Disney movies I don't watch because of her.

[trinaq]

I love that Powerline doesn't kick Max and Goofy out of the concert after Goofy accidentally ends up on stage. He looks impressed, and even better, his song "I2I", is all about reconciliation, and reaching an understanding with those we love no matter how different we may be from them.

[SinHurr]

Roxane was, like, *everyone's* "this better not awaken anything in me" moment. Her or Princess Sally.

[trinaq]

"No matter how big you get, you'll always be my son." That line always brings me to tears, our parents see us at every stage of our lives, so it's hard for them to let their babies spread their wings, but know that they need to live their own lives as well.

[kaitlynmartin]

My favorite part in the movie is after Max changes the map and the stops are so much more enjoyable, he sees that his dad isn't having fun at the places he's picking and finds stuff that's just for Goofy and eventually they're going to places they both love and are genuinely having fun together.

[EmpressUmeko]

Goofy is a widower, he had a wife, she died, not sure how or anything but its true. Also his name is George, there's a whole cartoon series about it. Which is pretty fun, I think he might be the most developed character out of the three mains; Mickey, Donald & Goofy

[addicted_to_anxiety]

If you notice, after Goofy says that he just wants to be a part of his son's life and they both go quiet, the water/stream becomes a lot less crazy