Review of The Goonies (1985) by Ian H — 13 May 2013

In true Spielberg fashion, movie genre perception is altered in outstanding effect with the child based adventure film 'The Goonies'. Serving this film as both screenwriter and producer, his influence can be felt throughout - and his willingness to change public acceptance on his genre shift. That genre shift being the disposal of the boundary between films aimed at children and adults - fusing into something that works for both with different elements. This has carried forward into his other movies since, but can be rooted back to this film as the real starter to this change. Therefore, 'The Goonies' should be really seen as a industry changer, as well as the good film that is. With a simple narrative yet interesting characters and a child orientated plot, the film is easily accessible to all ages.

In an attempt to stop the demolition of their neighborhood, a group of pre-teens - The Goonies - set out to find a buried treasure belonging to the pirate captain One-Eyed Willie. Through an ancient Spanish treasure map that the children find in a lost attic article, the children begin to hunt for the lost loot - however, when they interrupt a jail break involving the Fratellis, a crime family on the run, the children are pursued deep into the caverns and traps that they must overcome during their adventure.

Featuring a cast comprising mainly of child actors that have come on to be big names in the industry, 'The Goonies' is a film that feels more like a family than a cast present. With stand out names including Sean Astin and Josh Brolin, the film seems to have sought out some of the best child actors of the time. However, with the film being slightly dated, the look and feel of the characters can at times feel old fashioned. This does not take anything from the performances but may deter in a world comprising of ultra modern child actors. When taken into the approach of original released, the film holds well and the narrative is carried to its close without many obstacles or distractions.

In a simple manner, 'The Goonies' is a film that feels magical and adventurous throughout. A throwback to audience youth, the film is easily relatable to all those that have had similar adventures - imaginative or not - during their childhood. It is a story about friends, a buddy movie comprising of multiple people and with enough chemistry to allow it to work. Featuring a screenplay written by a future 'Harry Potter' director, Chris Columbus, the film showcases many of the elements that have been carried over through the decades in hopes of showcasing similar relationships between young people in different productions.

With a feeling of immaturity throughout, the film does in places feel stupid. However, when taken into the entire context of the film it does not deter much from the overall opinion generated on the production. For those who dislike childlike mannerisms and unbelievability in some sequences, this film is to be missed for fear of disliking its content. For everyone else 'The Goonies' holds enough to find the likable quality it holds. A true cult classic, that will last the test of time. A fantasy filmthat redefined a genre. B.