Review of The Goonies (1985) by Bsh N — 03 Mar 2013

Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green.

Screenplay by: Chris Columbus.

Story by: Steven Spielberg.

Produced by: Richard Donner, David Weaver, Harvey Bernhard.

Directed by: Richard Donner.

The Goonies live in the Goon Docks of Astoria, Oregon. When the area is threatened by a resort, the Goonies realize that their days of hanging out are over. Mikey (Sean Astin), his brother Brand (Josh Brolin), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Mouth (Corey Feldman), Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Andy (Kerri Green), and Stef (Martha Plimpton) discover an old treasure map to the treasure of One-Eyed Willie, and realize it could be the last chance to save the Goon Docks. The Goonies are in trouble because the killers known as the Fratellis are after them and Ma (Anne Ramsey), Francis (Joe Pantoliano), Jake (Robert Davi), and Sloth (John Matuszak) know about the treasure and are hot on their trail.

Directed by Richard Donner, The Goonies was a big hit of the '80s and continues to be popular to this day. It was written by Christopher Columbus and produced by Steven Spielberg (who seemed to have a lot of input on it). Most critics like the movie, but fans really latched on to it. A number of rumors have existed about Goonies 2 but other than a game called Goonies 2 for the NES, none have ever surfaced.

The Goonies is just one of those fun movies that really connects with kids. Like The Bad News Bears kids, the Goonies are a bit foul, raunchy, and they do things that their parents probably wouldn't approve of, but that is what you like as a kid. I was the right age when The Goonies came out and fell just a couple years younger than the characters (which is actually probably a bit better than the same age). I love The Goonies, but I bet even now, kids would have fun with it.

The movie also looks great. There are some great sets, and they are highly functional. I can remember wanting to go down the slides and play on the pirates ship (which was built on the Warner Bros. studio lot). Spielberg and Donner actually kept set secret from the kids to make the surprise look real when they saw it (though in a commentary track they admitted sneaking in to see it). There was a big scene with a really bad looking mechanical octopus that still gets referenced at the end of the movie, but thankfully it was cut out.

The Goonies has some action and despite its goofy premise does feel like there is some danger. That also helps. There are no on-screen killings, but the Fratellis are supposed to be killer and the Goonies find bodies of their victims. Granted, it was pretty obvious that none of the kids were really going to die, but you also don't want your core audience scared the entire time. Through it all, the great cast seems to be having a ton of fun, and most of them really pull it off in their roles.

The Goonies is a great movie. It is fun and goofy and typical '80s action/adventure. It works on a lot of levels and even has a great '80s Cindy Lauper theme song with an accompanying video. If you loved The Goonies as a kid, pass it on to your kids. Goonies 'R Good Enough!