The cinematic memories that come to mind for many people when they think of their youth tend to coincide with a few key films. The Goonies is one of them. This classic film, directed by Richard Donner and written by Steven Spielberg, was one of the great films of the 1980s upon its release on June 7, 1985.
It created sensations, seared unforgettable memories, and became a holiday classic revered by millions of children. Leaving the theater after watching The Goonies meant leaving with the desire to become Data and company during the playground. And it’s surprising how the years have passed, but how, at the same time, The Goonies remains that adventure film we can rewatch again and again without getting tired, always with a smile on our faces.
Over the decades, the film has not only been released in high-quality physical editions, but has also been re-released in theaters. And, of course, it’s a key title in the streaming platforms’ catalogs.
What’s it about?
The Goonies are a group of friends living in the Goon Docks neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, United States, who are facing what could be their last summer together. The Goonies’ final weekend seems to be going to waste, but the group finds a map to a long-lost treasure, the stuff of which has been the subject of many tales, seemingly leading directly to the possessions hidden by the pirate One-Eyed Willy. With the goal of saving the neighborhood, the Goonies set out on a dangerous adventure where they cross paths with the Fratellis, a family of small-time bandits who will make things difficult for them. It won’t be an easy adventure, but being a Goonie means being willing to face whatever it takes to achieve your goals.
The Cast
The Goonies generation has had different futures depending on the case. We’ve seen some of the original young actors remain in the world of film and entertainment, while others have completely disengaged from the spotlight. Josh Brolin, one of the older guys in the cast, was Brand Walsh, about whom practically nothing needs to be said. He has become a powerful actor, with a distinctive acting style, and a face with sufficient guarantees for all kinds of roles. We’ve seen him in so many films that it’s hard to mention just one or two, but it’s obvious that no one forgets his role as Thanos or Cable in Marvel.
Sean Astin, who played Mickey Walsh, is also highly regarded in film, where he portrayed Sam in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Corey Feldman, Mouth, has bounced around the world of film and television and for sure you know his work, while Ke Huy Quan, despite being out of the acting business for a long time, made a grand comeback a few years ago.
As an ensemble film, there’s great chemistry between the characters, even those who were inexperienced or who left after this production stand out. Even the villains, the unforgettable Fratellis, perfectly embodied roles that didn’t seem easy at first glance. In this regard, both Anne Ramsey, Mama Fratelli, and John Matuszak, Sloth, passed away, but haven’t been forgotten by the film’s fans.
The Movie
As I mentioned in the introduction, The Goonies is a film that has gone down in history and remains very young, almost surprisingly, even with the passage of time. The combination of technical talent, with Richard Donner and Steven Spielberg, with an artistic team that gives their all, and a visual staging that was very advanced for its time, creates a film that is a joy to watch again and again. It’s not easy for children to enjoy an old movie, because they quickly realize what’s wrong with it and what distances it from their current youth, but the film manages to maintain interest and make even the youngest children dream of having their own group of Goonies.
The film should be used as a good manual for how to shoot family-oriented, youth-oriented adventure films featuring a strong cast of characters, magical settings that inspire dreams but are also dangerous enough to capture the viewer’s attention, and villains who, while perhaps a little frightening, end up generating an irremediable affection in the viewer. On the other hand, the soundtrack, led by Cyndi Lauper, helps make the story even more thrilling and emotional. All of this adds up to a film that has something that makes it worth watching, even if we know the dialogue by heart or know what will happen in each of the most dangerous scenes. It’s a timeless film that should be in many moviegoers’ top 10 lists.
Is The Goonies a classic?
Yes, definitely. The Goonies is a film that deserves to be enjoyed again, and especially for new generations to discover. The film evokes so many memories, emotions, and fun that it would be unfair if new fans, new Goonies, couldn’t enjoy it for themselves. For the memories, for the magic of summer and the time to relax, forgetting about books and studying, we have the opportunity to share our experiences and expand what it means to be a Goonie, then, now, and always.
