Title – The Goonies (1985)
Director – Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon)
Cast – Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Robert Davi, Joe Pantoliano, Jonathan Ke Quan, Anne Ramsey
Plot – “Hey you guys!” – Welcome to the Goonies where adventure begins, traps are set, murderous villains are on your trail, tressure awaits and friendship lives.
“Follow them size fives”
Review by Eddie on 17/03/2014
What is one’s childhood without The Goonies? It’s a childhood that misses out on unquestionably one of the most purely enjoyable and unbridled joyous adventures ever committed to screen and a movie that to this day stands the test of time thanks to it’s witty script, fantastic child actors and a story that unlocks the adventurer that hopefully dwells within all of us.
Coming from the great mind that is Steven Speilberg and directed by Superman/Lethal Weapon helmer Richard Donner The Goonies was and is the perfect melding of the Hardie Boys come to life and an adventure that is impossible not to enjoy. Much of the film’s success lies in its un-tapping of what is essentially a longing in all of us young and old to discover tressure whether figuratively or metaphorically and the journey that our young “Goonies” take is the embodiment of this.
Lead by the wise beyond his years and future Sam from Lord of the Rings Sean Astin as Mikey the group consists of the teenager older brother Brand (a young Brolin), wisecracking Mouth (an on form Feldman), poor old fat kid Chunk (Cohen), Asian inventor extraordinaire Data (Temple of Doom’s Ke Quan) and female tagalongs Andy (Green) and Stef (Plimpton). This group presents one of the most fully formed and memorable gangs in cinema history a gang that can sit proudly along with the Breakfast Club, The Sandlot gang or any other iconic group of young adults. The gang’s journey is given heart thanks to the meaning behind there want of riches, the want to save their homes and there friendships from being torn down by greedy land developers. The team behind The Goonies literally struck gold with the casting in this picture with a young cast many a film would die for and who are strongly supported by one of the nastiest screen family’s your likely to see in the form of the Fratelli’s who lock up their own disfigured brother “Sloth” (played by former NFL participant John Matuszak) who becomes a star of the movie.
All the great casting in the world would not of made The Goonies such a classic if it were not for the playfulness the film finds in its traps and contraptions. The film is brimming to life with practical and special effects that hearken back to an almost teenage version of an Indiana Jones fable with skeletons, spikes, waterslides and pirate ships littering the scenery giving the film a sense of realism that would be lost today in a myriad of overused and unconvincing special effects. Those youngsters who will find themselves watching this film will be cast under its spell due to this much like I and hopefully you were at their age to.
For the child and explorer in all of us there is no better tale to partake in than The Goonies, a film that has charm to spare and rewards for re-watch after re-watch. Much like the titular gang who never say die hopefully the film will live on and on and continue to put a smile on the faces of all who take the wonderful journey.
5 truffle shuffles out of 5
I don’t have this film on DVD, but I saw it in theatres, and later rented it on VHS. It’s a fun film. I’ve noticed that twice you spelled “treasure” like this: “tressure.” Is that an Australian alternate spelling? Just curious.
It’s either Australian or I am just again showing my lack of proof reading ability 😉
Eddie
I see typographical errors here and there in your otherwise excellent and engaging reviews, but am reluctant to point them out, as I am a fan that wants to stay in your good graces! I would be glad to do some proofreading for you, if you’re interested. My e-mail is LividEmerald@gmail.com.
Might just have to take you up on that one Livid, appreciate your willingness to help out.
Eddie
I remember this film like I remember E.T. Definitely a classic.
Would of loved to have seen it at the cinemas as a youngster, I can only imagine how great it would of been.
Eddie
Here’s hoping it forever stays free from a remake or reboot too!
Oh please let it be the case!
Eddie
A huge favourite when I was a kid. Again, I was too you to actually see it in the cinema, but saw it a million times on VHS. Classic!
I was the same man the VHS we owned must of almost got worn out.
Eddie
I don’t know why but I seem to be the only person that didn’t love this movie. It wasn’t bad but it was great either. I thought it was an average watch at best. Guess I’m just different.
Oh sad to hear but each to their own. Did you watch it when you were a youngster or did you come across it in your more mature years?
Eddie
Junior high, 7th I believe.
It might be one you need to see in those earlier years not sure, I find it a charming movie till this day but I could have on rose tinted glasses.
Eddie
No, you’re not the only one who didn’t like it. I didn’t like any of the characters, and the story didn’t hold my interest. But then, I didn’t like The Breakfast Club or Ferris Bueler’s Day Off, either. I guess I just don’t do heartwarming.
I love the Goonies. Fantastic film, still holds its own. And a great score by Dave Grusin. “Fratelli Chase” still makes me swerve along with a mental bike ride.
And who can forget the torture of Chunk, reminiscent of a certain Gremlins fate, To this day I can’t use a blender.
Great you mentioned the score man! It’s so true it creates such a good atmosphere and works so well with the film. Poor old Chunk, copped the raw end of the stick for the team!
Eddie
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