Why the Goonies Are Still Good Enough

A Must See Eighties Film

Audrey Brown
Lots of people discount movies that were made in the 1980's, and for that reason they miss out on some true classics. "The Goonies" is a prime example of just such a film. It's often simply called, "a kid's movie" or even, "just an 80's movie". But it's so much more.It's an adventure classic with all the icons that the genre has to offer. Goonies will treat you to waterslides, caves, traps, hidden treasure, a pirate ship, and more. While it is an 80's movie in every sense of the word and a kid's movie, it's fun for all ages.

What makes it stand out from so many other 80's movies? Well, for starters Steven Spielberg produced it and created the story. So there's a quality behind the film that you don't find in a lot of others from that era. Lots of 80's classics have simply become nostalgia pieces, but this one still entertains in a very contemporary way. It's suspenseful and packed with "Indiana Jones" style excitement. The kind of moments that happen in "The Goonies" have tried to be repeated, even in recent adventures such as "National Treasure" or, "The Mummy". It was also directed by Richard Donner, who directed the original "Superman" film, "Superman II", and the unsung Bill Murray Christmas classic, "Scrooged". To top it all off, the screenplay was done by Chris Columbus, who directed the first Harry Potter film as well as "Chamber of Secrets" and has multiple writing credits to his name.

In fact, it might be a good idea to IMDB all of the above names so you can get a sense of the masterminds behind this movie. Most live-action kid's movies that are made today come across as patronizing or small in scope. The Goonies treats childhood fantasy to the grand scale imagining that it deserves. Imagine the words "kid's movie" and, "huge blockbuster" in one sentence and you've got this film. It fits in well with the canon of Harry Potter films and other large-scale fantasies or adventures. If you're a fan of adventures at all, this is one you shouldn't miss.The music is classic, you simply can't beat the film score. It perfectly captures the sense of wonder that a child can feel when hearing stories of adventure, pirates, and treasure.

The movie is also built around an ensemble cast of child stars who are now highly recognizable contemporary actors such as Sean Astin and Josh Brolin, as well as being populated with 80's favorites like Corey Feldman and Martha Plimpton. It's not lovable simply because it's campy, the way that some other 80's movies are. (For example, "Teen Wolf", though I love that one too for entirely different reasons.) It's lovable because it's good, it's fun, it's funny, it's original, it's one-of-a-kind, and it's fun for the entire family.

It's timeless and still appeals to kids today. I know because I've seen it tested on my own niece and nephew, who are the picture of modern youth, with multiple gaming consoles and all the internet knowledge you can imagine. It's fun for parents because it's practically a time capsule from the 80's and it's fun for kids because it still appeals to them today. In fact, it may have just a bit of extra appeal because the plot revolves solely around adventure and not at all around technology. Something that might be a major departure for many kids today. I could tell you all day long about the great qualities of this eighties classic and what makes it a must-see and why, but chances are once you watch it, you'll understand for yourself. Interested in getting you hands on a copy?

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Published by Audrey Brown

Magazine Writer and Journalist, NPR Correspondent, Voice Over Artist, Professional Theme Park Enthusiast, and last but not least, Lady Geek Extraordinaire.  View profile

5 Comments

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  • Charles Odom4/8/2009

    Good review!

  • J. Paul Norton3/21/2009

    My four year old nephew is a terror, can't sit still for 2 minutes, but you put the Goonies on and he's transfixed from start to finish. Great movie!

  • Vincent Summers3/11/2009

    I own a copy of Goonies. I've only seen parts of it. Thanks to you, I now feel compelled to spend a couple of hours staring at a cathode-ray tube.

  • Herstory3/10/2009

    "Hey, You Guys!" Who can deny one of the MOST quotable movies to ever come out of Hollywood!? "Goonies never say die!"

  • Jake Williams3/10/2009

    The title alone tells me this article is going to be great. Awesome job capturing what made Goonies a classic as well as the eighties in general. Solid work!

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