Introduction
One of the more curiously popular sub-genres of film is the ever-present “children in peril” movie. At first, such a theme may sound cruel. However, film history has proven time and time again that the combination of kids, adventure, and a good dose of danger (even horror), often amounts to cinematic gold.
Despite potentially problematic narratives, many such movies have become some of our most beloved. From The Wizard Of Oz to Labyrinth, and even more contemporary juggernauts like The Hunger Games and the Harry Potter series, it is apparent that audiences certainly don’t shy away from tales about our most vulnerable in jeopardy.
Perhaps the inherent underdog trope accounts for the appeal. Maybe a child’s guile-less perspective better contrasts dangerous subject matter. Or could it simply be that children approach life with the type of careless abandon that makes for great storytelling?
While these virtues have engrossed viewers for generations, few films encompass all of these attributes more gleefully and satisfactorily than Richard Donner’s 1985 masterpiece The Goonies.
Some cinephiles might chuckle at the idea of such a silly movie garnering this kind of praise. However, the staying power and classic charm of this timeless treasure are undeniable. Audiences today continue to relish the adolescent adventures of a ragtag gang of misfit “goonies.” On a mission to save their beloved neighborhood.
Synopsis
The Goonies begins as “Mikey” (Sean Astin) and his meathead big brother “Brandon,” or “Brand” as he is often called, (Josh Brolin) lament the impending doom of their vibrant but ramshackle neighborhood affectionately coined “The Goon docks.”
The town is perched above prime real estate in the seaside fishing town of Astoria, Oregon. Local developers are ready to prey upon struggling homeowners behind on mortgage and property tax payments.
Though the particulars of why Mikey and his pals’ families are in such a predicament are never fully fleshed out, the idea that money-hungry real estate moguls plan to raze their homes to build a golf course on their stomping ground is well established from the get-go.
While exploring the attic full of relics collected by the sibling’s historian father, the fellas happen upon an old treasure map that once belonged to the notorious One-Eyed Willie, a pirate who disappeared after evading capture among the rocky cliffs and caves of the jagged Pacific Northwest coastline.
In a last-ditch effort to save their homes, the crew decides to embark upon a valiant hunt to procure Willie’s treasure and save their families’ properties once and for all. What ensues is an adventure of epic proportions.
The kids find themselves constantly in danger while traversing a seemingly endless passage of tunnels. All the while barely avoiding the booby traps and pitfalls designed by Willie and his men to protect their booty.
A Perfect Blend
A genius subplot involving the nefarious “Fratelli” family (a mother and her three adult sons, one of whom is on the lam) round out the saga with additional slapstick humor. Their silliness helps balance out more menacing scenes as the Fratellis attempt to outpace the kids to get Willie’s treasure.
The Goonies is that perfect mix of whimsy and nonstop action that is appealing to viewers of all ages. Whether the kids face danger in the depths of the rigged-up caves, or at the hands of the merciless Fratellis, there is always a sense that goodness and wide-eyed ingenuity will prevail over menacing baddies and corporate greed.
A second subplot involving Brand’s cheerleader crush, “Andy” (Kerri Green), provides another victory for good over evil, as he woos her from the resident preppy rich boy – whose father happens to be one of the looming real estate investors.
A third bizarre narrative involving “Chunk,” one of the Goonies, and the third Fratelli brother “Sloth” – a deformed monster of a man that the family keeps locked up, provides yet another heartfelt, albeit completely weird and borderline problematic, thread of humanity throughout the film.
Although the film’s pervasive humor and good-natured vibe keep even the darkest moments from going pitch black, the kids’ razor tongues and collective quick wit help the film transcend the usual feel-good “blahs” of similar films, by maintaining a rebellious edge.
Inspired Characters
An inspired blend of characters helps balance the story throughout. There’s the determined yet cautious protagonist “Mikey;” The benevolent bullying brother Brand; the wise-cracking “Mouth” (Corey Feldman), the bumbling inventor “Data” (Ke Huy Quan); and last but certainly not least the pudgy consummate comedian and troublemaker, Chunk (Jeff Cohen).
Also, don’t forget about the gals who unwittingly join the Goonies for the adventure of their lives. Andy (Green), the demure damsel in distress, is joined by her BFF “Stef” (Martha Plimpton), a snarky sidekick who has perhaps one of the best lines of the film when she exclaims, “I feel like I’m babysitting and not getting paid!”
In a category all their own, the Fratellis are a caricature of a crime family come to life. A tough-as-nails Mama Fratelli (Anne Ramsey) and her clumsy sons (Joe Pantoliano and Robert Davi) provide the perfect reminder that the greatest fears our heroes face are not within Willie’s labyrinthine tunnels, but are actually in the real world up above.
As Mikey very poetically points out in one of the more emotionally charged moments of the film, “It’s their time, their time up there. It’s our time down here.” Moments like this combined with the twists, turns, and booby traps along the way are what sets The Goonies apart from the kid film fray.
Donner and Spielberg
It certainly doesn’t hurt that Donner had the magic touch of co-writing extraordinaires Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus. Columbus penned the screenplay, based on Spielberg’s original story. Also serving as executive producer, Speilberg loomed large on the set of the film. Keeping a close eye on Donner’s production.
An overall boisterous score combined with a sprinkling of poignant musical cues by composer Dave Grusin envelopes the film in a magical tone. The brilliant inclusion of Max Steiner’s classic adventure theme from Adventures of Don Juan makes the music of The Goonies some of the most recognizable in cinema.
The Goonies exudes a winning combination of heart, adventure, danger, and a ton of laughs. Not to mention an actual pirate ship payoff!). The 1985 classic has become a beloved film standard, not only in the unofficial “children in peril” sub-genre but also in the annals of classic film history.
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