“Wanna get a mansion, a jacuzzi, a theater to watch my movies, couple whips and lots of things, the kids they call The Goonies.” – Mac Miller.
Released in 1985, (same year Back to the Future came out) it received praise from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to good reviews, the film was also a box office hit. Overtime, “The Goonies” gained a cult following. Anyway, most of the cast including Sean Astin, Corey Feldman & Joe Pantoliano will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026. The three-day event will commence on September 11-13. I got plans to take a pic with Mikey himself along with Elijah Wood. By the way, Chris Columbus is working on a Goonies sequel. If the OG cast intend to reunite, I’ll be the first in line to see it.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving y’all a chance to see this ‘80s classic.
Rich & Poor Qualities
Rich: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Ke Huy Quan, Martha Plimpton, Robert Davi & Joe Pantoliano all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Richard Donner did a decent job directing. He also makes a cameo appearance towards the end.
Steven Spielberg wrote the outline. His protege, Chris Columbus (Mrs. Doubtfire, Harry Potter 1-2) wrote the script filled with memorable dialogue. Why didn’t this get an Oscar nomination for “Best Original Screenplay?”
- Goonies never say die!
- Hey, you guys!
- Do the truffle shuffle!
- Holy S-H-I-T!
- I cheated on my history exam! (my favorite line)
- Slick shoes!
- You smell like my Phys Ed!
- It’s our time down here.
- I’m setting booby traps.
- I’m not a reject.
- I’m James Bond, 007, not 00-Negative!
- I’m beginning to like this kid, Ma.
Funny Moments made laugh. Why can’t today’s movies have this kind of humor for both kid and adults? Don’t get me wrong, a few well-written jokes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe gave me a smirk. All I’m saying non-Marvel movies lack legit comedy. Nowadays they rely on unfunny Disney Channel/Nickelodeon sitcoms like “Hannah Montana,” “iCarly” & “Victorious.”
Dave Grusin (Reds, The Firm) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects were heavily involved courtesy of George Lucas’ production company, Industrial Light & Magic or ILM for short.
Chemistry between the kids serve as the main highlight.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
Pacing wasn’t slow or fast.
Cyndi Lauper appears on TV performing “The Goonies ‘R Good Enough.” It’s also used when the kids embark on their adventure as well as the End Credits.
If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, the cast provides audio commentary discussing their filming experience.
Fun Facts
- In 2017, The Goonies was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry.
- Following in his father’s footsteps, Josh Brolin makes his film debut. He’s gone from a Goonie to mad titan, Thanos and mutant time traveler, Cable.
- Mouth mentioned Michael Jackson. Corey was close friends with the King of Pop.
- After completing The Goonies. Jeff Cohen never made enough theatrical film. He moved on to become an attorney. Not everyone has an ambition to become a movie star.
- Sloth rips his clothes off to reveal a t-shirt of the Superman logo. Followed by John Williams’ Superman theme. It’s funny because Richard Donner directed Superman 1978.
- If you have a keen eye, Mouth wears a Purple Rain t-Shirt.
Random Thoughts
- I think the comedy might’ve influenced the Uncharted series. The games have a blend between seriousness and comedy. Both, The Goonies and Nathan Drake hunt for treasure. Nathan’s an amalgamation of Indiana Jones, The Goonies and Johnny Knoxville. You can tell Naughty Dog’s into 1980s adventure flicks and Jackass.
- I first watched The Goonies when I was in either elementary school or middle school. After eating lunch, my class and I watch 30 minutes of a movie until the homeroom teacher comes by to pick us up. Good times.
- Mouth’s my favorite Goonie. He provides comic relief.
- My favorite part is when the kids bang a maze full of pipes to alert the townspeople. However, it goes haywire when they inadvertently cause property damage.
Poor: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The Goonies still holds up. If you have kids or if you’re planning on going to Fan Expo Dallas 2026 like me, introduce them to this ‘80s gem. Reminder, the three-day event will commence on September 11-13.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 