
06/10/2025
'The Goonies' (1985): A Timeless Adventure Revisited - When I think about "The Goonies," it's not just a movie, it's a ticket back to childhood, an adventure that felt as real to me as anything I could have imagined happening in my own backyard. This 1985 gem, directed by Richard Donner and brought to life under the visionary eyes of Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus, wasn't just a film for me and countless others, it was a rite of passage.
My journey with "The Goonies" began in a living room, much like it did for many of you, I'm sure. With a cast led by Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and a crew of memorable characters portrayed by Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, and Ke Huy Quan, this wasn't just an ensemble, it was a mirror to our own gangs of friends, our own dreams of adventure and discovery. The story of these kids, setting off to find the treasure of One-Eyed W***y to save their homes in the "Goon Docks," was more than a plot, it was a call to adventure, a promise that there was something more out there, if only we dared to look.
The making of "The Goonies" is as much a tale of adventure as the movie itself. Filmed in Astoria, Oregon, and on sets that sparked the imagination, the production spanned over five months starting in October 1984. Donner, along with Spielberg, navigated the chaos and creativity of working with a young cast, using innovative techniques to draw out genuine reactions. For instance, the first sight of the pirate ship, a real, full-size ship built under the guidance of production designer J. Michael Riva, was also the cast's first view, ensuring their awe was as real as ours.
This authenticity was carried through in the locations, from the old Clatsop County Jail to the scenic Oregon coastline, which provided the perfect backdrop for this tale of exploration and friendship. These were places that could have been in our towns, just waiting for us to discover our own adventures.
The cultural footprint of "The Goonies" is as vast as One-Eyed W***y's treasure. With a worldwide gross of $125 million against a budget of $19 million, its financial success is undeniable. But its true value lies in its ability to connect with audiences across generations. This connection was solidified in 2017 when the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, a testament to its significance beyond just its box office appeal.
The soundtrack, featuring Cyndi Lauper and REO Speedwagon, among others, became anthems of our youth. Lauper's "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough" didn't just accompany the film, it became a symbol of our own quests, our own battles against the Fratellis of the world.
Reflecting on "The Goonies," it's clear the film was more than entertainment, it was a lesson in the power of perseverance, friendship, and belief in the impossible. It taught us that true treasure wasn't gold or jewels but the memories we create with those we hold dear. It showed us that even in the face of foreclosure, of losing the places we call home, our bonds with each other hold the real power to save the day.
As I revisit "The Goonies" now, it's with a mixture of nostalgia and new appreciation. The jokes may be cornier than I remembered, and the special effects not as cutting-edge as today's standards, but the heart of the movie remains untouched by time. It's a heart that beats strongly with the spirit of adventure, the thrill of discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
To those who grew up with "The Goonies," it remains a touchstone, a reminder of our own adventures, real or imagined. And to those discovering it for the first time, I hope it serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to your own explorations and the understanding that, sometimes, the greatest treasures lie not in gold, but in the journey itself and the friends we find along the way.
"The Goonies" is more than a movie, it's a companion through life, a reminder that adventure always awaits, that "Goonies never say die." As I look back on my journey with this film, I'm reminded of the power of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the enduring call of adventure that lies at the heart of "The Goonies." It's a call to each of us, inviting us to embark on our own adventures, to find the One-Eyed Wi***es of our world, and to remember, no matter where life takes us, that our spirit of adventure never ages. See less