A few months ago, I had the pleasure and the privilege of watching The Goonies for the first time. I must say that I had heard so much about how great this movie is that I was a little worried that it was being overhyped. I have never been more wrong about a movie in my life.
The beauty of this movie is that both children and adults can enjoy it. The Goonies really captures the sense of wonder and the need for adventure that children have. This movie also communicates to the child in all of us. When I was watching this movie, I was reminded of the house in Montgomery, Ohio where I grew up. There was a creek in the backyard, and every day I would walk down the creek further and further, wondering what I discover. I did not have many fond memories in that house, but that was one of the few.
Richard Donner is the brilliant director of The Goonies. Yes, this is the same Richard Donner who gave us Superman and all four Lethal Weapon movies. I am such a huge fan of Richard Donner. He is another director who clearly has range with his work, although I think these days he is not appreciated enough.
The child actors in this movie certainly do not act like children. They have a certain chemistry together that makes them so unique and special, everyone from Corey Feldman to Sean Astin. You really feel that these kids have known each other their whole lives.
I wish I had seen The Goonies when I was a kid. I feel like I would love it even more than I do now.
However, even though I was late to the party I still had a blast the first time I watched it. I love this movie so much, and now I understand why it is such a special film.
