It’s your classic 80s movie. Specifically, 1985. A ragtag group of kids known as the Goonies, whose homes are about to be demolished for an expanding country club, discover a treasure map in the attic of Mikey (Sean Astin), the apparent leader, and his brother Brand’s (Josh Brolin) attic. It quickly becomes evident that this treasure can save their homes. The brothers and their friends Mouth (Corey Feldman), Chunk (Jeff Cohen), and Data (Jonathan Ke Quan) set off to find it. Andy (Kerri Green), Brand’s crush, and her friend Stef (Martha Plimpton) get dragged into the mix. Along the way a family of criminals, the Fratellis, (Joe Pantoliano, Robert Davi, Anne Ramsey) also gain interest and are hot on their tails. It’s and Indiana Jones type adventure full of riddles, booby traps, twists, turns, and impossible escapes.

There is definitely a wide variety of characters in this film. Mikey is willing to follow a decades old unsolved map to save his home. Brand wants to save his home too, but thinks there’s little hope, and definitely not in a pirate’s treasure. Mouth is sassy and a bit of a showoff, like a greaser wannabe. Data is an aspiring inventor with an arsenal of wacky gadgets made of even more wacky materials. Chunk, along the course of the film, finds Sloth, the disfigured brother of the criminal family, and befriends him. Andy may seem like a textbook cheerleader, but she has a touch of fire to her spirit. Stef is her voice of reason. Most of the time. The Fratellis are both sinister and at times hilarious. Sloth, despite his appearance, is sweet, friendly, and caring. Overall, they’re a wacky, endearing group.

Aside from The Goonies, Sean Astin is most well known for his role as Samwise in The Lord of the Rings. Josh Brolin is widely known for his role of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role he will revise in Avengers: Infinity War. Corey Feldman was widely known as a child actor for his role in Gremlins and The Lost Boys. Jeff Cohen is best known as Chunk and small TV roles. Jonathan Ke Quan is most well known for his role as Indiana Jones’ young sidekick and bodyguard Short Round in The Temple of Doom. Kerri Green is now not only an actress but an author and director. Martha Plimpton is a former model and avid activist for a number of causes. Joe Pantoliano played Gabe Ugliano in the film adaptation of The Lightning Thief. Robert Davi has appeared in over 130 films. Aside from The Goonies, Anne Ramsey has played a number of roles, including Mrs. Lift in Throw Momma from the Train.

Overall, The Goonies was funny, suspenseful, endearing, climactic, and very cheesy. But, some of the greatest Hollywood blockbusters are. It holds onto a sort of feeling that modern movies haven’t yet achieved. The characters face a serious problem, and set out to solve it in a truly childish way. There’s plenty of humor to keep it from being too dark, but enough seriousness to show that there are dire consequences if they fail. The settings were wonderful and fit the story well, from the Goon Docks where the characters live to the hidden tunnels under the town. The themes also varied. Determination. Loyalty. Morals. These kids will do anything to save what they believe in. God help anyone who tries to stop them. Data will knock ‘em out with one of his gadgets.

Anyone who enjoys classic cheeseball movies would love this movie. It would also appeal to anyone who enjoys comedy, action, or romance. Fans of Steven Spielberg pictures would love it. It has the same feeling that movies such as Jaws and Jurassic Park have. It’s MPAA rating is PG. My rating? Four stars. A classic. If you want to join these crazy kids, you’re in it for life. Why? Goonies never say die.