Detailed Summary
The Map Discovery
In Astoria, Oregon, a group of kids who call themselves “The Goonies” face their last weekend together due to a foreclosure on their homes. While rummaging through the attic, Mikey (Sean Astin) finds a treasure map that he believes will lead to the hidden fortune of the legendary pirate, One-Eyed Willy.
The Adventure Begins
Mikey, his older brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and their friends – Data (Jonathan Ke Quan), Mouth (Corey Feldman), and Chunk (Jeff Cohen) – embark on a treasure hunt. They soon discover the Fratelli family, a group of criminals led by Mama Fratelli (Anne Ramsey) and her sons, Jake (Robert Davi) and Francis (Joe Pantoliano), are pursuing them.
Traps and Trials
The Goonies navigate a series of booby traps set by One-Eyed Willy to protect his treasure. Along the way, they discover an underground cavern and face various challenges, including an organ made of bones and a perilous waterslide.
Sloth and the Fratellis
The Fratellis capture Chunk, but he befriends Sloth (John Matuszak), their disfigured yet kind-hearted brother. Together, Sloth and Chunk escape and join the Goonies, offering much-needed help.
The Pirate Ship
The Goonies finally find One-Eyed Willy’s ship, the Inferno, filled with treasure. As they begin to celebrate, the Fratellis arrive and seize the treasure. However, the Goonies trigger one last booby trap, causing the cavern to collapse.
The Rescue and the Victory
The Goonies escape the collapsing cave with Sloth’s help. They are rescued by the authorities and their parents. In the end, they discover that Mikey kept a few gems from the treasure, which are enough to save their homes from foreclosure.
Movie Ending
The movie ends triumphantly as the Goonies reunite with their families. They appraise the gems saved from the treasure and discover they are worth enough to save the Goon Docks. The police arrest the Fratellis, and the kids celebrate their victory, dreaming of more adventures.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Goonies” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“The Goonies” is a family adventure-comedy film with elements of treasure hunting, mystery, and coming-of-age themes.
Cast
- Sean Astin as Mikey Walsh
- Josh Brolin as Brand Walsh
- Corey Feldman as Mouth
- Jeff Cohen as Chunk
- Jonathan Ke Quan as Data
- Kerri Green as Andy
- Martha Plimpton as Stef
- John Matuszak as Sloth
- Robert Davi as Jake Fratelli
- Joe Pantoliano as Francis Fratelli
- Anne Ramsey as Mama Fratelli
Film Music and Composer
Dave Grusin composed the film’s score. The soundtrack includes the song “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” by Cyndi Lauper, which became a hit and is closely associated with the movie.
Filming Locations
- Astoria, Oregon: Most of the film was shot here, providing a picturesque backdrop for the movie.
- Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon: Featured in the final scenes of the movie.
- Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California: Some indoor scenes and the elaborate sets were filmed here.
These locations were crucial in creating the adventurous and nostalgic feel of the movie.
Awards and Nominations
While “The Goonies” did not win any major awards, it has become a beloved cult classic over the years and remains highly regarded for its imaginative storytelling and memorable characters.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Richard Donner directed the film, and Steven Spielberg served as an executive producer, bringing his signature touch of adventure and wonder.
- The director encouraged the actors to ad-lib, resulting in many natural and memorable moments.
- The production faced challenges with the intricate sets, especially the full-scale replica of One-Eyed Willy’s pirate ship.
Inspirations and References
- Treasure Island: The film draws inspiration from classic pirate adventure stories.
- Steven Spielberg’s Love for Adventure: His influence is evident in the film’s tone and pacing, reminiscent of “Indiana Jones“.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- A deleted scene features an encounter with an octopus, briefly mentioned by Data at the end of the film but not included in the final cut.
- There are no alternate endings, as the theatrical ending was the intended conclusion.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film was adapted into a novel by James Kahn. The novel includes additional scenes and character insights not present in the movie, providing a deeper look into the world of the Goonies.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Discovering the Map: The moment Mikey finds the treasure map in the attic.
- The Waterslide: The thrilling slide that leads the Goonies to the pirate ship.
- “Hey, you guys!”: Sloth’s iconic rescue scene.
Iconic Quotes
- “Goonies never say die!” – Mikey
- “Hey, you guys!” – Sloth
- “It’s our time down here.” – Mikey
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The map in the movie was meticulously crafted to look authentic and weathered.
- The skeleton piano scene is a homage to “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Trivia
- The filmmakers built the pirate ship to full scale and filmed the cast’s first view of it to capture their genuine reactions.
- Sean Astin got to keep the map from the film, but his mother accidentally threw it away.
Why Watch?
“The Goonies” is a timeless adventure that captures the spirit of childhood imagination and friendship. It’s a perfect blend of humor, excitement, and heartfelt moments, making it an enduring favorite for all ages.
Director’s Other Movies
- Superman (1978)
- The Omen (1976)
- Lethal Weapon (1987)
- Scrooged (1988)
- Maverick (1994)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Stand by Me (1986)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Hook (1991)
- The Sandlot (1993)
