VCS News Movie Review: The Goonies

By VCS Senior Amyah Jenkins

Introduction 

A group of kids discovers an old pirate map and sets off on a dangerous underground adventure to find hidden treasure and save their homes — all while being chased by criminals. It’s a fun and exciting story about friendship, bravery, and teamwork.

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family-Friendly 

Director: Richard Donner 

Main Actors: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen 

Rating: PG

Performances 

The Goonies is an exciting adventure movie that follows a group of kids searching for pirate treasure to save their homes. I enjoyed how fast-paced and adventurous it was. The performances were strong, especially from the kids, who felt natural and funny. Their chemistry made their friendships believable and helped bring the story to life.

Yes, the actors felt believable. Mikey stood out the most because of his leadership and determination to keep the group united. His character shows growth throughout the movie, becoming more confident and strong as a leader. Overall, the characters were well developed, especially Mikey, who matured as the story progressed.

Plot & Pacing 

The plot is engaging and well-paced, keeping viewers hooked from beginning to end. Although there are a few predictable moments, the story flows smoothly and never feels rushed.

Theme & Impact 

The Goonies is ultimately about friendship and adventure. It makes you laugh while also creating suspense during intense scenes. The movie definitely leaves a lasting impression because of its strong message about teamwork and loyalty.

Strengths 

One of the movie’s biggest strengths is its sense of adventure and teamwork, which makes the story exciting and fun to watch. The underground cave scenes, filled with traps and puzzles, are some of the best moments because they keep you on edge. The idea of combining a kids’ adventure with pirate treasure is unique and creative. The cave settings also create memorable visual moments that stand out.

Weaknesses 

To be honest but fair, the movie does have a few plot holes. Some dangerous situations are survived a little too easily. At times, the dialogue can feel silly or overly loud, and a few characters could have been developed more. However, these flaws do not take away from the overall entertainment value.

Overall Rating 

Overall, The Goonies is a fun and adventurous movie that’s easy to enjoy, even with a few minor flaws. Kids, families, and anyone who enjoys action-packed friendship stories would like this film. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.