THE GOONIES 🤩

My son, Aaron, had a difficult time growing up with asthma. Every year, as the Arizona heat began to cool, his ability to breathe deeply and normally would diminish. The doctors used to say he had seasonal allergies that often led to frequent puffs of Aaron’s inhaler and moments of sitting with “the machine” (a nebulizer). I disagreed with the doctors about the type of asthma Aaron suffered from every year since he was less than six months old. I saw it as a chronic disease that attacked my sweet, innocent child every summer, spring, and autumn. He always felt better during those winter months when the air was as cold as Phoenix would allow. As his mom, I needed to find a way to help him through his frightening attacks of not being able to catch a breath, and not wind up in the ER in the middle of the night, as we too often did. 

I came up with a plan to help him relax in a cool, dark environment that would distract him from how crappy he felt. I took him to the movie theater. There in the darkness and cold, air-conditioned space, he always relaxed and got swept away by what he saw on the big screen. I would bring a huge tote bag filled with his favorite snacks, soft drinks, and sandwiches. As the years went by, Ilisa, his sister, would join us. There were many double features. We found ourselves entrenched with larger-than-life stories that would take our minds far away from the big, nasty claws of being an asthmatic kid. It was “our time” together, and it quietly planted seeds for Aaron’s future passion for film. There in that darkened house, we bonded, all while helping Aaron feel like he fit in and belonged in the world around him. I loved those moments together. It was at least something I could do whenever Aaron’s chest would retract abnormally. 

There was one film in particular that was a favorite. The plot centered on a small group of young misfits with a unique friendship and outlook on their little corner neighborhood in Astoria, Oregon. Their loyal, tight bonds gave them their foundation. Yes, they were chaotic and loud. Yes, they argued incessantly, but at their core, they knew who they were…Goonies. Trust, acceptance, and love were at the center of this crazy adventure story. THE GOONIES captured every child’s imagination and, in return, filled their hearts with joy and laughter. It didn’t hurt one bit that Mikey (Sean Astin) also had asthma and used an inhaler. What a gift for all asthmatic kids to not feel invisible and odd. In THE GOONIES, Aaron was seen. 

THE GOONIES premiered in 1985. It had a budget of $ 19 million and grossed close to $ 65 million. It didn’t win awards, but it is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is still beloved by the public. It was named after an impoverished neighborhood in Astoria known as the Goon Docks. I bet most people did not know that.

Steven Spielberg created the story (Chris Columbus wrote the screenplay) and directed a few scenes, although he never claimed credit for directing. Instead, he became the Executive Producer. Richard Donner directed THE GOONIES (SUPERMAN, LETHAL WEAPON). He and Spielberg got along famously, and the two of them believed in surprises (to get genuine reactions) and pranks on their cast and crew. It was an extremely happy set. They worked the scenes in chronological order, taking five months to complete filming. At the wrap, Spielberg, the cast, and crew hosted a surprise party for Donner. Spielberg also flew the entire group to Disneyland for a vacation break in the middle of production. What a boss. 

The ensemble was phenomenal. Gathering this calibre of young, talented actors was insightful and pure genius. It was a new generation of the “brat pack.”  It promoted careers and introduced new names that would never be forgotten, including Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Ke Huy Quan, and John Matuszak. None of them went by their given character names. Each one had a nickname that has stuck firmly for decades. 

Even though I loved all of them, my favorites were Mikey (Astin) and Chunk (Cohen).  I was impressed by Mikey’s vulnerability and tenacity. He drove the entire group to success, all while being scared and not sure of himself. His untenable belief in each of his friends was beyond his young years. His deep feeling that this was their time made me want to stand up and cheer. I also must admit I thoroughly enjoyed Data’s (Quan) gadgets, and Mouth’s (Feldman) cockiness and bravado, but Mikey touched my soul. Chunk, on the other hand, made me laugh out loud. His fast-talking, whiney pace hit the spot every time. The best was when he “spilled his guts.” Simply hilarious. And I must mention those perfect three Hebrew words (Baruch ataw adonoy… blessed art thou) blurted out as a reaction when he was trying to get help. Oh, I exploded with delight. And later, this naive boy shouted his ability to smell ice cream deep within a closed freezer. Genius writing. 

The antagonists, the Fratellis’ were fabulous, making sure they were not overly scary. It was more along the lines of THREE STOOGES’ physical, slapping humor with a sprinkle of child abuse. I wonder what the censors would say about this today. 

Sloth’s makeup was phenomenal.  Ugh… those teeth, eyes, and ears. It was creative and produced a monster that audiences wanted to love despite his grotesqueness. I never looked at a Baby Ruth candy bar in the same way again. 

The sets were incredible. They reminded me of INDIANA JONES, especially with One-Eyed Willie’s skull (made of real bone), the hysterical pipes scene, the intense piano playing, and that long, wet, insane slide. There were many magical moments, including the magnificent pirate ship. It took four months to build and, in the end, it was totally dismantled because no studio had a place to store it. 

The music was upbeat and exciting, especially listening to Cyndi Lauper sing the theme song, THE GOONIES ‘R’ GOOD ENOUGH.  It actually became a huge video hit on MTV back in the day. 

THE GOONIES is a nostalgic, comedy classic. It will appeal to children of all ages as long as they can suspend their disbelief and want to experience an adventure of a lifetime. It is filled with heart. It reinforces family ethics and those unbreakable ties that bind us together as a community. It is a “feel-good” film that middle school kids can relate to even today. It is definitely an ’80s flick, but it showcases all the values we still hold dear. It is one of those forever films because “Goonies never die.” Right, Aaron? Happy birthday. 

THE GOONIES is available on AMC.