The Goonies

JPV852

2020-09-17T21:34:24.425Z

Second time seeing this and while it's not quite the classic in my book, still a fun family-adventure flick with some nice production design and a nice cast along with some great talent behind the camera with Spielberg producing (and story), Chris Columbus's script and Richard Donner directing. Added bonus for me being an Oregonian and this filmed in Astoria. **3.5/5**

CinemaSerf

2022-12-26T09:48:13.195Z

I tried, I really did - but I didn't really like this. There are just far too many screeching, cacophonous, kids all talking over each other and after about twenty minutes I'd had about enough. It does get marginally better though, as these brats discover an ancient treasure map and have to compete with the menacing "Mama Fratelli" (Anne Ramsey) for the spoils. Robert Davi ("Jake") provides an additional slice of menace that could've been more effective had he been able to reduce the number of urchins a bit more effectively (indeed, a well placed rapier thrust could have belatedly rewarded us for the annoyance of "Short Round" from last year's "Temple of Doom"!). Sadly, their number is maintained to annoy and frustrate the much more capable grown ups throughout this increasingly predicable and slap-stick two-hour comedy drama. It has all the hallmarks of a Spielberg production and Richard Donner, to be fair, does up the ante as more action and less chatter starts to creep into the second half. The special effects are also quite effective and there is the odd comedy reference for those adults amongst us, but I just didn't get why this is so highly rated. It reminded me a little of the old-style Disney "Witch Mountain" films - but I think this is likely a film that will induce fond memories of childhood for those who still appreciate it now, I don't have those and so I didn't.