I never really see anyone mentioning The Goonies anymore. I suppose it's a film that finally fell into the 'old' category of cinema as the times have changed. This had me wanting to check it out as it suddenly came to mind again recently, and this also gave me the question: does it still hold up? Part of me expected that it wouldn't. Part of me was going into this thinking I had already seen it a million times and at this point I didn't think I could enjoy it again. Part of me even thought that maybe I too would have that feeling that it no longer held up. Though I think I enjoyed this in the end, I think it reminded me of a simpler time when adventure films were still a thing. When the 'group of teenagers doing something stupid outdoors' genre still had some life to it.
The truth is, they really don't make family films like these anymore. There's a gap remaining were films like The Goonies once resided before fading off into obscurity. I went into this avoiding the idea of nostalgia bait, though. Not caring that the cast were quite big back in the day (Sean Astin was still making some waves in the past decade if I recall). In terms of the film getting a bit old, I think much of it came from its music. Though there's always a love for that sort of era of music. In some ways I do think the story would be a bit lacking in today's cinema. Where the moments of intensity and action aren't as engaging as a modern audience may expect. Especially with how similar films today tend to rely heavily on these big epic special effects moments and environments. Here? It's more about interacting within the environment, the childhood love for discovery and believing in a world far larger than it seems.
This is where the film does have quite a wholesome concept. It really is about that childhood perspective on the world. Where a few steps outdoors has the world feeling like it's an endless place of mystery just waiting to be discovered. Before digital maps, the Internet, mobile phones, and of course just a more connected space. I think there's something quite special there that has also, perhaps even unknowingly for many, been the reason as to why the film managed to resonate with audiences throughout the years of its existence. It's not just the performances, it's not just the characters, or the little comedic moments and 80s touch. It calls to something deeper within.
I'd say I enjoyed watching it again, it has been a while since the last time. And it did feel like a film that is vastly different to everything I had been watching recently. Partially because it is a bit older and was made under different filmmaking standards, but also because it is a film that is rarely seen today. It's certainly not the best, but it has that charm that really stands out. I'd say it holds up!
