The Goonies (1985)

All Critics (42) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (15) | DVD (28)

It's a charmless exercise: director Richard Donner turns the kids into shrieking ferrets, and his jumpy cutting seems to lag behind the action deliberately in a curious attempt to make the film seem more chaotic and cluttered.

February 1, 2007 Full Review | Comments (16)

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

While the pre-pubescents continually scream, their doting parents prove equally odious in a finale of astounding sentimentality.

June 24, 2006 Full Review

Derek Adams

Time Out

Top Critic

The Goonies is a smooth mixture of the usual ingredients from Steven Spielberg action movies, made special because of the high-energy performances of the kids who have the adventures.

October 23, 2004 Full Review | Comment (1)

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Top Critic

The Goonies has every imaginable funhouse flourish. It has crooks, bats, cobwebs, skeletons, a lovable monster, an underground grotto and a treasure hidden by some of the most considerate, clue-loving pirates who ever lived.

August 30, 2004 Full Review

Janet Maslin

New York Times

Top Critic

A classic '80s action-fantasy -- tweens will love!

December 15, 2010 Full Review

Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

For some, The Goonies is a classic, but for others the film is simply a mediocre kids' flick.

November 6, 2010 Full Review | Comment (1)

R. L. Shaffer

IGN DVD

...lacks charm, wit, or warmth, yet appears to remain a hit with children because of its frenetic pace, slapstick gags, goofy characters, and slightly naughty language.

April 18, 2007 Full Review | Comments (12)

John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

You'll feel more like you were on a theme park ride than at a movie

March 22, 2007 Full Review

Shane Burridge

rec.arts.movies.reviews

Of its type, great fun--at least for kids.

February 6, 2007

Steve Crum

Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

Nothing more than cookbook filmmaking.

February 1, 2007 Full Review | Comment (1)

TV Guide's Movie Guide

Whether it's an organ that threatens death if the wrong note is played, a wishing well that talks back to you or a pirate ship, the surface of The Goonies is all about a child's innocence and faith in the unlikely.

July 24, 2006 Full Review

Ryan Cracknell

Movie Views

Director Richard Donner captures a lovely New England-type autumn chill and the feeling of impulsive, misspent weekends.

May 26, 2006 Full Review | Comment (1)

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

All parceled up in one of those gooey 'money doesn't buy happiness' endings so beloved by multimillionaire producers.

June 8, 2005 Full Review | Comments (5)

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Tries way too hard.

November 2, 2004 | Comments (4)

Kevin Carr

7M Pictures

Loads of fun for kids and tweeners, or at least it was back in the '80s.

October 7, 2004

Rob Thomas

Capital Times (Madison, WI)

A rolicking good time is had by all in this adventure that is built on archetypal plot strands that tie together oh so well.

October 6, 2004 Full Review

Empire Magazine

A contemporary equivalent to the Hardy Boys adventure tales.

August 22, 2004 Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

a nostalgic gem

July 11, 2004

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

A teen and pre-teen adventure tale fondly remembered by everyone I know.

August 15, 2003

Nick Davis

Nick's Flick Picks

Sick, rude fun.

March 10, 2003 Full Review

Marjorie Baumgarten

Austin Chronicle

• 1. Mikey: Shut up about that stuff, my dad'll fix it.
  2. Brand: Ya sure he will, if he gets his next 400 pay checks by tomorrow afternoon.
  3. Mikey: That's wrong, Brand! It won't happen.
  – Submitted by Dylan F (5 months ago)
• 1. Mikey: We had our hands on the future, but we blew it to save our own lives.... Sorry.
  2. Mr. Walsh: That's all right. You and Brand are home safe with your mom and me, that makes us the richest people in Astoria.
  – Submitted by Dylan F (5 months ago)
• 1. Mikey: Thanks, Brand.
  2. Brand: I know how ya feel wimp, I'm sure gonna miss this place, too.
  – Submitted by Dylan F (5 months ago)
• 1. Stef: Brand, God put that rock there for a purpose... and, um... I'm not so sure you should, um... move it..
  – Submitted by Sheriea J (9 months ago)
• 1. Brand: I'm going to hit you so hard that when you wake up, your clothes will be out of style!
  – Submitted by Moe J (10 months ago)
• 1. Troy: Annie you Goonie.
  – Submitted by Jeanette M (10 months ago)

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