Aging brings with it a unique lens through which we view familiar experiences. Take cinema, for instance. A film you cherished in your youth takes on a different meaning as the years pass, revealing layers you may not have noticed before. Recently, while rewatching The Goonies—celebrating its 40th anniversary on June 7—I found myself reflecting on its deeper implications.
This film is closely tied to my family, especially my late parents and my brother, who fondly referred to as “Chunk.” We’ve cherished The Goonies for its captivating adventure narrative—running out with friends, embarking on quests, and ultimately discovering treasures. Yet, my older perspective has shed light on some inconsistencies within the plot.
What Is the Core Conflict of The Goonies?
In The Goonies, a group of kids faces eviction from their homes due to a wealthy developer’s plan to build a golf course in their neighborhood, Astoria, Oregon. To save their homes, they embark on a treasure hunt to find valuable “rich stuff.” As a child, this conflict felt straightforward and urgent. However, as an adult grappling with real-world finances, I began to see gaps in this storyline.
Why Does the Eviction Process Seem Flawed?
Mr. Perkins, head of Perkins Financial, threatens to foreclose on approximately 50 homes. Foreclosure implies that families can’t meet mortgage payments, but how does an entire neighborhood suddenly face financial ruin? The film does hint at these complexities, yet it remains vague about the reasons behind this catastrophic hardship.
- The Goon Docks neighborhood appears prosperous, with thriving local business and families engaging in hobbies like piano lessons and racing. So, why are so many families on the brink of losing their homes?
- Astoria looks like a robust community. It’s hard to believe that wealthier families in a thriving area collectively hit rock bottom all at once.
What Might Have Caused This Financial Downfall?
As I reconsider the narrative, I’m left wondering: did a bad investment collectively harm these families? Did a disaster or economic crisis affect the community’s financial stability? Alternatively, could a significant number of families have been renting instead of owning their homes?
This leads to a critical question: how does wealth disparity affect the children of The Goonies? The potential complexities of ownership vs. renting complicate the premise. The Goonies believe that treasure will solve their problems, yet acquiring money alone may not protect renters from eviction.
Is One Bag of Jewels Enough?
At the climax, Mikey discovers a bag of precious jewels, leading to the destruction of the foreclosure paperwork. However, can one bag really save a neighborhood? Brand claims their debt could amount to nearly $400,000 (approximately €375,000). With 50 families at risk, that’s a staggering total. The jewels Mikey finds could easily be worth millions, but do they truly cover the expenses?
Childhood logic doesn’t question such details. At that age, treasures were simply valuable—and the heroes prevailed. But as adults, we can’t overlook these plot holes. For fun, one might ponder what might happen to the unclaimed pirate treasure, drifting in the ocean after the film ends. Would someone sail out to retrieve it? Who would legally own it?
What Can We Take Away from This Reflection?
Being nitpicky shows our growth as viewers. In the 1980s, the origins of conflict often took a back seat to adventure and friendship. Yet, now we engage in deeper discussions about themes of community and resilience. In a way, that’s part of the magic of stories like The Goonies: they continue to provoke thought long after they’ve ended.
As a classic film, The Goonies is currently streaming on HBO Max. With a sequel reportedly in the works, perhaps we’ll uncover more about the community’s struggles in 1985.
What lasting impact has The Goonies had on popular culture? Its themes of friendship and adventure resonate across generations, which fans continue to celebrate.
Why do we still discuss movie flaws years later? Stories evolve in our minds as we age, highlighting different facets than when we first encountered them.
Will a sequel address unanswered questions? The upcoming film may explore unresolved storylines, including potential community backstories and ownership issues.
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