Why We Treasure the Goonies (More than Modern Stories)
Why do so many modern kids' stories seem…bleh?
Children raised in the 80s on stories like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Princess Bride, Disney, and the Muppets were treated to iconic characters traveling through magical worlds in a story created by people who actually seemed to have fun crafting their stories.
In contrast, while there are exceptions, the general perception of “blockbuster” kids’ stories today is…boring.
They have action. Impressive visuals. Market-researched characters.
Yet behind the glitzy veneer, they lack…interesting-ness.
Why?
Let’s rewind back to 1985’s release of The Goonies.
The Goonies stands out as an example of all that was fun about stories in the 80s. While there are complexities to consider including supply & demand, on-demand viewing, & other factors, The Goonies has 3 elements which seem to be missing in modern stories these days:
Iconic Characters (vs. Politically Correct Characters)
Magical Worlds (vs. Magical Visuals)
Story-Focused (vs. Message-Focused)
1. ICONIC CHARACTERS
From the outset of the film, The Goonies sets up the premise while introducing the Fratelli’s, Mikey, Brand, Mouth, Data, Andy, Stef, and of course, Chunk. They are real people with quirks, strengths, & weaknesses. These characters are not simply avatars to advance the story, but the foundation of the story itself. Their choices, adventures, and humor actually drive the story and bring it to life.
When a character is one-dimensional or co-opted to serve a political message (as found in modern films), we miss out on the subtlety, personality, and nuance that real people live out. This lack of character then unfolds into a lack of impact on a story, which develops into a less interesting story.
2. MAGICAL WORLDS
Ironically, the “magical” worlds of The Goonies are not magical at all, since they are set in a very realistic time and place. However, there is a richness & charm expressed to its various locations. Even Mikey & Brand’s house has a rube goldberg machine to open the gate, a zipline for Data to enter from, and a mysterious attic. The underground caverns & pirate ship are full of booby traps, pitfalls, and charm.
These places are explored in the film, not simply visited. Modern stories tend to create quick cuts of beautiful visuals that are not explored or lived in. They can seem nothing more than a selfie taken in the car passing by a scenic overlook without stopping to enjoy the view and hike through it.
The Goonies, on the other hand, stays in its locations long enough to make them memorable. It brings you into the space, explores it, and celebrates it. The house, restaurant, caverns, and treasure ship become charming characters unto themselves that we enjoy visiting and interacting with.
3. STORY-FOCUSED
The Goonies simply allows itself be what it was intended - a funny, adventure movie for kids. No politically-charged breaks in the action or random characters to advance a certain cause out of context for the film. It’s just trying to be a fun story.
By contrast, many kids' movies today are not allowed to simply be fun stories. They are forced into becoming political mouthpieces as well. There is always room for expressing beliefs, themes, and values through a story - but lately these have become pretty heavy-handed and out-of-context. It’s the equivalent of Darth Vader saying, “I Am Your Father…and I’m only that because of taxation without representation. If you voted correctly, then this wouldn’t be an issue.” They’re kind of feeling like the Christian movies of the 80s - they’re not great movies, but they said messages that audience agreed with. That same playbook (which didn’t work in the first place) has been co-opted by political idealogues today.
So what’s left?
Complain that the large story factories “don’t make em like they used to?”
Nah.
Instead, let’s just find, celebrate, & share good stories like The Goonies. There’s enough to go around.
While you’re at it, if you like The Goonies, you might also like H.H. Squatchington’s Edison & Graham: Misadventures of the Meinrad Manuscript. You can check it out on Amazon or read the first chapter free on the homepage here at http://squatchington.com.
Here’s to stories of wit, whimsy, & wonder,
H.H.S.P.S. (H.H. Squatchington Preservation Society)