The Goonies (1985)

The critic calls it one of the most accomplished kids' adventures of all time, praising its crossover appeal, lively script, and elaborate sets that deliver spectacle and fun for all ages.

The critic finds the film an eminently likable romp that echoes Spielberg’s Indiana Jones films while drawing on British kids’ adventure traditions. They single out its rich air of all-American innocence for praise.

Directed by Richard Donner with Spielberg's story, the film packs every funhouse flourish including crooks, skeletons, and a ghostly pirate ship. It offers breakneck pacing and appealing young characters but has little staying power.

The film mixes Spielberg action ingredients with high-energy kid performances in a fantastical pirate treasure story. It delivers thrills and effects but feels manipulative without the sweetness of E.T.

A good-natured romp in which a gang of children search for pirate treasure while fending off crooks. The young leads are likeable and the villains provide nice hamming.

The story unfolds from the kids' viewpoint in a typical Spielberg small-town setting and takes time to get going before the treasure hunt begins. It features a fairy-tale adventure with booby traps and the Fratelli family as obstacles.

Seven kids discover a treasure map but face incompetent thieves and over-sentimental parents. The pre-pubescents scream constantly and the finale is overly sentimental.

The kids come across as real and childlike, which saves the film despite a manufactured script. Visual excitement stands out, especially the underground cavern sequence and photography.

The critic calls it original and sometimes bizarre, a timely reminder of what kids’ movies can deliver. They praise its preposterous warmth and the resourceful children battling criminals for pirate treasure.

The critic finds that The Goonies stands the test of time as a beloved adventure that still speaks true tonally. They single out the lightning-in-a-bottle cast, particularly Sean Astin’s heartfelt performance as Mikey.

The critic calls The Goonies a brilliant, iconic 80s action-adventure that is very funny and does not talk down to its audience. They single out the strong transfer and audio mix on the Blu-ray as well as the film's classic scenes and appeal.

The critic calls Donner's adventure an era-defining film that holds up beyond nostalgia thanks to its lighthearted yet scary and fun tone, skillful direction by Donner, writing by Columbus and producing by Spielberg. Iconic moments and treasure-hunting entertainment keep it engaging for adults and kids alike, though the predictable formula and Cyndi Lauper song slightly detract from five-star status.