The Goonies (
1985, Richard Donner)
Another attempt in trying to dig into the 1985 cult classic. I still can't muster up any good way to enjoy this film without having to painfully force myself.
The Goonies is all about, well, The Goonies, so they should be the most interesting, but nay, that's not the case. The are reduced to stereotypes, swapping character development for cheap, predictable laughs full of mean spirit that only makes you cringe instead of laugh in agreement and gleefulness. The only Goonie that helps makes the expedition easier is Delta, the typical Asian geek, others are reduced to pages of dialogue full of screams and horrible one-liners.
This is a PG film, but it has a lot of adult material. It prevents The Goonies from becoming a direct-to-DVD cheap family adventure, however it also restricts the possible fun and more daring, clever tone to it. Actually, it's more of the writing's fault, as in comparison
Raiders of the Lost Ark has the same rating and producing style but has a lot more thrills and charm/ wit from subtle innuendo.
I don't how much of the villains and plot I'm supposed to take seriously. In an attempt to maintain a kid friendly flick status everything is thrown in smack in the middle of a boring situation to keep things go. Suddenly, there's a map in the middle of the attic, without any convincing reason, everyone is suddenly obsessed with finding the lost treasure, and especially become sentimental about dead pirates. The villains chasing them are poorly devised. They don't generate excitement, evilness, or create more sympathy for the heroes. Why did people think the villains, usually the core of a film like this, turned into incomprehensible, clumsy and bland bunch after a promising beginning, make things funny or in the least helpful to the plot?
Overall, I'm almost ready to give up on
The Goonies, I won't be watching it again unless for a commentary, which will be fun to do. Can't wait to sink in my critical claws into it.