40 Facts About The Movie The Goonies 2

The Goonies: A Classic Adventure

The Goonies, a beloved adventure comedy from the 1980s, has left a lasting impact on pop culture. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film has captivated audiences for decades. Here are 40 fascinating facts about The Goonies that delve into its production, cast, and enduring legacy.

1. Conception and Production
   Steven Spielberg conceived the story of The Goonies. Chris Columbus, known for his work on Gremlins, wrote the screenplay.

2. Director Richard Donner
   Spielberg chose Richard Donner to direct. Donner's experience with complex narratives and action sequences was crucial.

3. Cast and Characters
   The film features a talented young cast, including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, and Ke Huy Quan.

4. Auditions and Casting
   Sean Astin's original audition tape, filmed by Spielberg's assistant, can be viewed online. Corey Feldman won the role of Mouth over Corey Haim.

Filming Locations and Production Challenges

The Goonies was filmed in various locations to capture the authentic feel of the story. Here are some interesting facts about the filming process.

5. Filming Locations
   The movie was shot almost entirely in Astoria, Oregon, with additional scenes on sound stages in Burbank, California.

6. Josh Brolin’s Debut
   The Goonies marked Josh Brolin’s acting debut. He played Brand, Mikey’s older brother.

7. Jeff Cohen’s Dedication
   Jeff Cohen, who played Chunk, contracted chickenpox during filming but continued working to avoid losing his part.

8. Martha Plimpton’s Experience
   Martha Plimpton, who played Stef, had a memorable incident involving Corey Feldman, showcasing the cast's dynamic.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Many behind-the-scenes secrets contributed to the magic of The Goonies. These facts reveal some of the lesser-known aspects of the film's production.

9. Celebrity Visits
   Celebrities like Harrison Ford visited the set, adding excitement for the young actors.

10. One-Eyed Willy’s Pirate Ship
    The reveal of the pirate ship was kept secret from the young actors to ensure genuine reactions.

11. Sloth’s Transformation
    John Matuszak, who played Sloth, underwent a five-hour transformation with the help of a remote-controlled eye.

12. Deleted Scenes
    A deleted scene involving an octopus battle was referenced by Data in the final cut.

Musical Contributions and Cultural Impact

The Goonies' soundtrack and cultural references have left a lasting impression. Here are some facts about the film's music and its place in pop culture.

13. James Bond Theme
    Data’s introduction is accompanied by the James Bond theme, a nod to Spielberg’s relationship with Albert R. 'Cubby' Broccoli.

14. Cyndi Lauper’s Contribution
    Cyndi Lauper composed 'The Goonies 'R Good Enough,' which became a hit single despite her initial dislike for the song.

15. Spielberg’s Cameo
    Spielberg makes a cameo in the music video for 'The Goonies 'R' Good Enough.'

16. Original Score
    Composer Dave Grusin wrote the original score, including the famous 'Fratelli Chase' opening theme.

Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim

The Goonies achieved significant success at the box office and received positive reviews from critics. Here are some facts about its financial and critical achievements.

17. Box Office Success
    The film grossed $124 million against a $19 million budget.

18. Critical Acclaim
    Roger Ebert praised the film, calling it a fantastical story with a slice-of-life approach.

19. Video Game Spin-Offs
    The movie inspired video game spin-offs for platforms like the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.

20. Corey Feldman’s Perspective
    Corey Feldman described the movie as "the Willy Wonka of our generation."

Celebrations and Cultural References

The Goonies has become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated annually and referenced in various media. Here are some facts about its cultural impact.

21. June 7th: Goonies Day
    Astoria, Oregon, celebrates June 7th as "Goonies Day" with events and tours.

22. Sloth’s Favorite Movie
    Sloth loves the 1935 Errol Flynn adventure film Captain Blood.

23. The Fratellis Appreciate Opera
    The Fratellis sing opera, adding humor and depth to their characters.

24. Chester Copperpot’s Photo
    Chester Copperpot’s photo is alleged to be of actor Keenan Wynn.

Special Effects and Easter Eggs

The Goonies used creative special effects and included hidden Easter eggs that fans continue to discover. Here are some interesting facts about these elements.

25. Bats in the Cave
    The bats were created using bow ties and black papier-mâché blown out of air cannons.

26. The Goonies and Gremlins Connection
    The Goonies takes place in the same universe as Gremlins, evident in a reference made by a police officer.

27. Spielberg’s Secret Direction
    Spielberg directed a few scenes, including the underground pipes and wishing well scenes.

28. The Slide at the End
    The slide to One-Eyed Willy’s ship was a real, fully functioning waterslide.

Genuine Reactions and Memorable Moments

The Goonies is filled with genuine reactions and memorable moments that have become iconic. Here are some facts about these unforgettable scenes.

29. Genuine Reactions
    The Goonies’ reaction to One-Eyed Willy’s ship was genuine, as the actors saw it for the first time during filming.

30. Corey Feldman’s Character
    Corey Feldman’s character, Mouth, was aptly named for his talkative nature.

31. Data’s Mentioned Scene
    Data mentions a deleted octopus scene, adding a layer of mystery for viewers.

32. Hidden Easter Eggs
    The Goonies contains hidden references to other films, adding depth for eagle-eyed fans.

Quotable Lines and Potential Sequel

The Goonies is known for its quotable lines and the ongoing interest in a potential sequel. Here are some facts about these aspects.

33. Quotable Lines
    The movie is packed with memorable quotes like “Goonies never say die” and “It’s our time down here.”

34. Potential Sequel
    Talks of a sequel have persisted, highlighting the film’s enduring popularity.

35. Underground Tunnels
    The Goonies inspired many kids to dream of finding secret passageways in their neighborhoods.

36. Perseverance
    The movie’s message of perseverance resonates with viewers, inspiring them to overcome obstacles.

Games and Iconic Set Pieces

The Goonies has inspired board games and features iconic set pieces that have become synonymous with the film. Here are some facts about these elements.

37. Board Games
    Board games based on the movie allowed fans to embark on their own treasure-hunting adventures.

38. Iconic Set Pieces
    Memorable locations like the Goonies’ hideout and the entrance to the underground tunnels are often referenced in popular culture.

39. Influence from Classic Adventure Stories
    The Goonies pays homage to classic adventure tales, blending old and new elements for a timeless quality.

40. Enduring Appeal
    The Goonies remains a beloved classic, continuing to inspire and entertain generations of fans.

The Goonies' Enduring Legacy

The Goonies has left an indelible mark on pop culture. From its memorable characters to iconic quotes, this film continues to inspire and entertain. The dedication of the cast and crew, along with the creative genius of Spielberg and Donner, crafted a timeless adventure that resonates with audiences of all ages. The potential for a sequel keeps fans hopeful, but even without one, the original movie stands strong. Celebrations like Goonies Day in Astoria, Oregon, and the film's influence on video games and board games show its lasting impact. Whether you're revisiting the movie or discovering it for the first time, The Goonies remains a beloved classic that never fails to deliver excitement and heart.