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The Goonies Facts & Worksheets

“The Goonies” is a 1985 classic adventure film directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg. Known as a story about friendship and adventure, the film revolves around a group of young friends living in the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, who call themselves “The Goonies.”

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“The Goonies” is a 1985 classic adventure film directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg. Known as a story about friendship and adventure, the film revolves around a group of young friends living in the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, who call themselves “The Goonies.” The characters include Mikey (Sean Astin), Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Data (Jonathan Ke Huy Quan), Mouth (Corey Feldman), and others. “The Goonies” is now regarded as a cult classic enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

See the fact file below for more information about the Film Study, The Goonies or you can download our 28-page The Goonies worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

FILM RELEASE

  • “The Goonies” is a 1985 American adventure comedy film directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg.
  • The film emerged during the 1980s, a golden cinematic era of adventurous and imaginative storytelling.
  • The 1980s were marked by a surge in family-oriented, coming-of-age films, and ‘The Goonies” stood out as a prime example that combined humor, heart, and a sense of wonder.
  • At that time, Spielberg’s influence on cinema was profound.

PLOT SUMMARY

  • “The Goonies” unfolds in the picturesque coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, where a group of friends who call themselves the Goonies are about to lose their homes because of a property development plan.
  • The film centers on Mikey Walsh (Sean Astin), his older brother Brand (Josh Brolin), and their friends Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Data (Ke Huy Quan), Mouth (Corey Feldman), and Andy (Kerri Green). 
  • Faced with the possibility of disbanding, the group stumbles upon an old treasure map in Mikey’s attic. 
  • The map sets them on an exciting quest to find the hidden fortune of the legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy, and they hope it can save their homes from being taken away.
  • As the Goonies follow the map, they encounter all sorts of challenges, like booby traps and secret passages, making their journey feel like a giant puzzle.
  • The best part is that they have to work together, and each uses their unique skills to overcome these obstacles. 
  • Mikey emerges as the leader.
  • Chunk is strong and resourceful despite being clumsy.
  • Data is the tech-savvy one of the group who equips himself with inventive gadgets, including his famous Pinchers of Peril and spring-loaded shoes.
  • Mouth showcases his linguistic skills by translating Spanish for the group.
  • As the protective older brother, Brand brings physical strength to the group and helps them out in dangerous situations.
  • Andy and Stef work together, complementing each other’s strengths.
  • The Goonies’ adventure gets even more intense when they run into the Fratelli family, a group of criminals, also after the treasure. 
  • Mama Fratelli, along with her sons Jake and Francis, adds a bit of suspense and excitement to the story.
  • The Goonies have to be smart and brave to outwit the Fratellis and reach the treasure before it’s too late.
  • The movie overall shows how friends can overcome challenges when they stick together.

KEY CHARACTERS AND CAST

  • Michael “Mikey” Walsh (played by Sean Astin) is the heart and soul of the Goonies.
  • Filled with wonder and determination, Mikey is fueled by a belief in adventure and the possibility of finding One-Eyed Willy’s treasure.
  • That is why he naturally embodies the role of an inspiring leader.
  • Brandon “Brand” Walsh (Josh Brolin) is Mikey’s older brother, who is characterized by his protective instincts and a sense of responsibility for the younger Goonies.
  • Lawrence “Chunk” Cohen (Jeff Cohen) is the lovable and clumsy member known for his hearty appetite and genuine nature.
  • Chunk has a knack for finding himself in comical situations, which makes him a key source of comic relief in the film.
  • Richard “Data” Wang is the inventive and tech-savvy member of the Goonies.
  • A big James Bond fanatic, Data is characterized by his enthusiasm for gadgets and his endearing determination to contribute to the adventure.
  • Data’s gadgets and ingenious inventions, such as his Pinchers of Peril and spring-loaded shoes, play a key role in overcoming obstacles and navigating the underground tunnels.
  • Clark “Mouth” Devereaux (Corey Feldman) is witty, talkative, and known for his sarcastic humor and linguistic skills.
  • Mouth’s ability to speak Spanish becomes a valuable asset in translating clues.
  • Lotney “Sloth” Fratelli (John Matuszak) is associated with the Fratelli family at first but then he eventually turns against them to help the Goonies.
  • Andrea Theresa “Andy” Carmichael (Kerri Green) is cheerful and optimistic, while Stephanie “Stef” Steinbrenner (Martha Plimpton) is more pragmatic and outspoken. 
  • Andy and Stef work together and complement each other’s strengths.

THEMES

  • At its core, “The Goonies” celebrates the power of friendship.
  • The bond between Mikey, Chunk, Data, Mouth, and the others is central to the story. 
  • The group’s unwavering support for one another and their shared determination in the face of adversity highlight the strength of true friendships, which also emphasizes the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Amid the challenges, the spirit of youthful adventure and the boundless imagination and sense of wonder of children take center stage in the film.
  • The quest for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure is a metaphor for the pursuit of dreams and the thrill of discovery.
  • Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the movie evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. 
  • Overall, the themes of adolescence, self-discovery, and the transition to adulthood resonate with viewers.

THE MAKING OF THE FILM

  • “The Goonies” is a collaborative effort between director Richard Donner and producer Steven Spielberg.
  • Fans of the movie often visit Astoria, Oregon, to see locations like the Goonies House and the famous Goonies Rock.
  • The cast, especially the young actors, enjoyed playing pranks on each other during filming.
  • Many of the funny lines in the film were improvised by them.
  • One fun fact is that Chunk’s iconic dance, the Truffle Shuffle, was not originally scripted. 
  • Actor Jeff Cohen improvised the scene during auditions, becoming a memorable moment in the film.
  • Unlike Chunk’s Truffle Shuffle, an entire scene featuring a giant octopus attacking the Goonies was filmed but ultimately cut from the final version.
  • Eagle-eyed viewers might spot hidden Mickey Mouse shapes throughout the film, which is a nod to the iconic Disney character.

CULTURAL IMPACT AND RECEPTION

  • The mix of adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments in “The Goonies” has influenced the creation of subsequent family-oriented and coming-of-age films.
  • Lines like “Goonies never say die!” and scenes such as the Truffle Shuffle have become iconic in popular culture. 
  • “The Goonies” has amassed a dedicated cult following over the years, with fans organizing events, screenings, and conventions celebrating the film and the key characters.
  • A range of merchandise, including T-shirts, action figures, and collectibles, has emerged from the movie’s success.

The Goonies Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Film Study, The Goonies across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about The Goonies. Known as a story about friendship and adventure, the film revolves around a group of young friends living in the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, who call themselves “The Goonies.”

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. The Goonies Facts
  2. Movie Map
  3. Who is What?
  4. Fill in as You Watch
  5. Quotes to Characters
  6. Resolve on Your Own
  7. Vocab Building
  8. Study the Theme Song
  9. Character Interview
  10. Theme Analysis
  11. Film Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basic plot of “The Goonies”?

“The Goonies” is a 1985 adventure film directed by Richard Donner. The story follows a group of kids from the Goon Docks neighborhood in Astoria, Oregon, who embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure. During their quest, they encounter a series of booby traps and challenges while being pursued by a family of criminals.

Who are the main characters in “The Goonies”?

The main characters include Mikey Walsh (played by Sean Astin), Brand Walsh (played by Josh Brolin), Mouth (played by Corey Feldman), Data (played by Ke Huy Quan), Chunk (played by Jeff Cohen), Andy (played by Kerri Green), and Stef (played by Martha Plimpton).

What is the treasure that the Goonies are searching for?

The Goonies are searching for the treasure of the infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy. Legend has it that the treasure is hidden somewhere in the caves and tunnels beneath their town.

Who are the antagonists in “The Goonies”?

The Fratelli family serves as the main antagonists in the film. The family consists of Mama Fratelli (played by Anne Ramsey) and her two sons, Jake (played by Robert Davi) and Francis (played by Joe Pantoliano). They are criminals on the run who inadvertently become entangled with the Goonies during their treasure hunt.

What is the significance of the pirate ship in the film?

The pirate ship, which turns out to be One-Eyed Willy’s long-lost vessel, is a central element of the treasure hunt. The Goonies discover the ship hidden in an underground cavern, and it becomes a crucial part of the adventure as they navigate through its traps and challenges to find the treasure.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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