The Goonies

The Goonies is currently streaming in Australia on HBO Max, and in the US on fuboTV, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. With 6,279 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Sean Astin leads a cast with real comic timing. Start it on HBO Max whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Goonies earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Goonies from the crowd. Young teen Mikey Walsh and his friends set off on a quest to find Pirate One-Eyed Willie's treasure in hopes of saving their homes from demolition. However, on their quest to find the treasure, they run into a family of recently escaped criminals, determined to capture the kids and reach the treasure first. Sean Astin and Josh Brolin lead a cast with the timing to make it work. The Goonies came out in 1985. What keeps The Goonies from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The Goonies respects your intelligence. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Sean Astin is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.