The Goonies Movie Essay

One movie that pertains to the family adolescent life cycle is The Goonies. Not only is this movie a cult classic, but it also gives a great perspective on an adolescent’s life cycle. This movie revolves around a group of kids in search of a way to save their home from the rich towns people. While on this search they stumble on treasure map from the infamous “One Eyed Willy”. Thus begins the adventures of the Goonies on their mission to save their homes.
The reason I choose this movie was quite simple. I was raised on this movie, not only is it one of my favorites, it clearly demonstrates the many facets of adolescent behaviors in the family life cycle. One of the main characters, Mikey, played by Sean Astin is of adolescent age. Throughout

We are introduced to adolescence in the 5th stage of development. Adolescence begins for boys around the age of 14 and continues up until the age of 21 years of age. At this stage of development, there are many changes that occur emotionally, physically, sexually and spiritually (McGoldrick, Carter, & Garcia Preto, 2011). At this time, adolescent kids are going through changes in their body. They are dealing with coming into their own sexuality. Skills pertaining to social skills and social relationships are being developed through experience. Adolescents are also increasing their skills of physical and mental coordination, such as learning about the world and working on their own coordination. Adolescence is also characterized by learning their own identity and where they fit in the world, as well as learning their relationship with peers and those around them. Spiritual identity is also developed along with a deeper understanding of life. Independence is something that is also weighing on the mind of an adolescent. Overall changes in the family structure can also occur when a child of this age reaches this

Mikey and his fellow comrades, the Goonies, are together throughout the whole movie. Each particular member brings a certain aspect to the group. Literature states that boys tend to interact in more of a group setting (Fabes, Martin, & Hanish, 2003). One of Mikey’s noticeable qualities is a new found sense of independence. As adolescents begin to mature emotionally, they want to refrain from boyhood things, into a more mature state (McGoldrick, Carter, & Garcia Preto, 2011). This is characterized by Mikey’s need to explore and take on a new adventure to save his family home. Mikey and the Goonies find themselves in one part of the movie, at the local wishing well. At this time, Mikey gives a speech about choosing to take a risk and continue the adventure versus riding up a bucket into a reality that will be changing dramatically. Now since it is the movies of course; we know that at the end of the movie all will be right in the world. However, in a real life scenario, with armed and dangerous escapees following you, you might try to find a way out immediately, versus continue on an adventure for a dead pirate’s gold. Research shows evidence that increases in sensation seeking, risk-taking and reckless behavior in adolescence is influenced by puberty and not chronological age (Steinberg, 2005). Mikey is also using his newly founded cognitive skills of problem solving to work through