The Goonies

About to be separated when rich businessmen demolish their homes for a new golf course, a close group of childhood friends find an old map and some clues to the whereabouts of a legendary pirate's treasure. Located nearby, the gang race off and negotiate their way a maze full of booby traps and danger, while pursued by a notorious crime family also on the trail.

Is the Goonies the definitive 'I watched it growing up' movie? Quite possibly. Thankfully though, along with the likes of Raiders Of The Lost Ark, The Karate Kid and Back To The Future, this cult classic isn't just good because of rose-tinted nostalgia - it holds up well. But then, with the dream trio of Richard Donner (Superman, Lethal Weapon) directing, Chris Columbus (Adventures In Baby Sitting, the first two Harry Potters) writing and Steven Spielberg producing (or co-directing as rumour suggests), how could it not be? For both adults and kids Donner's era-defining adventure is at once lighthearted, serious, scary and lots of fun.

Looking back, there's plenty to re-discover. Yes, Sean Astin who played Sam from Lord Of The Rings is the non-fat, cute main kid Mikey. Yes, a very young, pre-fame Josh Brolin is his older brother. And yes, Robert Davi and Joe Pantoliano are the two villainous Fratelli sons. But once you get past that and all the iconic moments (the truffle shuffle, "Sloth love Chunk", "Heeeey you guys!"), the pirates, deathtraps and treasure-hunting remain entertaining given how skillfully Dick Donner and the beard pull it all off.

True, the formula seems predictable now and Cyndi Lauper steals it from five-star greatness, but if you don't like The Goonies you may be a little dead inside.