My earliest memory of watching The Goonies goes as follows: I’m sitting in the dark, red-curtained Ruston movie theater, turned backwards in my seat, because watching the tiny version of the movie showing in the projector was less scary than seeing a chained Sloth trying to get out of his chair, showing on the big screen!
For days, or perhaps even weeks, after watching this movie in the theater, I was afraid that I would wake up during the night and see Sloth standing at the foot of my bed. I was seven years old when this movie was released in 1985, and I was really disturbed by Sloth and a couple other things about it. So then, imagine how surprised I was when my two year old’s first favorite movie wasn’t Cars or Toy Story, or a Disney animated movie. No, Benjamin’s first joy over a movie-watching experience was The Goonies.
A few weeks ago, Brad started watching this classic adventure movie while Benjamin was in the room. Before long, Benjamin was snuggled up next to him saying, “Let’s see what happens next!” A few viewing installments later, Benjamin had officially watched his first feature length film. I kept expecting him to cover his eyes, say he was afraid, or wake up during the night crying about Sloth. Instead, every time Brad turned on the tv, Benjamin enthusiastically shouted, “Let’s watch Goonies!”
What a fun first movie for a little boy to enjoy: an epic adventure featuring secret passageways, hidden treasure, booby traps, pirates, and yes, even a disfigured but good-hearted hero. And despite all my worrying about it giving him nightmares, so far the only part that has disturbed Benjamin is when the Goonies’ antics cause the water pressure at the country club to go haywire, resulting in some guy sitting on a toilet getting thrown off by a geyser of water. Before this scene resurfaced (he and Brad have watched the movie a few times now), he kept repeating something about them “putting him in the potty,” and we couldn’t figure out what he was talking about. I guess that scene may set us back a bit with potty training!
Since Benjamin has enjoyed watching this movie with Brad so much, I have scheduled a couple more children’s movies to record on our Tivo: Ratatouille and Aladdin. The key seems to be watching in 20 minute increments, and making it a family event. I have a feeling that by the time Benjamin gets tired of this movie (if he ever does!), Brad and I will be able to quote every line! (So far, my favorite moments are when Sean Astin says, “Out there, it’s their time. In here, it’s our time!” and “Goonies never say die!”) I look forward to giving Benjamin more happy movie-watching memories. I know I have a lot from my childhood – Indiana Jones, Hoosiers, The Care Bears, etc. What were your favorite movies growing up – the ones you watched over and over again?
































































































As I write this post, I am happy to be back in the comfort of my own home. Specifically, I’m sitting at my desk with a cup of strong coffee (no more weak hotel coffee for me, thank you), listening to the whir of Benjamin’s sound machine over the monitor as he continues to sleep peacefully. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, but it’s always nice to return to the familiar. Now, on to the rundown of the final day of our trip, which mostly involved the journey home.





























