By Joe and Clo

Themes and Issues in The Goonies and Stand by Me

Themes: The Goonies and Stand By Me

1. Coming of age (SIMILAR)2. Family Values (DIFFERENT)3. The rise of the underdog (SIMILAR)4. Loyalty and Friendship (SIMILAR)5. Determination (Never giving up) (DIFFERENT)6. Unity (DIFFERENT)

1. Coming of Age (SIMILAR)• This themes is evident in both of the key texts, as each of the children mature as

they progress through their adventure. An example of this in Stand by Me is when the children are in the camp fire scene and they opt to stand on guard to protect each other, this is a very adult-like approach to the situation.

• Similarly in the Goonies the children mature, as they realise their lives are at risk. Obviously they began only wanting to obtain the treasure, however when they get to the treasure Mikey decides to leave some treasure from Willy, which is a very adult like thing to do.

• The fact that Chris a young boy acts as a father role figure to his best friend represents him as extremely mature, as he insists and encourages Geordie to become a writer, as he is thinks he is talented. Gordie is constructed as being older, attempting to lead Chris on the right path – like a parent would.

• All of the children mature on this journey within the idea of fighting for survival such as when Andy fails to play piano correctly , but they still have faith in her, and cheer her on in confident attitude – at this point the have matured as they use a sense of encouragement for survival

2. Family Values (DIFFERENT)

• This is a theme that is different within both of the texts. The Goonies highlights love within family, the end scene where data’s dad says “You are my best creation”. Here they learn that family value is more precious, as they cherish their friendships ad love over jewels.

• However, in Stand by Me there is a sense of isolation and neglect, which is perhaps the overall reason why they pursue their adventure. The relationship between their families are disjointed, Gordie is ignored, Teddy’s dad is mental, Vern’s parents ignore the bullying he receives and Chris is stereotyped to be a low life thief, like his alcoholic father.

3. The Rise of the Underdog (SIMILAR)

• The theme of the rise of the underdog is illustrated within each of these films. For example Chris in Stand by Me is stereo typed according to his family who are criminals and alcoholics, therefore people judge him and believe he is also a ‘lowlife’ yet we learn to admire his character, as the young children are represented as positive. This is because Chris does not conform to the perceptions and stigmas attached to his family, as he is genuinely caring and grows up and proves us all wrong, as he grows up to be a successful lawyer. This therefore shows that he is the underdog, as he is unable to change his perception in other peoples eyes. The fact that he becomes a lawyer positions the audience in having a sense of achievement. Similarly in the Goonies we believe that Sloth is a monster, as he is fabricated to come across as scary within outcast look, yet he ends up being the ‘hero’ as he befriends the children and helps save them. The fact that the kids come up against experienced criminals automatically makes them the underdogs, they come out on top, especially Chunk (The least expected hero). Hence why it is the ride of the underdog.

4. Loyalty and Friendship (SIMILAR) - This theme is represented within Chunks character, such as at the end

he protects sloth with his pizza box, at this point we can see that he chooses friendship over his love for food. Therefore this emphasizes the loyalty and friendship. Also a wide shot of all the children huddling together imdicates their close bond In which the share as a group

- Loyalty and friendship is also highlighted in Stand by Me in a number of scenes, for example the train scene when Teddy attempts to dodge the train. But Chris being the good friend he is moves him away so he is safe. This shows that he generally cares for his friends. Also, the last quote of the film highlights the friendship that Gordie experienced…

“I never had any friends like the ones I had when I was twelve... Jesus, does anyone?”