In 2027, over four decades after the beloved Goonies first captured hearts, the long-awaited sequel Goonies 2 brings the adventurous spirit and camaraderie back to life—this time with a new generation marching on the path of treasure maps and booby-trapped caves.
The film opens in the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, where The Goonies alumni—now spread across the globe—reunite for a 40-year high school reunion. Mike “Data” Wang (Jonathan Ke Quan) returns as a seasoned inventor, while Chunk (Jeff Cohen) arrives with an unexpected swagger after becoming a travel show host. Mikey (Sean Astin) and Brand (Josh Brolin) show up with their children in tow, setting the stage for a team-up between past heroes and present explorers.
At the reunion, Data reveals he’s deciphered a second pirate map found in the same ORV storage where the original Goon Docks map was discovered. This new route hints at the legendary “Crimson Cove,” supposedly richer even than One-Eyed Willy’s cache. The map, however, is missing pieces held by each original Goonie—forcing the group and their offspring to come together once more.
Goonies 2 wisely tests nostalgic bonds while weaving fresh dynamics: Mikey’s determined son, “Skip,” displays Mike’s leadership and optimism; Data’s tech-savvy daughter, “Trixie,” echoes her father’s creativity; and quirky newcomer “Rory,” Chunk’s cousin, brings comedic relief and unorthodox problem-solving. Their chemistry becomes the heartbeat of the film, blending the earnestness of the originals with youthful curiosity.
The adventure escalates quickly: deep-sea caves brimming with bioluminescent coral, trap rooms rigged with evolving mechanical puzzles, and an underwater grotto guarded by the notorious Fratelli crime dynasty—reintroduced as a third-generation criminal outfit seeking the same treasure. Director Jennifer Lee, known for combining heart and spectacle, stages tight sequences where memories are honored without being overshadowed.
Visually, the sequel leans into immersive environments: torch-lit cavern walls, underground waterways lined with pirate skulls, and the glow of hidden troves. Practical effects and animatronics share screen time with CGI, capturing the tactile charm of the first film while allowing for modern scale and intricacy.
Thematically, Goonies 2 explores legacy, family, and the passing of the torch. The original kids grapple with aging and letting go, while the new generation grapples with expectations and identity. The message lands softly: adventuring doesn’t end with childhood—it evolves.
If there’s a critique, it lies in occasional pacing lulls during treasure-hunting expositions. But the heartfelt character beats and genuine stakes—both emotional and physical—more than compensate.
