Today on Movie Wars, we dig into the cult classic that every ’80s kid swears by—The Goonies. Executive chef and stand-up comedian Matt West joins us, bringing his unique mix of behind-the-scenes kitchen chaos and sharp comedy chops to one of the most divisive nostalgia bombs in movie history.

We get real about whether The Goonies is a timeless adventure film or just a messy pile of pirate tropes, bad ADR, and awkward kid humor. From the infamous Truffle Shuffle and questionable shower scene, to Spielberg’s heavy hand behind the camera and Richard Donner’s chaotic direction, we pull no punches. Is it actually a great kids-ensemble like Stand By Me and Sandlot—or just a movie propped up by fond VHS memories?

Expect plenty of hot takes: we debate the best child casts ever, the dark truth about child actors in Hollywood, and whether the movie’s problematic humor makes it tough to revisit today. Plus, Matt riffs on food allergies, why Sloth might secretly be a commentary on the American healthcare system, and why sequels would’ve destroyed the original’s mythos.

And of course, we load up the “Randos” with wild behind-the-scenes trivia (did you know Chunk filmed the Truffle Shuffle with chickenpox?) and close it all out with the War Card to decide once and for all if The Goonies holds up—or if it’s just pure nostalgia bait.

🎧 Strap in, hit play, and maybe do the Truffle Shuffle on your way to hitting that subscribe button.

Show Notes:

• 🎬 Honest rewatch of The Goonies with Matt West—expect hot takes and unpopular opinions
• 👦 Child ensemble face-off: The Goonies vs. Sandlot, Stand By Me, Stranger Things, and more
• 🚨 Problematic humor + child actor exploitation: what hasn’t aged well in ’80s kid movies
• 🤡 Food, comedy, and chaos—Matt West breaks down the overlap between cooking and stand-up
• 💡 Behind-the-scenes trivia: Spielberg’s influence, Richard Donner’s direction style, and Chunk’s chickenpox
• ⚖️ Final verdict: Does The Goonies hold up, or is it running on nostalgia fumes?