the mommy avenger

There are certain movies that stitch themselves so deeply into the fabric of your childhood that just hearing the opening music can make you feel like you’re right back in your friend’s basement, huddled in sleeping bags, whispering excitedly over a bowl of popcorn and M & M’s. The Goonies is one of those movies. And getting to see it on the big screen again—this time in celebration of its 40th anniversary, surrounded by other grown-up kids like me—was everything I didn’t know I needed. Add Sean Astin himself to the mix, and suddenly you’ve got a night worthy of the Truffle Shuffle itself.

This magical movie night took place at the always impressive Kingsbury Hall, a venue that feels historic and grand without ever losing its sense of fun. Perfect for an event as heartwarming as this one. As we filed into the theater, you could feel the excitement. People were dressed in Goonies shirts and pirate-themed accessories, quoting lines before the film even started. It was like stepping into a secret society where everyone knew the password was “HEY YOU GUYYYYYYS!”

The lights dimmed, the classic score filled the air, and suddenly we were back in Astoria, Oregon—home to a ragtag group of underdog kids who stumble upon a treasure map and decide to chase adventure one last time before their town is torn apart by greedy developers. Watching it with an audience full of fellow fans—laughing at Chunk’s over-the-top confessions, holding our breath as the Fratellis closed in, cheering for every booby trap conquered and every friendship deepened—it was a shared nostalgia-fest in the very best way. We all knew the lines, we all knew the plot twists, but somehow it felt fresh and electric again, like we were part of it. Like we were Goonies, too.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I caught a glimpse of Sean Astin himself, standing offstage and watching along with us during some of the movie’s most memorable moments. There was something so touching about that. Here’s someone who’s gone on to play epic roles like Samwise Gamgee and Bob from Stranger Things, and yet you could tell The Goonies still holds a special place in his heart. It made the whole night feel even more intimate, more personal—like we weren’t just revisiting a movie, we were revisiting a shared childhood memory with one of the kids who lived it.

Once the credits rolled, the fun didn’t stop. Sean Astin came out to thunderous applause for a talkback session, moderated by the always entertaining Andrew Lenz. The two of them had a great rapport, joking and trading stories like old friends on a couch—which, funnily enough, they kind of were. They sat in oversized chairs on stage that looked plucked right out of a cozy 80s living room, and answered questions from the audience with genuine warmth and humor.

Sean shared story after story from his time filming The Goonies, and it was such a joy to hear his perspective—not just as an actor, but as a kid living through that wild, imaginative, and somewhat chaotic adventure. He talked about what it was like working with director Richard Donner, the practical effects, the wild energy of his castmates, and even the way certain moments that seem tiny to us held big meaning behind the scenes. His eyes would light up when recalling those memories, and you could tell how much those days still meant to him.

But what really got me was how eloquently he spoke about the legacy of The Goonies. He talked about how the film perfectly captured that moment in time—a snapshot of 80s childhood, with all its scrappy independence, BMX bikes, oversized coats, and unwavering belief that adventure was always just around the corner. He reflected on how each new generation who watches it still connects with that energy, that thrill of being a kid on a mission, of believing in magic and friendship and sticking together no matter what.

As someone who did grow up in that time, every word resonated. It wasn’t just about nostalgia for the movie—it was nostalgia for the world we lived in back then. For the freedom to roam the neighborhood until the streetlights came on, for the walkie-talkies and slingshots and secret clubhouses. For that invincible belief that if you and your friends stuck together, anything was possible.

It felt like we were all just a bunch of old friends hanging out, reminiscing on the magic of our youth. The whole event had that kind of heart. Even the questions from the audience were full of love—fans asking about favorite scenes, what it was like working with certain actors, and what that kiss from Andy was like. There was laughter and a whole lot of grateful smiles.

And honestly? I could’ve stayed there for hours. I would’ve happily listened to Sean Astin tell stories all night long. His charm, his warmth, his insight—it was all just so captivating. You could tell he wasn’t just there to do a job; he was there to connect, to celebrate, to remember right alongside us. And that made all the difference.

As the evening wrapped up and we all filed out into the Salt Lake City night, I heard snippets of conversations echoing the same sentiment: That was amazing. I feel like a kid again. Can we do this every weekend? And while I might not be able to relive the 80s in quite the same way, I can say this: that night at Kingsbury Hall brought us all a little closer to those wide-eyed, adventure-hungry, treasure-chasing versions of ourselves.

I can’t wait until the next Hollywood on Broadway event. If they’re anything like this Goonies celebration, you’ll find me front row, quoting lines, maybe even bringing a Baby Ruth or two. Because like the movie says—Goonies never say die. And neither does a great night like this one.

_{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}