Character Analysis
Following the Ringleader
If it weren't for Attila, the Huns would have been aimless. If it weren't for Peter Pan, the Lost Boys would still be…lost. And if it weren't for Mikey, the Goonies would just be a bunch of kids hanging out on a couch somewhere.
We're definitely not saying that Mikey does all the heavy lifting—where would the Goonies be without Data's invention, for example?—but even within groups of like-minded individuals, it generally takes someone with a bit of initiative to get anything done.
Among the Goonies, Mikey is the clear leader. He probably organized the club to begin with (although we're never explicitly told that's the case). But he's the one pressing the buttons and giving inspirational speeches. He's the driving force.
It's Mikey who discovers the map and doubloon. It's Mikey who uses the doubloon to put the pieces together and figures out where they need to go. It's Mikey who leads the Goonies into the basement and into the tunnels, Mikey who urges everyone not to touch Willy's private stash, and Mikey who talks everyone out of riding up Troy's bucket:
MIKEY: I forgot. But still...don't you realize? The next time we see sky it'll be over another town. The next time you take a test, it'll be in some other school. Our parents, they want the bestest stuff for us. But right now they gotta do what's right for them, 'cause it's their time. Their time, up there. Down here it's our time. It's our time down here. That's all over the second we ride up Troy's bucket.
We hope the kid is running for class president, because he's got the goods.
But Mikey's leadership skillz are most clearly in evidence when you check out the contrast between his own ambition and the hesitance of his followers. Chunk tells him early on that he doesn't want to go on any more of his "crazy Goonie adventures." Brand makes several efforts to turn Mikey around. And Andy is leading the charge to head back up to the surface after they reach the wishing well. But through it all, Mikey remains steadfast and dedicated to his purpose—getting his hands on that treasure so that he, his family, and his friends won't be uprooted.
We have to give Mikey props for fortitude: once escaped convicts start shooting at us, we usually call it quits.
Willy or Won't He?
We're willing to bet that this is the first and only film to feature a touching relationship between a young boy and a deceased pirate.
The connection between Mikey and One-Eyed Willy is an unusual one, to say the least. For one thing, Mikey isn't just interested in uncovering a treasure and ravaging the loot. He respects Willy. He's fascinated by the story and inspired by the pirate's efforts to protect his fortune from unworthy adversaries. If Willy were still around, you get the impression that Mikey would be his #1 fanboy.
But…why? Aside from the fact that pirates and shipwrecks and all that are mysterious and cool, why does Mikey have so much obvious respect for the dude?
The answer can probably be found in this monologue:
MIKEY: Geez. And all these guys must've died. Willy. One-Eyed Willy. Hello. I'm Mike Walsh, you've been expecting me. Haven't you? Well, I made it. I beat you. I got here in once piece. So far. So, that's why they call you One-Eyed Willy. One-Eyed Willy. We had a lot in common, huh, Willy? You know something Willy? You were the first Goonie.
Mikey delivers this one right to Willy's face after encountering him in the pirate's lair. It's an admission that, while Mikey may have done significantly less pillaging than Willy, the two have quite a bit in common.
They're both born leaders, and they're both filled with the spirit of adventure. Both surrounded themselves with trustworthy companions, and both are handy with a booby trap. They're both about living life to the fullest and seeking excitement, all the while maintaining their integrity.
Sounds like a decent role model. Now all Mikey needs is one more parrot, and one fewer eyes.
Mikey's Timeline