How "Jaws" and "Goonies" Are Alike



My two favorite movies “The Goonies” and “Jaws” actually do it for me because they have many of the same elements. I can literally watch them once a month and not get sick of them. It wasn't until I watched them back to back one day that I realize...these two movies have much in common.

Both involved a seaside town and something that might shut the town down. There were powerful greedy forces in charge.  Both have groups that gather together to fight off evil that plots to kill them. Both have to use the resources on hand and escape alive and victors.

But, the one comparison that really caught my eye was the characters and their alliance - 

"The Goonies"
Mikey:  Scared, nervous, reluctant leader
Mouth: The sassy, ballsy, confrontational one
Data: The stumbling gadget guy

"Jaws"
Chief Brody: Scared of water, nervous, reluctant leader
Quint: The sassy, ballsy, confrontational one
Matt Hooper: The stumbling gadget guy

What really intrigues me is this kind of holy alliance that works for movies in which the plot involves a great thing to overcome. 

The trinity is this: 

The leader who wants to do the right thing, but lacks self esteem; he is the conscience of the group. 

The tenacious fighter in the group who is confrontational and often gets them into more trouble; he is trying to defend them. 

The brains behind the group, who must be protected from his own distractions; he has the piece to the puzzle they need to make it all work.

Heart: Brains: Brawn: Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion...



Other possible trinities with similar balance:

"The Hangover"
"Jurassic Park"
"City Slickers"
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
"Ghostbusters" 
"Superbad"


Can you name another holy alliance of the three in a movie?


 

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