Finding ‘Ohana premiered to Netflix streaming audiences on January 29, 2021. A tongue-in-cheek update of The Goonies, it follows two siblings — a preteen adventurer and a testosterone-addled jock — on a search for treasure that could save their grandfather’s house in Oahu. Sound familiar?
This time around, however, the story is laced with Hawaiian culture and language. Native Hawaiian myths and cultural values set the tone for the moral lesson of the film — which will be new to most viewers. This sets a positive precedent moving forward for Native representation at Netflix, and is likely the work of VP of Inclusion Strategy, Vernā Myers.
Another constant in the film is Goonies references — including a small role played by Ke Huy Quan, or Data from the 1985 original. These elements soften otherwise juvenile elements of the PG-rated film with inherent curiosity and nostalgia. For parents watching with children, this is certainly a plus.
As with any film set in Hawai’i, the landscape adds bountiful character, and — if you’re landlocked and locked-down — it is reason enough to watch.
Rating: 8/10
Should you stream it?: Yes
