Binx was an AWFUL attempt to cash in on 80s teen craze
It is usually never in my nature to post wanton opinions that hold a grudge against any type of cinema, but I did want to share my feelings, as I have felt them ever since I viewed this atavistic piece of cinema.
Binx has got to be the most obvious, synthetically injected character I have ever seen in any sort of cinema. He's the dumbest, most contrived, and irredeemable character in the movie, in a lot of movies! He spouts off one liners and exclamations that are meant to portray him as "cool" or "likeable" - and we are supposed to forgive these and all of his other faults because he is the dumb kid who needs his sister to protect him.
The whole characterization is summed up for me when after HE points a fake gun at a cop, everyone thinks it's real as they are supposed to (his sister even tells him this), and they go on a wild chase, are shot back at, and their car is ruined, he is talking with his Sister and asks "why were those people shooting at us?" It's one of the most unforgivable moments and completely high jacks the rest of the picture. There is no reason to continue viewership. The character is revealed in all his stupidity, eclipsed by his Sister for not realizing and responding to him "I don't know". You don't?
Reasons for all of the above - the studio was trying to cash in on the new wave of monopolizing teen actors. pictures like this one led to the Patrick Dempsey cheesecakes, the coming of age lullabies, and only served to preempt the 90s with even worse fare (Nickolodean movies).
Stand by Me, and The Goonies were very well done and have stood the test of time as audience favorites. There is a reason why this one hasn't.