Cocoon (Ron Howard)
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| Director(s) | Ron Howard |
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| Distributor | 20th Century Fox |
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| An offbeat and charming comedy with elements of science fiction thrown in, director Ron Howard’s (Ransom, Apollo 13) unlikely fantasy ponders the price of immortality and the power of everlasting love. A group of aliens travel to a Florida retirement community to rescue some long-stranded colleagues cocooned and buried beneath the sea. But as the aliens take on human form and stash their counterparts in a swimming pool, a group of elderly retirees discover the pool and after swimming in the water find themselves rejuvenated, with boundless energy… | |
Honors
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Amazon.com
An offbeat and charming comedy with elements of science fiction thrown in, director Ron Howard’s (Ransom, Apollo 13) unlikely fantasy ponders the price of immortality and the power of everlasting love. A group of aliens travel to a Florida retirement community to rescue some long-stranded colleagues cocooned and buried beneath the sea. But as the aliens take on human form and stash their counterparts in a swimming pool, a group of elderly retirees discover the pool and after swimming in the water find themselves rejuvenated, with boundless energy and insatiable appetites. Soon the retirees are forced to choose between living out their lives on earth with their families, or leaving with the aliens and attaining immortality. More character driven than dependent on the incredible plot, the film’s charm comes from its characters and the wonderful cast, including Don Ameche, who won an Academy Award for his role as one of the randy retirees. —Robert Lane
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In 1985 Cocoon was a significant trend-bucker amongst summer blockbusters. Whereas other genre efforts were devised to lure a teenage audience into FX extravaganzas, this looked like one for their grandparents. Except that it turned out to be a gentle, affecting tale for all ages. Adapted from David Saperstein’s novel, director Ron Howard took great delight in focusing on family relationships and the encroachment of old age (themes that reappeared in nearly all his work from here on).
The plot is rather surreal in summary: a group of Florida OAPs befriend aliens in next-door’s swimming pool and are rejuvenated to youthful well-being. It’s in the FX and characterisations that the story comes alive. Both were acknowledged with Academy Awards; with Don Ameche’s supporting role deserving praise for more than just the moment when he does some bodypopping on the dance floor. Wilford Brimley is the real star, a bluff old codger wanting to do right by everyone. Steve Guttenberg provides comic support and allows for a little non-wrinkly nudity with foxy space gal Kitty (Tahnee Welch). ILM’s visuals remain polished and inspired, but never allowing us to lose sight of the characters basking in their dazzle. —Paul Tonks
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Related works
Cocoon: The Return
In this charming, funny and very moving sequel to the hit film “Cocoon,” the adventurous old-timers who left Earth for the alien utopia Antarea, return on a rescue mission. Although accustomed to their new peaceful, problem-free planet, they realize the joys they left behind after they are reunited with their stunned families. Yet for all their happiness, they must once again confront the human frailties of their past.
