Cocoon has its flaws, to be sure, but it's an ambitious, visually stirring piece of sci-fi drama. The performances from the cast (both young and old) are terrific, and visual effects are quite gorgeous.
A fountain of youth fable [from a novel by David Saperstein] which imaginatively melds galaxy fantasy with the lives of aging mortals in a Florida retirement home, Cocoon weaves a mesmerizing tale.
Cocoon is a 1985 fantasy sci-fi but also there's humour so to a degree it's also a comedy... It's one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made right up there with Alien and Aliens and even though more family based kind of film and not violent at all it has beautifully shot scenes, beautiful imagery, lovely characters which are all likeable, great story, great acting, basically there's not one fault with Cocoon because it's the perfect movie and has always been and still is a classic. A must watch for any movie lover and you won't be disappointed because Cocoon is one of the greatest films ever made and unique so if you want a decent sci-fi film don't watch E.T which is absolutely rubbish but watch a decent sci-fi in the form of Cocoon and crack open a beer. Excellent film and one I've always admired and adored, stars Steve Guttenberg, Brian Dennehy and a few others..
Cocoon is a 1985 sci-fi fantasy comedy adventure and stars Steve Guttenberg, Brian Dennehy, Tahnee Welch and Wilford Brimley... Although not the best sci-film ever made it's certainly in my list of one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made and certainly one of the most imaginative and original sci-fi's of it's era... Some aliens come to earth and drop the cocoon eggs in the ocean, the aliens look like humans but can remove their skins but the cocoon's eventually are thrown into a swimming pool after being given permission to use the pool. The cocoon eggs have some strange youthful power or something but when 3 old aged pensioner dipsticks start farting around in the pool and inviting others in the pool and more or less destroying the eggs some tears by the aliens take place because they finally know what if feels like to experience loss. They eventually end up transferring the remaining cocoons back to the ocean and sod off back to space in their flying saucer taking a few earth people with them especially the granddad's and grannies so they'll never age and get old or sick... Cocoon is filled with extraordinary visuals, some romance scenes and plenty of adventure and good acting. Faultless movie.
The people behind Cocoon have taken many of the weariest of the cinematic cliches of the eighties and invested them with hearts and minds; from an unsightly chrysalis, a thing of beauty has been born. [21 June 1985]
Mr. Howard brings a real sweetness to his subject, as does the film's fine cast of veteran stars; he has also given Cocoon the bright, expansive look of a hot-weather hit. And even when the film begins to falter, as it does in its latter sections, Mr. Howard's touch remains reasonably steady.
Director Ron Howard brings a quality of gentleness and whimsy to the performances, but basically this is a highly calculated project brought in by those two old pros, producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown (Jaws, The Verdict).
Director Ron Howard brings a quality of gentleness and whimsy to the performances, but basically this is a highly calculated project brought in by those two old pros, producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown (Jaws, The Verdict).
Essentially, this is sci-fi with a heart, albeit one made entirely of cheese. Both director and writer sometimes seem unsure whether to pitch the tale as knockabout comedy or sentimental fable. It's to the lasting detriment of the movie that Howard opts for the latter. Resistible.
Cocoon’s fountain of youth script works as both a tale about the abuse of rejuvenation but also letting go the fear of approaching death in old age. The film by the end may push aside the acceptance of death in the face of the movie’s central premise yet the message is more about doing the most with your life. No doubt Ben, his wife and friends at that retirement home have a great new adventure ahead of them. It’s inspiring. With a touching script, great acting performances as well as an uplifting music score and amazing visual effects Ron Howard brings it all together for one important message. That message being we are only as young as we feel. Ironically a film about ageing has remained ageless and it’ll make you feel young again watching it. Cocoon is an imaginative movie that is highly recommended.
I thought this was a pretty quirky, amusing watch. Its very much a family friendly fantasy film. The special effects are pretty old fashioned but thats to be expected given its over 30 years old - thats partly why its amusing, the reaction of the actors to the special effects. It does have a moral message behind it about greed, I suppose. Its fairly cheesy at times, even somewhat reminiscent of ET in a way but its a pretty good watch regardless and I'd say its worth seeing, yes.