Cocoon [1985]

Although this geriatric mix of science fiction and wistful old-timer movie was a logical progression from Splash! - with more watery magic - it was also the point when Howard started to lose his footing, indulging in a sight too much sentiment and allowing his cast to play it cute rather than funny. Plus, the message - that old people can only be happy if aliens make them young again and take them to outer space - is smarmily unappealing. However, feel the quality of the cast, with Don Ameche [Best Supporting Actor Oscar], Wilford Brimley, Jack Gilford, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy and Gwen Verdon representing the oldies against Brian Dennehy as a cuddly alien and Steve Guttenberg as a token young face, plus Tahnee Welch showing as much talent as her mother did as an alien in a wetsuit. A mix of special effects, slapstick and sentiment, with enough good moments to be worth watching, but the sequel, Cocoon: The Return, is even worse than Splash Too!
KIM NEWMAN

First Published In: Empire [issue unknown]

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