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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