Cocoon (1985)

Directed by Ron Howard. Starring Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Don Ameche, Steve Guttenberg, Brian Dennehy, Jessica Tandy, Maureen Stapleton, Jack Gilford, Tahnee Welch, Gwen Verdon, Herta Ware, Barrett Oliver, Linda Harrison, Clint Howard. [PG-13]

Sentimental sci-fi fable of visitors from another world whose cocooned brethren sitting on the bottom of a seaside swimming pool create a rejuvenating “Fountain of Youth” for elderly retirees in the old-age home next door. Although lacking the awe and mystery of discovery, the first hour is entertaining enough, especially when centering on the humorously frisky behavior of the geriatric gents, but the film turns more serious and maudlin in the back half, eventually attempting to generate some Spielbergian chase “suspense” that makes the last act feel like a middling hybrid of E.T. and Close Encounters (and James Horner’s score can’t compare to John Williams in his prime). Genteel to the point of dramatic pitfall—aside from indecision among some of the elders, there’s virtually no conflict to be found—but not without its cute moments and bright special effects. Ameche won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award, even though he doesn’t stand out from any of his senior peers; the visual effects also won an Oscar. Playing the “human suit” of one of the aliens who catches the eye of overacting Guttenberg’s charter boat skipper, Welch is Raquel’s daughter; Tyrone Power’s son (Tyrone Jr.) also has a minor role. Followed by a sequel.

61/100