This was probably the first sci-fi flick that I saw and I was hooked. I loved the movie then, and I probably would watch it again.
*Interesting and thought-provoking.*
Made 35 years ago with some former well-known actors, this film has stood the test of time very well and delivers a very interesting and thought-provoking story about the mortality of man.
A group of people in a retirement village discover a neighboring swimming pool which is out of bounds, but they have fun in it nevertheless. There are some strange objects lying on the bottom of the pool, but even more strange is the fact that after swimming there the old folk feels transformed and the vigor of their youth returns to their bodies. This makes for some light comedy as their hormones begin to take over.
These old people have a very serious decision to make and it is not an easy one. This is probably the best part of the film. Should they accept or decline the invitation? Having made the decision there is no turning back! We ask ourselves...what would we do placed in their circumstances? We feel very much involved. Thinking it over, isn't this proposal very much like what the Christian churches are promising us?
The final memorial church service by the sea is such a fitting ending and the little grandson David gives such a knowing smile as he raises his eyes to the sky.
My Score 7/10.
I absolutely love this movie. Even almost 40 years later it still holds up, that also included a lot of the special effects. Even they still look cool after all this time. This will always be one of my favorite movies from the 80s.
Undeterred by the sudden appearance of fuzzy boulders in the water, a small group of Florida retirees continue their practice of sneaking into the neighbor’s private pool for clandestine afternoon swims. When the stones act as an instant salve for the rigors of old age, their visits increase in frequency and they finally take serious notice of the odd new tenants. Who, as it happens, wear removable skin suits and glow in the dark.
Despite the spacey premise, Cocoon is a relaxed, slow-moving film that handles its sci-fi elements with a light touch. There’s no anxiety to watching this; the sailing is smooth and the waters are warm, which can be a nice change of pace in today’s sometimes overwrought cinematic landscape. After the initial shock wears off, the old-timers don’t make a big deal about the extraterrestrials next door. They just accept them as eccentrics and find ways to relate; a sweet little slice of morality that lands without pretension.
As this is a Ron Howard production, there’s a whole lot of sentiment to be had. Misty eyes and hugs abound, almost to the point of over-indulgence, but at least this suits the story and gives the cast (largely comprised of faded former stars) a fond industry farewell. Wilford Brimley gives the most memorable performance of the bunch, but he was still a relatively young man at the time (he turned 50 during filming, which seems almost impossible) while vets like Don Ameche and Jessica Tandy hand in strong efforts at the very end of their careers.
Not a bad night’s entertainment, but also nothing revelatory or extra-special.
Some aliens are the solution for a nursing home.
Science Fiction, comedy and touches of drama. Recommended.
What happens when a few elderly find the Fountain of Youth? Watch Cocoon and find out...I don't think you'll regret it.
Cocoon is a heartwarming story about old age, loss, and hope. The effects may not have aged terribly well, but that doesn't really matter as the movie is as relevant today as it was back in 1985. It's just a pleasant and warming tale that actually makes you think a bit. Recommended!!!
This entire movie made me think it would go a certain way towards the end. It's been so long since I saw it that I remembered basically everything about it except for the ending. I believed this film would be about acceptance, that we are not only in an age of acceptance, but also need to be accepting of age - that we are who we are, and as we age we grow...and there are certain things we need to accept to be granted self-actualization...like death, for instance. Had the film gone the route I anticipated, it wouldn't have just been entertaining, but also enlightening. However, it goes a different route, more so about...just...living and having fun. To be fair and honest, I'll agree and say this movie is tons of fun. I don't have a problem with the ending, I just think it would have been more meaningful had it gone a different route.
That being said, I'll tell you why this movie is memorable - and that's the characters. Forget the fountain of youth, forget the aliens, these characters are perfectly cast. They work so well together in this retirement home that I don't think I've wanted to watch the geezers in different stories more in my life. The chemistry there transcends any possible negative aspects...but joined with the concept of aliens and this fountain of youth creates a beautiful and unforgettable image. Also, the writing of the aliens is also incredibly memorable. I don't think I could cast a better group that conveys the idea that they actually do come in peace. They then all come together to make an ensemble that no one could hate. Ron Howard did something remarkable with this film. He created a family.
Cocoon still holds up to this day. Sure, there are a few issues with visuals. I could tell when they were faking just about anything, including the use of green screen - but the interactions and just plain-old-fun makes the movie worth it. It also has an ending that actually benefits off a sequel. Yes, I've seen the second movie years ago as well, but...now I'm going to have to watch it again.
Shout by Tim KretschmannBlockedParent2021-08-05T15:01:32Z
It holds up! Just rewatched this and this extra terrestrial fountain of youth tale continues to delight. One of those rare films without a real antagonist and has a great "what if" premise. Great performances from the lead three men is particularly magical. Worth seeing and worth revisiting.