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Cocoon

A very good movie with excellent acting. I, personally, being both over 60 and living in Florida very near the location, can relate to this film. It gives the perfect view of elderly people finding 'the fountain of youth', how it came to be, and their final decision regarding eternal youth. You must see this one.

Classic cinema

This movie is unique in that the main characters are senior citizens. It is another film in the parade of science fiction pictures that came out in the early eighties. But what sets this one apart from the others is the premise of events affecting people in the latter part of their lives. The actors in this film are truly talented and shine in their roles. As you learn from the commentary by Ron Howard, many lines were improvised on the spot and add immeasurably to the emotional texture of the screenplay.


Ron Howard has made a memorable movie that will entertain people of most ages. I would not call it a family film as it has several profanities that parents will not want young children to hear.

Story about aliens and their positive effect on some older people on earth.

This movie is about aliens who bring "cocoons" that hold other aliens to the ocean for a while and then must retrieve them and return to their home planet. The aliens change their appearance to look like normal people so as not to be detected. They hire a boat to retrieve these cocoons from the ocean. The retrieved cocoons are then stored temporarily in a swimming pool. A residential community for older people is located near the pool where the cocoons are being held. Some of the older residents decide to "break into" the pool area and go swimming. The effect these cocoons have on some older people and the efforts of the aliens to not have their identities revealed is the main storyline. The interactions of the older people and the aliens is the body of the movie. There are some twists and turns making this movie funny, serious, and generally enjoyable. This is a feel-good movie.

Wonderful film...

I saw this film with the family on Christmas Eve. The christmas tree was lighted and the snow fell outside. It was such a feeling. A wonderful film, with and surprising ending. If you have seen X-Files, you know that you never get to see the spaceships and what's happening to the abducted people. In this movie you see it WITH and happy ending.

DVD version missing parts from theatrical release.

I saw the movie when it was originally released, and recently purchased the DVD to show my teenage sons. I was upset when I discovered the DVD was missing the whole pregnancy issue with Gwen Verdon's character, and much of the discussions between the characters about why they should or should not go with the aliens. I would have at least expected the DVD to contain the deleted scenes. I encountered this before with the movie BIG where they changed the ending after the initial release, and didn't include the alternate ending on the DVD. I would think when a DVD is released, they should at least include deleted scenes and alternate endings for the people who saw it when it first came out and enjoyed the version they saw. If they had been true to the original version I would have given it a ten, not a six.

add to collection

Good quality. Fast delivery. Adding to collection of academy award movies.

Father's Day movie

It was Father's Day, 1985. "Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom" was the big movie playing against this Ron Howard film, which was still going strong. I'd convinced the family to see this movie on the strength of Siskel & Ebert's "At The Movies" review. Once we were seated in the nearly full theater, I heard a kid grumble about this not being "Indiana Jones..." The spaceship did a planetary flyby, and movie magic took over. My father, one of "The Greatest Generation," who'd weathered the deaths of his parents shortly before and during The Depression, and served with the 442nd RCT in Italy was a no-nonsense sort. He mentioned that this was a good film, a little far-fetched, but nice nevertheless. I suspect that seeing classic actors like Don Ameche in a lively film about taking chances and meeting Life head on made his day. He died in 1998, but this is/was something wonderful that the whole family enjoyed. And I didn't hear another peep out of that kid about missing "Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom," either.

Another under-appreciated gem

"Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light." - Dylan ThomasThe senior characters of this modern day fable took this poem to heart.When we first meet the motley group, they are as many of us dread one day becoming. Kept in a nursing home, days filled with vapid activities like shuffleboard or mah-jongg, whiling away hours floating in a deserted swimming pool, watching people your own age drop like flies. When that changes through the magic of alien technology, they become, if not the picture of reckless youth, at least a semblance of the people they were once upon a time, proving the old cliché: you ARE only as old as you feel. In that, it's a good lesson for people heading into their golden years or even those of us just having midlife crises. We can't help but grow old. But it's up to us whether we want to BE old or merely mature.For a science fiction movie, it would appear to have few special effects. This is an illusion. There are quite a few effects shots, although the variety of effects is rather limited. The glowing aliens are quite good except for the all too familiar hand movements by Caprice Rothe, who first did the job for "E.T." Still, by and large the effects are impressive and convincing even when compared against the latest films of the 21st century. Even more impressive was the poolhouse, which was hastily constructed purely as a setpiece for the movie. It looks absolutely real, as if it had sat there among the Florida palms for decades.Tahnee Welch, daughter of the seemingly ageless Raquel, was wholesomely fetching here. Whether she was a limited actress or merely underplaying the role is for others to decide. Ron Howard wisely kept Steve Guttenberg's role limited, focusing mainly on the older characters. A little Guttenberg goofiness goes a long way. Also present are the standard Howard family repertory, with brother Clint as the nursing home attendant and father Rance making a brief appearance as a detective. Much as already been said about the excellent performances of the older cast members. This was, after all, the role that finally won an Oscar for Don Ameche. But they're slowly slipping away from us, one by one. First Jack Gilford, then Ameche, then Jessica Tandy and recently Gwen Verdon. At least we'll have this movie to remember them by. Maybe they weren't at the peaks of their careers, but quite possibly the roles they fit most comfortably.Two attempts to cash in on this movie failed. Both 1987's "*batteries Not Included," starring Tandy and Cronyn, and the 1988 sequel "Cocoon: The Return" flopped. Neither had the genuine warmth of this original. Ron Howard showed good judgement in turning down the chance to direct the sequel.As for the musical score, it's one of James Horner's better works, mixing symphonic grandeur with childlike wonderment. Alas, he does fall into old habits and reuse some bars and measures from his "Wolfen" and "Star Trek II" scores.It's a shame this movie never found the audience it deserved. I first saw this in a shopping mall four-plex a couple of weeks after its release. There couldn't have been more than 20 people in the entire theater. The whole movie holds up remarkably well in the 16 years since, except for the break dancing. My god, has it been 16 years already? Where can I find some Antarean life force?

This boring movie chewed up two hours of my life!

I hate this movie so much the thought of it makes me want to cry. I tried to give it a chance, I waited and waited for something cool to happen. It finally did and it was called ENDING CREDITS. I wish aliens would come take away anyone who had anything to do with unleashing this movie on an unsuspecting public. This movie makes me want to commit suicide.

Loved the "old folks"

I really like this movie. It has so many reasons and opportunities to veer off course but Ron Howard deftly keeps it on the right track. I think he does so by focusing on the story and the main characters. While you have plot lines regarding aliens and the fountain of youth, the major focus was on the "old folks", as it should be. Howard casts veteran actors in what should have been the twilight of their careers (except for much younger Wilford Brimley, who was actually in the early stages of his career) and gives them a script that asks them to be real people. Not old codger, one dimensional caricatures, but real folks with real backgrounds and real fears and real issues in their lives.Normally, older actors are only allowed to service plots that focus on the young. Movies are seldom about them. Too bad, because I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this group work. They take you inside their world where they have fun, fight, hurt, deal with aging bodies, ponder the life and their legacy, make mistakes, and even (shudder) enjoy a love life. Not many movies flesh out senior citizens to this extent. Don Ameche won a supporting Oscar, and I have no real qualms with that; but for my money, it should have gone to Jack Gilford. An unsympathetic character up to this point, his moment in the pool trying to bring back his beloved Rosie ranks as one of the saddest and most heartbreakingly poignant things I have ever seen in any film. There are fewer people, especially younger ones, who know what it means to love someone over a long lifetime. Gilford shows what it means in a totally convincing way. And there's that James Horner score helping to yank the tears out of you. Other reviewers have commented on the alien plot line and it's all relevant to what happens in the lives of the main characters. With an "E.T. + Close Encounters" vibe, it could have been the downfall of the movie. Credit to Howard for finding that right balance and basically not getting in the way of what his cast was so capable of doing.

Fun movie

This is the type of fun movie that you don't see any more. It's all blood, gore and uninspired. This is the reason I watch movies.

Good Fountain of Youth premise

Cocoon was a good sleeper movie for it's time. Take a bunch of old, washed up actors and throw them together in a film that turns out to be entertaining to all ages.Wilford Brimley is great and so is Don Ameche, Hume Cronyn and Jack Guilford and Brian Dennehy and Steve Guttenberg. The old guys (and gals) seem to all work well together. I loved the storyline and the humor and the touching, sad side as well. Those of us who have or had grandparents at the time can relate to their aches and pains and wish that they really could live forever and never get old and never die. WOW...what a planet that would be!!Most movies dealing with the elderly turn out to be depressing or boring, but this hit home with everyone. It gives everyone who is sick or aging hope.

Cocoon

Ron Howard's delightful fantasy/comedy works, thanks to a script that never strains our credulity so much that the good-natured spell gets broken. The senior contingent all turn in peerless performances: Don Ameche even took home an Oscar that year. Funny, heartwarming- a genuine crowd-pleaser.

Who wants to live forever?

This is a charming comedy based in the science fiction the addresses the issue of immortality, everlasting love, and the price paid for either. It was a movie the could potentially move the easy criers to tears, and will make anyone watching it laugh. The cast is great and Ron Howard has outdone himself. Truly enjoyable.

Brian Dennehy

Everyone should know that Mr. Dennehy posed as a Vietnam vet for years until someone found out that he never even landed on Vietnam soil. He is a disgrace to the United States and all the men that fought and died for it. The part he played in Rambo (first blood) is exactly the type of person he is. If more people knew what he did to be seen as some kind of hero maybe he would be put up there with the position of Jane Fonda's class of people. Cheap liars and thieves of honor. I hope this information gets around so maybe the next time you see him on screen you will know what kind of person he really is. Thank you U.S.M.C. Vietnam 68-69

A feel good movie!

This is one of those movies that just makes you feel good to be alive!It deals with the issues of aging, dying, dealing with a loss to loved ones. Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, and many more, bring this film alive!In the question of our we alone, is frankly answered in this movie. When aging friends decide to break into a house, for a friendly swim in the swimming pool, they get more than they bargain for. It turns out that the pool contains something that their bodies can't resist. Something that turns back the hands of time.I'd continue more onto the plot, but I suggest that you read up some more on this title and check it out for yourself.It contains great acting, comedy, drama, and hell, even some romance!A feel good movie for anyone of all ages. I recommend this as a must see. 8 out of 10!

Formulaic, yes...but unexpected as well...

Sometimes forced, but also very forward and real as well. My own grandmother lived in the very same retirement community featured in the film before it reached theaters, and many of the bittersweet scenes are very genuine to me , handled well by an excellent cast of seasoned actors (some of most poignant scenes for me are when things are acknowledged without dialogue...seeing people of your own generation passing away before your very eyes as practically an everyday occurance, for example...). The grandparent talking about having to be parted with his grandchild someday--regardless of his destination--was something I could relate to in my own life, as I`m sure many people can; the topic is timeless.

Now in my thirties, I look back at the relationships between generations, the subject of divorce becoming more of a reality that was increasingly hard to ignore in my own generation, and the way we treated Seniors in general and do today as well. The characters are not the passive and doddering old folks we`ve come to stereotype; they have lives of their own, individual personalities, and their "eccentricities" are those of everyday people and how they approach both life and death.

Yes, the soundtrack in particular is reminiscent of "E.T." and "An American Tail", and yes, it is overdone in parts and very `80`s, but the main story revolves around not the Sci-Fi elements, but around the relationships of friends and loved ones facing the reality of aging. See it for that, and don`t miss the great chemistry between the likes of Jessica Tandy ("pre-Miss Daisy" with her husband Hume Cronyn), Don Ameche, Maureen Stapleton, Wilford Brimley, et.al. Take away what you will from the movie; it has enough touching and funny moments worth seeing.

Pleasant sci-fi

The premise of this fine science fiction movie is plausible, and its cast of veteran actors makes it a real joy to watch. Don Ameche, who is making a comeback after all these years; the husband and wife team of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy who have played together for ever; Wilford Brimley; Maureen Stapleton and the rest of this wonderful group make together a great combination. I first took notice of Brian Dennehy and his imposing presence in this movie, and he fits well in all his roles, good guy, or bad guy. I enjoyed watching its third re-run years after having seen it for the first time, and enjoyed it just as much. Maybe it's because I'm nearing 80 and I relate to those guys. It seems to be on its way to become a classic, despite its oft repeated ending.

Prune Juice

The attempt here was to build something topical around legends: legends about Atlantis, the Fountain of Youth, alien visitation...and movie legends. Note how screen/dance legends Fred and Ginger are featured here, and particularly Fred with the "Dancing in the Dark" connection from "The Band Wagon". The late, great Ameche is here to tie all of this together via the big band ballroom dances, and to wink at us with modern b-boy power moves. Otherwise, this is silly. The dialogue openly acknowledges how silly the alien bits are -- the humans don't want to know more about them. And it's a rather tepid morality play, about as dry as a Talmudic discussion. The aliens are plainly post-"E.T.", and somewhat post-"Starman", and have ridiculous 'Tinkerbell' fairy dust trails. The jokes center on virile old codgers, long before Viagra.If Howard were an inventor -- which he isn't -- he could have kept the great references to the classics and revealed as little as necessary about the aliens...something "2001"-ish. "Awakenings" is a smarter example of the rejuvenation of movie classics within a larger movie.

Skip the sequel and stick with the sentimental original!

Quite a unique film and contemporary classic masterfully combining elements of drama, comedy and sci-fi thanks to a veteran cast of stars and a surprisingly mature (he was barely 30 years old at the time) director--Ron Howard. It's so good in so many ways, the mind boggles at the decision and subsequent participation for a disappointing sequel.

This DVD offers some fun special features, most notably the director's commentary with the amusing and articulate Howard. Still a gem of a film, the only real dated aspect is the mid-80's musical scoring to denote the youthful rejuvenation of the elderly characters. Otherwise, it could just have conceivably been released today!

A fine salute, too, to the passings of legends like Cronyn & Tandy, Don Ameche and the amazing Gwen Verdon...who should have had a screen career to rival her theatrical one. Enjoy this one again and again!