Cocoon

BBBB

(out of 5)

Lovely science-fiction story that also works as a charming family film, providing great roles for some of Hollywood’s veteran actors, including Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon and Don Ameche.  A group of seniors have no idea why the dips they take in the pool next to their old-age home give them such renewed energy and vigour. Little do they know that aliens own the pool and are keeping their cocoons in there until they can transport them back to their home planet, with the energy coming off the cocoons putting the pep back into the swimmers’ systems. Eventually, the seniors decide to be of help to the visitors, and in return are rewarded quite handsomely for it. Great character relationships punch up a cute story, with great performances by the aforementioned actors as well as Wilford Brimley, Maureen Stapleton and Steve Guttenberg.

USA, 1985

Directed by Ron Howard

Story by David Saperstein, Screenplay by Tom Benedek

Cinematography by Donald Peterman

Produced by David Brown, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck

Music by James Horner

Production Design by Jack T. Collis

Costume Design by Aggie Guerard Rodgers

Film Editing by Daniel P. Hanley, Mike Hill

Cast Tags:  Barret Oliver, Bette Shoor, Brian Dennehy, Charles Lampkin, Charles Rainsbury, Charles Voelker, Clarence Thomas, Clint Howard, Cyndi Vicino, Dinah Sue Rowley,Don Ameche, Fred Broderson, Gabriella Sinclair, Gwen Verdon, Harold Bergman, Herta Ware, Hume Cronyn, Irving Krone, Ivy Thayer, Jack Gilford, James Ritz, Jean Speegle Howard, Jessica Tandy, Jorge Gil, Linda Harrison, Mark Cheresnick, Mark Simpson,Maureen Stapleton, Mike Nomad, Pamela Prescott, Rance Howard, Robert Slacum Jr., Russ Wheeler, Steve Guttenberg, Tahnee Welch, Ted Science, Tyrone Power Jr., Wendy J. Cooke, Wilford Brimley

Academy Awards
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Don Ameche as “Art Selwyn”)
Best Visual Effects (Ken Ralston, Ralph McQuarrie, Scott Farrar, David Berry)

Golden Globe Award Nomination
Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical

Writers Guild Award Nomination
Best Original Screenplay

Directors Guild Award Nomination
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures (Ron Howard)