Cocoon
"A celebration of the human spirit." - The Hollywood Reporter
Don Ameche (1985 Academy Award, Best Supporting Actor), Hume Cronyn, Jack Gilford, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon, Wilford Brimley and Steve Guttenberg star in this charming fantasy adventure. When visitors from a distant galaxy return to Earth on a secret mission, their other-worldly powers afford a group of senior citizens who have expected nothing more from life than bingo, shuffleboard, aches and pains, the chance to capture their youth. Inspiring and insightful, Cocoon is a magical story of love, friendship and the human spirit.
Member Reviews
Ron Howard's version of E.T. - cathyottawa
Screen legend Lauren Bacall was asked recently about growing older. "It's not for sissys" she said (or something to that effect).
Retirement communities, no matter how nice, are depressing places. You're constantly reminded that this is the last stop. "God's waiting room", as someone once said.
Then there's the way you're treated - patronized, made to feel like a child.
The cocoon of the title refers not only to the aliens that are hibernating, but also to the way old people in this movie feel. Being in an old body, when your mind is still sharp, can feel like being in a cocoon.
That's as deep as this film gets. This is essentially a light comedy, with a bit of sci-fi thrown in. It centers on a group of old folks, a swimming pool that turns out to be a fountain of youth for them, and the nicest aliens ever to grace a movie screen.
The acting was fine (though I've never been crazy about Steve Guttenburg), but it's the message of the film that will stay with you, which is, don't waste your golden years waiting to die. Live each day to the fullest. And respect your elders.
As usual, look for Ron Howard's brother Clint in a small role.
Member Reviews
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Ron Howard's version of E.T. - cathyottawa
Screen legend Lauren Bacall was asked recently about growing older. "It's not for sissys" she said (or something to that effect).
Retirement communities, no matter how nice, are depressing places. You're constantly reminded that this is the last stop. ...