Cocoon (1985)
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80% of critics liked it
(25 reviews) -
55% of users liked it
(63,078 ratings)
Cocoon is a warm-hearted science-fiction fable that avoids becoming overly corny thanks to the performances of its mostly senior cast. Wilford Brimley, Don Ameche, and Hume Cronyn are three old-timers who sneak out of their retirement home a few days a week to swim in the large pool on an abandoned… More Cocoon is a warm-hearted science-fiction fable that avoids becoming overly corny thanks to the performances of its mostly senior cast. Wilford Brimley, Don Ameche, and Hume Cronyn are three old-timers who sneak out of their retirement home a few days a week to swim in the large pool on an abandoned estate next door. When the threesome begins to feel curiously younger, they discover strange pods on the floor of the pool. These pods are alien cocoons, which are being pulled from the ocean by a team of extra-terrestrials in human form led by Walter (Brian Dennehy), who has hired a local charter operator (Steve Guttenberg) to assist him. Walter explains to the seniors that energy from the cocoons is restoring youth and vigor to the older men every time they go for a dip. The aliens agree to let the men continue to swim in secret, but of course they can't keep their discovery to themselves. Soon the pool is swarming with retirees, with the notable exception of Bernie (Jack Gilford), who has no interest in prolonging life any longer than necessary. The aliens ultimately prepare to return home and offer the retirees eternal life if they leave Earth behind as well. Director Ron Howard treats his old-timers with care and dignity, and they respond with deeply sympathetic performances (Ameche won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar); the film's science-fiction trappings ably sustain the story's all-too-human ruminations on youth, aging, life, and death. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi
- Directed By
- Ron Howard
- Genres
- Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jun 21, 1985 Wide
- Studio
- Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, Variety
An amiable, life-affirming fantasy-comedy about the rejuvenation of crotchery oldsters whose main distinction is offering roles to senior actors like Don Ameche (who won an Oscar), Hume Cronyn, and Jessica Tandy
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, Variety
Cocoon weaves a mesmerizing tale.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Director Ron Howard brings a quality of gentleness and whimsy to the performances, but basically this is a highly calculated project brought in by those two old pros, producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown.
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, Time Out
Essentially, this is sci-fi with a heart, albeit one made entirely of cheese.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
It has no real competition as this season's reigning fairy tale.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Don Ameche
as Art Selwyn
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Wilford Brimley
as Ben Luckett
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Hume Cronyn
as Joe Finley
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Brian Dennehy
as Walter
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Jack Gilford
as Bernie Lefkowitz
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Steve Guttenberg
as Jack Bonner
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Maureen Stapleton
as Mary Luckett
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Jessica Tandy
as Alma Finley
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Gwen Verdon
as Bess McCarthy
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Herta Ware
as Rose Lefkowitz
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Tahnee Welch
as Kitty
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Barret Oliver
as David
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Linda Harrison
as Susan
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Tyrone Power Jr.
as Pillsbury
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Clint Howard
as John Dexter
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Charles Lampkin
as Pops
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Mike Nomad
as Doc
- Rance Howard
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Wendy J. Cooke
as Alien
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Jorge Gil
as Lou Pine
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Jean Speegle Howard
as Woman
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James Ritz
as DMV Clerk
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Andy Mark Simpson
as Coast Guard
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Russ Wheeler
as Doctor
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Clarence Thomas
as Policeman
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Harold Bergman
as Reverend
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Fred Broderson
as Dock Master
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Mark Cheresnick
as Salvatore
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Irving Krone
as Jasper
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Pamela Prescott
as Alien
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Charles Rainsbury
as Smiley
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Dinah Sue Rowley
as Alien
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Ted Science
as Policeman
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Bette Shoor
as Realtor
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Gabriella Sinclair
as Alien
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Robert Slacum Jr.
as Coast Guard
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Cindi Vicino
as Teller
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Charles Voelker
as Band Leader
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Ivy Thayer
as Waitress


