Cocoon (1985)

This movie gives you a lot to think about...

My favorite character was the old Jewish guy...the one dissenter who refused to enter the fountain of youth. As he said, "nature dealt us our cards and we played them". I believe that old age, sickness and death are a natural and necessary part of life.

I also think that by-and-large elderly people in America are treated pretty good. At least it seemed that the elderly people in this movie were living and relaxing pretty well in a sunny Florida assisted living complex.

It says a lot about human nature that the elderly people who discover the "fountain of youth" would selfishly use it to become young again and show off, even after they have all lived and enjoyed their lives. They probably could have used the biotechnology to help make some handicapped or terminally ill children become cured.

Even though he had a small part, I consider the old Jewish guy to be the hero of the movie. He had the courage to accept life as it is and appreciate the natural order of things. Of all the characters, he was the most well-adjusted and philosophical. As the psychologist, Erik Erikson, would say, the old man had "ego-integrity".

July 10, 2008

An 80's sci-fi classic!

A group of retired old folks (Wilford Brimley, Don Ameche, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Walter Giford, Gwen Verndon and Herta Ware) discover at their retirement village's swimming pool some unusual coccoons from outer space that gives them the energy of youth. However a group of aliens from another planet are on a secret mission to retreive the cocoons so they can return them back their planet, only a boat captain (Steve Guttenburg) with the old folks can help these poor aliens disguised as humans.

Co-starring Barret Oliver, Brian Denenhy, Tahnee Welch and Clint Howard this is a magical and unique Sci-fi fantasy comedy drama from Ron Howard as it's one of his best movies. It's a celebration of the human spirit through the eyes of old folks discover how it feels to be young again with excellent acting by the essembled cast and quality direction from Ron Howard, excellent special effects by ILM and Greg Cannon ("Bram Stoker's Dracula", "The Lost Boys") and of course a rousing score by James Horner. It's one of the most original Sci-fi movies of it's decade and has became a critically acclaimed box-office hit in the summer of 1985, Don Ameche himself earned an academy award for best actor. It's a funny, moving and vibrant epic adventure that is a must see movie for anyone who enjoys a good Science Fiction or dramatic movie.

This DVD contains good picture and sound with both widescreen and fullscreen presentations with quality extras like audio commentary, five featurettes Teaser, Trailers, TV Spots, and still gallery.

Also recommended: "E.T.", "Flight of the Navigator", "Cocoon: The Return", "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" and "Starman". December 21, 2007

Classic

This is such a classic. I received it quickly, which I appreciate, and have watched it many times. The price was also great. November 10, 2007

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. October 18, 2007

add to collection

Good quality. Fast delivery. Adding to collection of academy award movies. May 6, 2007

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