In Cocoon (1985, USA), esoteric aliens leave their planet to come to earth. The aliens come to pick up their own kind, who are in cocoons at the bottom of earth’s ocean, and take them back to their alien planet.  Undercover as human beings, they employ the services of a fishing boat captain and dive for the cocoons.

The actors

There are about four aliens on the boat, with two actors standing out. Tahnee Welch and Brian Dennehy play characters, whereas the other two aliens don’t even get to say anything.

Welch is the daughter of Raquel Welch and Tahnee’s modelling looks are used to full effect. The free and easy fishing boat operator, played by Steve Guttenberg, is smitten.

Brian Dennehy, who plays the lead alien, was well known at the time for playing the bigoted sheriff in First Blood, the first Rambo film. Dennehy’s played a number of different successful roles since. As the lead alien, he exudes his considerable presence and likeability to full effect.

Steve Guttenberg, who plays the fishing boat captain, was known for Police Academy a year before Cocoon was released, a popular and raunchy teen/young adult comedy.

Some rest home residents are rejuvenated, when they secretly swim in a pool that stores the cocoons. Subsequently, it’s a lot of fun. They rediscover their wives and husband, they go out ball room dancing with the vigor of youth, and among other things, enjoy life.

Some of their families are worried about their new found abilities, thinking it unusual behavior, and not every resident takes part, believing life is what it is.

But who wouldn’t want the elderly to have a new lease of life?

Veterans

The rest home residents are an appealing bunch of characters, played by veteran classic actors.

They include Don Ameche (who won an Oscar for this), Wilfred Brimley, Jessica Tandy, and Hume Cronyn. They are sheer class and professionalism.

Swimming with the cocoons causes complications, though. Swimming with them makes the aliens inside the cocoons lose their ‘life force’ and some die. And one resident lets his new lease on life go too far, and hurts a loved one.

But the film comes round a winner for everyone. This science fiction comedy is inspirational comedy. Life may not end in your retirement, and this life is not all there is.

Warnings—contains offensive language and profanity

Director: Ron Howard