Even the heartrending "E.T." was basically old-fashioned melodrama in a new sci-fi wrapping; this one, in contrast, manages to be quite provocative at the same time it's thoroughly entertaining.

| Nov 12, 2023

Mr. Howard has a terrific sense of humor, compassion for his characters, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious for revelatory details and touches. “Cocoon” is a first-class example of popular moviemaking.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Nov 12, 2023

"Cocoon" is one of the sweetest, gentlest science-fiction movies I’ve seen, a hymn to the notion that aliens might come from outer space and yet still be almost as corny and impulsive as we are.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 12, 2023

Though the film is impressive in most details... Cocoon is most compelling for the tone of tearful hope that Howard has been able to create.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Nov 12, 2023

From the very start, "Cocoon" wraps us in a spell.

| Nov 12, 2023

This is a great deal of performing talent in one small space, and Howard, whether by innate good sense or blind good luck (I’d like to think it’s the former), doesn’t waste a moment of it.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 12, 2023

It's a spare-parts movie, really, with huge debts owed to E.T., Starman, and the Spielberg segment of Twilight Zone, the Movie. It's too easy to get a handle on this picture.

| Nov 12, 2023

How often do you see a movie with aliens so friendly they will join you for a hand of gin rummy? Did the Blob ever play cards with Steve McQueen?

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 12, 2023

"Cocoon" really is a pretty enjoyable film; it's optimistic, and filled with warmth and love.

| Nov 12, 2023

A lot of directors are deft: Howard is deft and tasteful, and his instinct for handling actors -- when to let them go and when to rein them in -- is remarkable.

| Nov 12, 2023

Listening to Jessica Tandy, Hume Cronyn and Wilford Brimley talk about anything except most of today's movie scripts is an automatic pleasure.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 12, 2023

Cocoon is special, and it is certainly more endearing than most movies you are going to see this summer.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 12, 2023

In a season dominated by vaguely disappointing films, "Cocoon" is a real crowd-pleaser.

| Nov 12, 2023

It's a rarity these days to see a movie about people over 60, and this talented cast takes the opportunity and runs with it.

| Nov 12, 2023

The most improbable success of a film, implausible not in the sci-fi, special effectsy way that is so common nowadays, but in the fantastic melange of themes, personalities and even settings it incorporates.

| Nov 12, 2023

The sugar level is positively diabetic, but the whole aura of warmth and cuddliness is hard to resist.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 12, 2023

The movie is about treasure. Treasure wasted: the experience of our older people. Treasure reclaimed: the fealty of a captain for his crew.

| Nov 12, 2023

Ron Howard's immaculately crafted valentine to something we all have to live with -- old age. Cocoon is a very special movie.

| Jul 8, 2022

...decidedly hit-and-miss...

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 16, 2022

If you came back to Earth to retrieve your ancestors only to find out Wilford Brimley stole their mana, would you be chill about it?! I wouldn't!

| Jan 20, 2022