"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

"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

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

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

| Original Score: B- | Aug 6, 2010

Cocoon weaves a mesmerizing tale.

| Jun 4, 2007

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.

| Jun 4, 2007

Essentially, this is sci-fi with a heart, albeit one made entirely of cheese.

| Feb 9, 2006

It has no real competition as this season's reigning fairy tale.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 20, 2003