GOLDEN OLDIE 26: Splash

 

I am not sure why I decided to include this silly little movie in my Tom Hanks retrospective, but I did, and I watched it last night.  So here goes.

This is a real oldie.  It came out in 1984.  Ron Howard was the director.  In it, Tom Hanks looks like he is about 18 years old; it is disconcerting to hear the unmistakable Hanks voice emanating from the mouth of an adolescent.  Daryl Hannah, with or without tail fins, is at the peak of her exceptional deliciousness.  The only other actor you might remember is John Candy, who is effective as a bumbling jerk.  So, the cast isn’t bad at all.  Only the story is stupid.

Strangely enough, the critics were kind to this picture, as if they somehow sensed that Hanks and Howard would go on to much greater things.  You, too, may enjoy it – if you can somehow convince yourself that, not only do mermaids exist, but our two species can be considered interchangeable.  Or, of course, totallysuspend disbelief.  But, scoff though I must, I have to admit that I enjoyed this little piece of fluff.  You might, too.  B-. 

In passing:  whatever happened to Daryl Hannah?  She was so nice to look at.  I remember her in Roxanne, and in several other minor flics that I have seen but now can’t place.  At the moment she is about 62 years old and a noted environmental activist.  I just may dig up some of her old movies and share them with all of you..