Cocoon (1985)

Growing old can feel like a slow fading, until a second chance at youth arrives with a price no one expected. Ron Howard's "Cocoon," adapted by Tom Benedek from David Saperstein's novel, is an offbeat, charming blend of comedy and science fiction that explores the cost of immortality and the power of lasting love. A group of aliens from the distant planet Antarea, posing as humans, come to a Florida retirement community to rescue companions left behind thousands of years ago, who lie in giant cocoons at the bottom of the sea, and they store the cocoons in the swimming pool of a vacant estate. When three mischievous residents of a nearby retirement home (Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley and Hume Cronyn) sneak in for a swim, they emerge rejuvenated, bursting with energy and suddenly frisky appetites, and one even finds his illness in remission. Soon word spreads, and the other residents crowd into the pool, draining the life force the cocoons need to survive. Meanwhile, their gloomy friend (Jack Gilford) refuses to join in, leading to a heartbreaking moment when he loses his wife. Brian Dennehy plays the aliens' kindly leader, Steve Guttenberg is the charter boat captain who falls for a lovely alien visitor (Tahnee Welch), sharing a dazzling, sensual encounter of pure light with her in the pool, and Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon and Maureen Stapleton co-star. Barret Oliver plays Brimley's curious grandson. Eventually the retirees must choose between finishing out their lives on Earth with their families or leaving with the aliens and never growing old. More character-driven than plot-driven, it draws its charm from its wonderful veteran cast, including Ameche, who won an Oscar as one of the randiest retirees and even breaks into a breakdance. James Horner supplies the score, it also won an Oscar for its visual effects and a sequel followed.