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| Splash |
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  (6/10)
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Runtime: 111 |
| Public Rating: 8.67 (21 votes) |
Director: Ron Howard |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Romantic Comedy |
Year: 1984 |
| Writer(s): Bruce Jay Friedman |
| Distributor: 1 |
| Reviewed by: Alex Kocan |
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This 1984 romantic comedy was originally intended as a vehicle for Daryl Hannah. However, some may agree that it was Tom Hanks who stole the limelight. The plot centres on the life of New York vegetable wholesaler Allen Bauer. Allen (Hanks) is very lonely and is, unknowingly, looking for love. Allen's brother, Freddy (John Candy), is joint owner of the company. He tries his best to allow his brother to have the happiest life he can. While the brothers are going about their daily routine a naked young woman (Hannah) mysteriously appears in front of the Statue Of Liberty. Obviously she causes a disturbance and is arrested. Somehow, she has Allen's wallet and he is contacted to pick her up. She seems to know him. But he doesn't know her. After a while together they fall in love. Unfortunately, due to the rules of society, this relationship will not work under the current circumstances. She's a mermaid.
This is an enjoyable, easy to watch film. However, the pace of the story can be a little slow at times. The best scenes are towards the end, when the police chases begin.
The most heart-felt scene in the film, for me, is where Madison,(Daryl Hannah)and Allen go ice-skating at Rockafella Centre. Allen knows Madison is hiding something about herself and it makes him extremely angry that she doesn't confide in him. Madison doesn't understand about human emotions. Madison has a child-like quality that is very touching, but verges on the irritating at times.
Good casting prevails here. Tom Hanks, as ever, gives a great performance. He originally auditioned for a minor part but landed the lead due to his great performance. As a comedy actor he is in top form. With plenty of the comic laughter and shouting which fills many of his early roles, you are able to see the makings of the brilliant straight actor, which surfaces in later years.
Candy gives a bigger-than-life performance. Darryl Hannah also plays her part well. However, she doesn't say much, but this only adds to the mystery of her mermaid persona. There's a good performance from Eugene Levy as mad scientist Walter Kornbluth. He knows there's a mermaid in New York, but he has to prove it. Levy has most recently starred as Jim's father in American Pie.
Directed by Ron Howard, this was one of his first successes behind the camera. The former Happy Days star puts his mark on this film as a comedy classic, which certainly contains great performances from all involved. Rated P-G this is a great movie. Whatever your reason for watching, you will find something else that keeps you watching through to the end.
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