Splash

Starring: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, John Candy, Eugene Levy
Directed by: Ron Howard
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Romance
1984

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: A businessman (Tom Hanks) was mysteriously saved from drowning by a young girl when he was just a child, and years later, the same girl (now Daryl Hannah), who happens to be a mermaid, comes to Manhattan to find him. The two fall in love, but a scientist (Eugene Levy) who wants to uncover the truth about the mermaid could jeopardize their relationship.

Review:

Tim: Splash is just a great 80's romantic comedy. Ron Howard brilliantly directs a love story between a man and a mermaid. This is a classic premise, and the film today stands up as a truly excellent film.

The story itself is fairly implausible (as any mermaid story is), but Howard tellst he tale geniunely, and Hanks and Hannah capture our imagination, so nothing in the film seems too outrageous.

Tom Hanks is very funny in this film. Prior to this movie, he was a little-known television actor. After this surprise hit, however, he emerged as a big name in Hollywood. However, the real memorable performance is that of Daryl Hannah. She needs to really focus our sympathy and our imagination all on her character to hold the film together. She pulls this off flawlessly. This is arguably her career-best performance, and the role she is still remembered today for playing so well.

Splash also features a good supporting cast. John Candy is very funny as Tom Hanks' annoying brother. Eugene Levy is excellent as the scientist wanting to discover the truth about the mermaid. These two add a very fun element to the film and when supporting actors like Hanks and Hannah, you know you have something special here.

Splash is one of the best romantic comedies of the 1980s and is definitely worth seeing. It is now one of the classic love stories and an example of excellent filmmaking. If for no other reason to watch it, check this film out for the importance it played in the careers of Hanks, Hannah, and Howard.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Apollo 13, Big, Forrest Gump, You've Got Mail, Joe verses the Volcano, Uncle Buck