Splash (1984)

[D-Man]

Ron Howard's first major directorial success, as well a star-maker for Tom Hanks, Splash is still one of the most compelling films about a man falling in love with a mermaid to this day.  Everyone seems to be so ga-ga over Ariel in rush of Disney propaganda, but Daryl Hannah's Madison is still the definitive movie mermaid, in the tradition of Glynis Johns in "Miranda", and Ann Blyth in "Mr. Peabody and The Mermaid". 

Splash isn't a perfect film by any means, though.  It's a little bit too long, Hank's early career jitters as an actor are apparent (as are Howard's as a director), and it gets a little too serious before the end, to the point where it forgets to be a romantic comedy.  Still though, Hannah's charming ditziness, coupled with John Candy's wonderfully amusing scenes, help to make this one of those unique films that is often imitated ("Aquamarine" anyone?) but never truly duplicated. 

As a side note: On the subject of imitation, has anyone ever noticed that in these mermaid stories, it always winds up with the mermaid coming to land to find her love, and what not?  I think it would be fun to just once do the inverse of that, where a man somehow becomes a merman, and goes into the sea to find his love.  What do you think? 

[soylentgreen]

I can't help but guess your thoughts were prompted by the virtual assault of the film on cable this weekend. 

When the movie came out, I was pretty taken with it.  Of course, I was 14, it was a broad comedy and had a beautiful blonde walking around in skimpy attire for a good chunk of time.

I agree 100% on the idea of Howard's film being the pinnacle of Man/Mermaid films.  Looking at it now though, SPLASH doesn't quite do for me what it used to.  It's sincerity and earnest charm are still potent, but it feels a little too feel-good-film-formula for my jaded older mind.  Compared to something like E.T., which(blasphemy of blasphemies!) I can't stand anymore, SPLASH I can watch again every so often.

It's always interesting to contrast Hanks most recent work with his very first films like this, VOLUNTEERS and the almost unwatchably inane THE MAN WITH ONE RED SHOE. 

Nice to see others remember Glynis Johns, too.

SPLASH does, however, hold a particular spot in my 80s nostalgia as being the first laser disc my friend's folks got for their brand spanky new over-priced player.  "Hey what a great film so far...Ooop!...time to flip sides!"    And like with any newly acquired vid technology, their young and limited library of titles meant the film got some heavy-ass rotation.  I can still recite practically the whole film on cue.

I think it would be fun to just once do the inverse of that, where a man somehow becomes a merman, and goes into the sea to find his love.  What do you think? 

For an interesting and macabre take on that, there's always DAGON! 

[Killer Bees]

Splash is one of my favourite 80s movies.  It's a timeless romcom movie that's done well without being ridiculous and sentimental.

The ditzy old secretary wearing her bra on the outside was just priceless.  As was the look on Tom Hank's face!   

[Mr. DS]

I've always liked this film and it was one of my regular viewings as a kid.  Johny Candy and Tom Hanks have good chemistry and the film has some great one liners.