This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 262! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends!
So, I recently curled up for a movie night with an oldie but a goodie, “Splash” directed by Ron Howard. This flick is a fun blast from the past, especially for a die-hard Tom Hanks fan like me. Watching Tom in one of his early roles is like seeing him when he was just a rookie in the big leagues—totally fresh-faced, charming and a bit goofy. I mean, who doesn’t love young Hanks? The guy’s been a favorite of mine forever, and it’s like digging up a little treasure seeing him in his younger years.
“Splash” isn’t just a typical rom-com; it’s this whimsical romantic comedy that mixes romance with a splash (yup, pun intended) of fantasy. It’s the story of Allen Bauer (played by Tom Hanks), a dude who’s kind of unlucky in love, who ends up falling head over heels for a mysterious woman named Madison, who is, plot twist, a mermaid! Yeah, you heard that right, a mermaid in New York City! Madison is wonderfully played by Daryl Hannah, who brings this innocence and charm to the whole fish-out-of-water (pun totally intended) scenario. Imagine falling in love with someone who’s got a scaly tail hidden under her clothes. Kind of makes your worst date seem pretty okay, right?
The story kicks off with a flashback to Allen’s childhood when he first encounters Madison in the waters off Cape Cod. Fast forward years later, and they meet again under rather unusual circumstances—she’s naked at the Statue of Liberty. Classic, right? Madison’s got a limited time on land, and the clock’s ticking on their quirky love story as they try to dodge scientists and government officials.
Now, let’s talk about the supporting cast because, oh boy, they are a hoot! We’ve got Eugene Levy and John Candy—both absolute legends. Eugene Levy plays Walter Kornbluth, a zany scientist who’s hell-bent on exposing Madison as a mermaid. He’s awkward, a bit of a klutz, and you can’t help but love to hate him. Then there’s John Candy as Allen’s brother, Freddie, who’s just the right mix of sleazy and sweet, providing a ton of the laughs and some surprisingly tender moments too. Candy brings his trademark humor, playing the lovable rogue who’s always got a wisecrack ready.
I gotta say, the chemistry between Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah is pretty magical, though. You genuinely root for these two to make it against all odds. And the comedic timing? Spot on. The scene where Allen discovers Madison’s secret? Absolutely priceless! It’s moments like these that remind you how fun movies used to be before everything got so heavy and high-tech.
One of the coolest parts about “Splash” is how it mixes the everyday hustle and bustle of New York City with this magical mermaid lore. Madison’s adaptation to human life has some truly adorable moments—from her first encounter with television to picking up English from watching it nonstop on TV.
Visually, “Splash” has this vibrant, almost dreamy quality to it, especially the underwater scenes. The way they portray the ocean, Madison’s home, is just enchanting. And considering this was the early ’80s, those effects were pretty cutting-edge. It’s kind of cool to see how they pulled off the mermaid tail and underwater sequences without the tech we have now.
What I think makes “Splash” so memorable, aside from the whole mermaid romance angle, is its heart. The movie doesn’t just go for easy laughs; it digs a little deeper. It’s about finding your place in the world and figuring out where you belong, whether on land or sea. Plus, it’s about the lengths we go to for love, and how sometimes, the right person (or mermaid) is worth jumping oceans for.
Fun fact: Did you know that “Splash” is credited with popularizing the name “Madison” for girls? Before the movie, it was virtually unheard of as a first name, but it shot up in popularity in the years following. Talk about a cultural impact, right?
All in all, “Splash” is a total feel-good movie that’s perfect for a chill night in. It’s got romance, comedy, a bit of fantasy, and young Tom Hanks. What’s not to love? If you haven’t seen it yet, or if it’s been a while, definitely give it a watch. It’s like a little escape into a world where love is as deep as the ocean.
Catch you later,
Roger