Splash - A Movie Review

Let’s go swim in the ocean with the mermaids, that will be fun!

Emerging from the ocean in 1984, Splash is about a man who falls in love with a woman who he previously met through a childhood experience. However, he does not know that this woman is a mermaid. As they become more romantically involved they’re blind to a figure desiring to expose her secret.

When I was a little girl all I did when I went to the beach was swim in the water. I actually tried to act like a mermaid. Long ago, I watched Splash when I was a kid. I’m surprised that I forgot so much from this film. In a fun fantasy, Splash is a comedic tail (or tale) about a unique love story.

Starring in the role that eventually made Tom Hanks a star, Allen is desperate for love. Hanks is a natural at comedy. He needs to do more comedies to bring out this side of him. Allen does everything to make Madison happy even knowing that he has no idea who she is. Allen and Madison are adorable in their interactions.

Who knew that Daryl Hannah would create a popular name for girls. Madison is a quirky mermaid learning about how everything works in the human world. When not submerged in the water she has legs. Hannah looked like she had a blast dancing to exercise videos and swimming through the water wearing a mermaid tail. According to filmmakers, she swam so fast that nobody could keep up with her!

In retrospect, Madison taught girls that they didn’t have to be what the world made women out to be. Never once is she afraid to be who she is, fighting to make people understand that she is just a person, only with the tail of a fish. Hannah looked out for herself during the making of the film, making sure that she did not do anything that would make her uncomfortable.

Bless the late John Candy’s incredibly talented acting abilities. He knew how to make people laugh. Hanks and Candy were spectacular. They made the best movie brother duo.

Interestingly, Candy was drawn to playing the antagonist of the film. That’s a fun ‘what-if’ to think about. I think it would have been enjoyable to witness Candy play a character who he wasn’t normally typecast as.

As the antagonist of the film, Walter Kornbluth (Eugene Levy) had a surprising character arc that I was not expecting. On a mission to betray Madison of her secret, he learns a remarkable lesson. For anyone who has been in Walter’s place, Splash is a great example that we are all human having remorse for our absentminded actions.

For those who love to call themselves mermaids, you’re going to enjoy the many underwater locations and beaches. The film is beautifully shot capturing stunning underwater sequences.

Some of the themes from the film do not live up to today’s standards. One scene that I raised my eyebrows at was an attempt to make a joke about anorexia. Instead of turning our noses up and shielding kids from offensive subjects, we should talk about them.

Ron Howard did an excellent job with his direction of Splash. He brought imagination to life. He worked closely with his actors making sure that everyone, including Daryl Hannah, was comfortable. Splash is a charming movie about finding love and staying true to yourself.

Splash is a film that never gets old. Be aware that It’s not for all ages because of some nudity. Gather the family together for a fun movie night.