Here we go, another trip down the fluorescent-lit aisles of memory lane, pulling a well-loved tape from the shelf. This time, it’s a film that swam against the tide of cynical 80s blockbusters, delivering a wave of pure, unadulterated romantic charm: 1984's Splash. Long before cinematic universes demanded interconnected lore, here was a simple, magical premise executed with such heart and humor it felt like finding a pearl in your oyster. It wasn't just a movie; for many of us watching on slightly fuzzy CRT screens, it was a delightful "what if?" dropped into the bustling reality of New York City.
### Boy Meets Mermaid, Hilarity Ensues
The setup is pure fairytale, whisked into the modern (well, 1984 modern) world. Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks, radiating the earnest likeability that would soon make him a global superstar) is a decent guy running a wholesale fruit and vegetable business with his incorrigible brother Freddie (John Candy, in a performance that’s pure comedic gold). Allen's love life is a wash-out, partly because he's secretly nursing a decades-old memory of being saved from drowning as a boy by... well, something magical. When a beautiful, enigmatic blonde (Daryl Hannah) suddenly appears naked at the Statue of Liberty, speaking no English but possessing an uncanny attraction to him, Allen’s ordinary life takes a dive into the extraordinary.
She calls herself Madison (a name she famously plucks from a street sign – a move credited with popularizing the name for girls!), and their whirlwind romance forms the heart of the film. Hanks is perfect as the slightly bewildered, utterly smitten everyman, grounding the fantasy in relatable emotion. But it's Daryl Hannah who truly captivates. She imbues Madison with a guileless innocence and otherworldly grace that makes the fantastical premise utterly believable. Her wide-eyed discovery of human eccentricities – from television shopping to lobster dinners – provides endless comedic and touching moments. You completely buy that she's a creature of wonder adapting to a strange new world.
### The Comedy Dream Team
While the romance anchors Splash, the comedy sends it soaring. John Candy as Freddie is a force of nature. His lecherous, loud-mouthed, yet ultimately loyal brother provides a hilarious counterpoint to Allen's romanticism. Candy’s timing is impeccable, his ad-libs legendary (apparently, much of his dialogue was improvised), and he steals every scene he's in. Who can forget his disastrous attempts at speaking Swedish or his sheer panic when faced with Madison's secret?
And then there's Eugene Levy as Dr. Walter Kornbluth, the obsessed scientist determined to expose Madison. Levy plays Kornbluth not as a moustache-twirling villain, but as a tragically overlooked academic, desperate for validation. His bumbling pursuit adds another layer of perfectly pitched farce, culminating in some wonderful physical comedy. The combined comedic talents here are just off the charts, a masterclass in ensemble chemistry.
### Making a Splash Behind the Scenes
This charming concoction didn't just appear out of the blue. It was deftly guided by director Ron Howard, who was then solidifying his transition from beloved sitcom star (Happy Days) to respected filmmaker. Splash demonstrated his knack for balancing genuine heart with broad comedy, a skill he'd hone further in films like Parenthood (1989) and later, Apollo 13 (1995). The screenplay, penned by the powerhouse team of Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Bruce Jay Friedman (from a story by Friedman and producer Brian Grazer), was so sharp and witty it earned a surprising but thoroughly deserved Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Retro Fun Facts: Let's talk about that tail! Designed by the Oscar-winning Robert Short, the functional mermaid tail was reportedly quite heavy and challenging for Daryl Hannah to swim in, requiring significant practice. But the effect on screen? Simply iconic. Splash also holds a unique place in Disney history: it was the very first film released under their new Touchstone Pictures banner, created specifically to produce films for more mature audiences than traditional Disney fare. It proved a smart move; made for around $11 million, the film grossed nearly $70 million domestically (that's over $200 million in today's money!), becoming a massive critical and commercial success and proving audiences were eager for smart, funny fantasy romance. Funnily enough, while Hanks was an early choice, John Candy apparently wasn't the first considered for Freddie – names like Bill Murray and Michael Keaton were reportedly floated!
### Still Sparkling After All These Years
Watching Splash today is like revisiting an old friend. Yes, some of the fashion and technology scream "1984," but the core appeal remains timeless. It’s a film brimming with optimism, finding magic in the mundane and celebrating love in its most unexpected forms. The chemistry between Hanks and Hannah is palpable, the comedy delivered by Candy and Levy still lands beautifully, and Ron Howard’s direction keeps everything buoyant and engaging. It taps into that universal fantasy of meeting someone truly extraordinary, someone who changes your world forever. It avoids cynicism, embraces sweetness, and delivers a genuinely heartwarming experience. Does it get any more 80s comfort viewing than this?
VHS Heaven Rating: 9/10
This score feels absolutely earned. Splash is a near-perfect blend of romantic fantasy and sharp comedy, boosted by career-defining performances and a clever script. It's charming, funny, surprisingly touching, and possesses an enduring magic that hasn't faded with time. A few dated elements barely ripple the surface of its overall excellence.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories, told with heart and humor, are the ones that truly make waves and stay with us long after the credits roll and the VCR clicks off. Pure 80s magic, bottled.