Cocoon's Score: Aging Gracefully (Like the Characters!)

Alright soundtrack nerds, Hughes here! Let's dive into James Horner and Cocoon (1985). I remember seeing this as a kid and being utterly charmed, and the music was a HUGE part of it. Horner really leaned into that sense of wonder and the genuine warmth between the characters. The main theme is just...beautiful, isn't it? That lilting melody, the way it swells... it just feels like sunshine reflecting off water. What I especially appreciate is how Horner avoids the pitfall of making the 'youthful vigor' part sound all zany and frantic. He keeps it elegant and hopeful, even as the old folks are breakdancing (or trying to!). There's this beautiful cue during the scene where they're swimming in the pool for the first time, and you really feel that life force coursing through them. It's understated but powerful. I got goosebumps re-listening to it even now! I also think the melancholic elements, hinting at the choice they ultimately face, are wonderfully done and give the score some real depth. I think he really nails the atmosphere. It's not bombastic, it's not trying to be Star Wars, but it’s got that Horner magic that elevates the whole movie. I mean, he’s just so good at layering textures, and creating themes that are emotional without being overly sentimental. A lot of it is fairly simple, harmonically speaking, but the orchestration is just spot on. I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks about it! One tiny thing I've always wondered, and maybe I'm just being picky, is if the ending music could have had a little bit more oomph. It's fittingly bittersweet, but I always felt like a slightly grander statement maybe could've really sent it over the top, but that's just me. Anyway, Cocoon is a great example of how a score can really enhance the emotional core of a film, even a relatively simple sci-fi flick. Anyone else have a favorite Horner score that often gets overlooked?