The popular Showtime series Dexter is now in its 6th season. This year finds Dexter up against a religious serial killer and his protégé played by the talented Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks.
Hanks Sr. did some of his best (though not Oscar-winning) work at his son’s age. During the 90’s, Hanks was best know for his roles opposite Meg Ryan and his most famous role to-date, Forrest Gump. From there, he went on to perform a wide range of characters in both dramatic and family films (all critically acclaimed, of course). Arguably, his best years as an actor were in the 80’s. Hanks was still fresh on the scene, funny, charming, and possibly one of the most lovable actors. It’s impossible not to love an 80’s Hanks character, his first notable film being ‘Splash’.
‘Splash’ premiered on March 9, 1984. It’s an adorable tale of a man who falls in love with a woman who saves him from drowning, then later discovers she’s a mermaid. Hanks (as Allen Bauer) stars opposite the infallible Daryl Hannah, who plays the mermaid, Madison. They are supported by John Candy- no stranger to the 80’s comedy, and Christopher Guest regular, Eugene Levy.
Hanks is everything you expect him to be by now. He’s charming, humble, he’s the everyman. Though he is cast with some talented comedians in the film, they are no match for the spot-on timing of Daryl Hannah. Nearly every laugh-out-loud scene in the film is executed by her. Madison’s wide-eyed naivety and unyielding love for Allen would seem superfluous if not for Hannah’s perfect delivery. But what truly sells her is the way Hanks as Allen responds to her. He is not a cold New Yorker. He is the humble everyman with a sense of humor.
Hanks and Hannah’s chemistry is perfectly illustrated in the films most memorable scene, and for good reason. Allen and Madison are out to dinner, eating lobster. A fidgety Allen flings his spoon across the restaurant before they are served their meal. Oblivious mermaid Madison tears right into her lobster like an animal. This causes the other patrons to stare, to which Allen replies, “She’s really hungry.” The timing and delivery from both actors in this scene is impeccable. It is a trend which carries throughout the film and has made it a stand-out after nearly 30 years.
Comments