hit. And even when the film begins to falter, as it does in its latter sections, Mr. Howard's touch remains reasonably steady. He does the most he can with material that, after an immensely promising opening, heads into the predictable territory of Spielberg-inspired beatific science fiction." Variety called it "a fountain of youth fable which imaginatively melds galaxy fantasy with the lives of aging mortals in a Florida retirement home [and] weaves a mesmerizing tale." The film holds a 76% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 33 critics. The critical consensus reads, "Though it may be too sentimental for some, Ron Howard's supernatural tale of eternal youth is gentle and heartwarming, touching on poignant issues of age in the process." Metacritic gave the film a score of 65 based on 18 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". The film was also a box office hit, making over $76 million in North America where it became the sixth highest-grossing film of 1985. AccoladesAcademy Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Don Ameche in 1985 Best Visual Effects in 1985 (David Berry, Scott Farrar, Ralph McQuarrie and Ken Ralston).Saturn Awards Best Director, Ron Howard - Won Best Science Fiction Film - Nominated Best Actor, Hume Cronyn - Nominated Best Actress, Jessica Tandy - Nominated Best Supporting Actress, Gwen Verdon - Nominated Best Writing, Tom Benedek - Nominated Best Music, James Horner - NominatedOther honors' The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists: 2006: AFI's 100 Years...100 Cheers – Nominated 2008: AFI's 10 Top 10: Nominated Science Fiction Film References External links 1980s fantasy comedy-drama films 1980s science fiction comedy-drama films 1985 films 20th Century Fox films American fantasy comedy-drama films American science fiction comedy-drama films 1980s English-language films Films about ancient astronauts Films scored by James Horner Films about health care Films about old age Films directed by Ron Howard Films featuring a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award-winning performance Films produced by David Brown Films produced by Richard D. Zanuck Films set in Atlantis Films set in Florida Films shot in Florida Films shot in the Bahamas Films that won the Best Visual Effects Academy Award Polydor Records soundtracks The Zanuck Company films 1980s American films