Splash, Too (1988 TV Movie) User Reviews

Puddle Dive

[AcidRaina · 3/10 · 6 September 2008]

'Splash' was my favorite movie as a small child. I even named my pet turtles Madison and Allen. So as you can imagine when 'Splash Too' premiered on TV you couldn't have found a more excited kid. Unfortunately I remember even then thinking there was something very wrong with this continuation. Skip ahead twenty years later; I find this unworthy sequel on youtube and decide to give it another chance.

My first and biggest gripe; where was the military? Remember the reason Madison and Allen left in the first place? Did the United States government and the rest of the world just forget that Allen Bauer broke the only living mermaid on record out of a government facility and then escaped into the ocean with her? They didn't even change their names! Eddie should have been in jail! Even if you ignore that inexcusable continuity error there are many, many other things wrong with this movie.

Amy Yasbeck and Todd Waring give decent Madison and Allen impersonations but they simply don't evoke the same chemistry or charm the original pair displayed. The dialogue is corny, and the characters are caricatures of their original counterparts. All that and slap a truly abysmal theme song on it and you've got yourself a real sinker.

The bottom line is that this is a perfect example of what happens when you try to continue a story that doesn't need to be continued. It should really be renamed 'Splash Too Much.'

Disappointing compared to a great film

[TheLittleSongbird · 2/10 · 12 March 2011]

I adore the 1984 film Splash. It was irresistible, charming, funny and romantic. I admit I wasn't expecting Splash Too to top it in any way, but I was expecting it to be watchable in some way. Alas, it wasn't. Splash Too is the anti-thesis of Splash. It is forgettable, charmless, unfunny and mawkish.

I will give some credit, the locations are quite nice. Also Todd Waring and Amy Yasbeck give decent performances, however they don't have the beautiful chemistry that Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah had and they are further disadvantaged by the fact that the characters are caricatures of their former selves. The direction is also very plodding, the script is flat and unfunny, the story is predictable and lazy and ignores some of the events of that of Splash, the pace is sloppy and I agree the theme song is abysmal.

In conclusion, very disappointing, seeing how wonderful Splash was. 2/10 Bethany Cox

A very, very bad sequel.

[Chalice · 4/10 · 8 March 2021]

Like most people writing a review on this, I'm a big fan of the original movie. I saw Splash Too a couple of years after it came out and watched it repeatedly because, you know - mermaids! But even as a 10 year old I was fully aware that as sequels go, this was right up there with the worst. As another reviewer succinctly put it: when hardly any of the original cast or crew want anything to do with a sequel, take the hint. That is a bad omen.

The replacement actors were not good, but to be fair on them I think Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah themselves would have struggled with such a terrible script and direction. Rescuing the dolphin could have been a good plot if it hadn't been handled so feebly and cringely. That sums the whole sorry affair up really - cringe, cringe, cringe. I've given a generous 4 thanks to nostalgia and the fact that Amy Yasbeck was ok as a mermaid all the time she was underwater and therefore not delivering any cringey lines of nonsense.

Like something else that makes a splash

[ed_two_o_nine · 1/10 · 5 October 2008]

Now I came across this movie during a period of channel surfing and I tell you I wish I had just surfed on. This is terrible. I have not seen the original for many years but remember it in a much fonder light than this drivel. What we have here is a pants film with a poor story, wooden acting and sloppy direction. How this ever got the green light is beyond me. You get character TV actors who are not worthy of gracing a movie filling roles filled by actors who on the whole went on to bigger and better things (sorry Daryl Hannah) and doing an extremely poor job of it. The script is worse than your average TV sit-com and the direction is just TV plodder like. The supporting characters have little to no value and are so flat I think I will coin the term one dimensional for them. Avoid at all times.

couldn't disagree more

[joncross1 · 1/10 · 24 December 2003]

I completely disagree. I think it is officially the worst movie ever made. I had to turn it off when I saw that the couple could now communicate through the water in the kitchen sink. Are you kidding me? That's taken a brilliant first film and turned it into a big joke. I think the makers should be ashamed of themselves.

he sat on a rock

[knightout · 1/10 · 6 February 2002]

As bad sequels go, this one is right up there with Freddy Kruger's Cash-in Christmas Special part VI.

Now if you can't get one of the main characters to appear, then you think long and hard, and if you can cast someone else and get away with it - as in Silence of the Lambs/Hannibal - then you make the new film.

But when practically NONE of the original cast OR the production team OR writers want to do a sequel, it becomes a really bad idea. A really bad idea.

That said, it has some good ideas which would've worked well in the original Splash.

Why did you do this to Splash?

[luzm88 · 5/10 · 5 June 2017]

As a child, I loved Splash! It was a supernatural rom-com! The rom- com kinda flew over my head, as it was the mermaid part that was really ingrained in my childhood memories.

Re-watching Splash as an adult was still great. I loved the characters that they created, the story, and the message. Madison was such an admirable character, a strong woman not afraid to literally enter a new world. When I heard there was a Splash Too, I was so happy. Then I watched it.

I was so disappointed at the shear lack of continuity. I am not expecting real life logic here, but this continuation completely ignores the MAIN PLOT issue as to why they left. The GOVERNMENT and the WORLD found out that mermaids exist and they did so as cameras were rolling outside a presidential address event. Meaning that EVERYONE should know what they look like. How is it then that they can just come back to society a few years after the events of the first movie like nothing every happened? Wouldn't people recognize them? Would the government just give up on the search for the mermaid?

If this wasn't enough, they just completely changed the personalities of the characters! This is not a critique on the actors who took over the roles, I think they portrayed the new characters nicely, but these were not Madison and Allen! The marine animal conservation spin was nice, but I don't think the story was adequately done.

Overall I was sorely disappointed with the direction, lack of continuity, and destruction of the characters I grew to love from the first Splash.

Splash? Too Cool!

[David, Film Freak · 3 March 2001]

This Disney sequel to the 1984 hit 'Splash' is a lot better than a lot of people think. And while Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah chose not to reprise their roles as mermaid & man couple Alan and Madison, this does not take anything away from the film itself.

When we last left Allen and Madison, they had just left New York to live a life of secrecy on a deserted island. It's here, that Madison (Amy Yasbeck) shows Allen (Todd Waring) how she can view other people's lives, simply by running her index finger in a circle motion in water. This makes Allen sad, and they both return to New York to live.

Here, Madison (played by Yasbeck, from 'The Mask', 'Problem Child' and 'Problem Child 2') finds out that Alan's boss is using dolphins as guinea pigs in some company's testing experiment. She tries desperately to save Salty the Dolphin and enlists the help of Alan, and Fern, Alan's boss's wife.

This is a wonderful fantasy tail (hehe - that's me being clever!) about one of the eightie's favorite film couples. In my opinion, Amy did a way better job than Daryl Hannah ever did! Dody Goodman ('Grease', 'Grease 2', 'Splash') returns as the kooky recepetionist, while John Candy ('Uncle Buck', 'Home Alone', 'Cool Runnings') and Eugene Levy (American Pie) also neglected to return.

I always loved this movie as a kid, and while it was only a TV movie, that was not supposed to be as good as the original, I thought it was sooooooo much better! Amy's fantastic, the dolphin is cool and... and... it just rocks...okay?

Not a patch on the 1st film

[lisafordeay · 4/10 · 23 February 2024]

Remember the 1984 film Splash with Tom Hanks and Daryll Hannah . It was cute and heartwarming. Well in 1988 Disney decided to give us a sequel that is full of plot holes,has none of the original cast involved and Madison is now Peggy Grant from The Mask(Amy Yasbeck).

4 years after the first one and Allan and Madison decide to move to New York and live as a normal couple (when in the 1984 version Madison told Allan that he could never go back on dry shore since the mad scientists were after Madison).

However things take a turn and it's up to the two to save the day. The whole film was so forgettable and unnecessary, it didn't need a sequel.

Excellent Sequel

[gari82 · 10/10 · 23 June 2002]

This was my favourite movie as a kid. Like so many good sequels (the Back to the Future series as a prime example), this sequel is a story that works very well by itself, but also connects to the original and has many parallells running throughout (for example there's a high-speed chase in both, running from the government, a lovers' bust-up). The re-casting doesn't take anything away from the movie as the new cast are spot-on in their characters. Ok, there are a few continuation problems and goofs linked to the original movie, but which sequel is without them?! Here is an example of a sequel where the new crew have definitely watched the original movie and kept their sequel as true to form as possible, and they've left it completely open and even hinted as to the plot of a "Splash Three" or "Another Splash". Great movie - watch it alone or in sequence with the original "Splash". It's excellent either way.

a really cute continuation of one of the most romantic stories ever

[flygirl-on-the-roof · 7/10 · 29 January 2005]

It's been many years since I've seen this movie -- I'm still trying to find a VHS or DVD copy of it! Nothing could ever compare to the original film, of course, but this is a very sweet and cute continuation of what I think is one of the most romantic stories ever written or filmed.

The sequel definitely has that Disney touch, but in a very good way. I think you have to have more innocence to appreciate this one than you do for the original, and if you're a kid at heart or a true romantic you'll definitely enjoy it. Mermaid lovers will swoon over the ocean scenes in this one, particularly in the film's opening scene! Wow. It's been well over fifteen years since I have seen the movie and I can still see those scenes clearly in my mind. Very impressive.

I'd give anything to see this released on DVD in the future -- preferably in the NEAR future! Splash fans who didn't get a chance to see it on Disney back in the late '80s or early '90s will really appreciate the chance to see what happened to Allen and Madison after the first film's ending.

I HIGHLY recommend this film to all true fans of the first movie. It's cute, lighthearted, and funny. Definitely underrated.

A Childhood Favorite! Where's A Disney DVD?!

[splashtoofilm · 10/10 · 12 March 2018]

This movie that Disney made for TV and was possibly making into a TV series is so 1980s cute! It's wholesome and funny AND you get to see Allen and Madison the mermaid again! It's been so long since it aired as The Disney Sunday Movie (1988) and Disney made so many of those that were GREAT every week! I really do hope for myself, my children and all the fans they release this and other "forgotten" movies they made in 80's on DVD or Blu-Ray! It's been 30 years now. SO MUCH FUN! BRING "SPLASH, TOO" TO DVD! RELEASE "DISNEY SUNDAY MOVIE'S" ON DVD-BLU_RAY! A+

Just As Good As The Original

[funky_cherry86 · 7/10 · 26 September 2006]

I saw Splash Too on family channel nearly eight years ago it was a double feature they played the original Splash with Tom Hanks & Darryl Hannah. When they showed the sequel it looked pretty good, replacements Todd Waring & Amy Yasbeck did a great job portraying the man and his mermaid wife.

Amy Yasbeck's performance as Madison was just as amazing as Darryl Hannah's she made the character comical and touching. Four years ago Allen Bauer (Waring) met and fell in love with a beautiful mermaid named Madison (Yasbeck), six days after meeting they got married and now they live on an island near Cape Cod. Allen misses his brother Freddie (Scott) and through a special gift Madison has they're able to see him through a pool of water as it turns out Bauer Produce is in some trouble so they go back to New York on the condition that she can soak her legs in salt water during the full moon.

Allen & Madison buy a house and try to act like a normal couple while she becomes friends with neighbor Fern Hooten (Taggart) who might know her secret. Madison's friend Salty the dolphin is held prisoner in captivity by Dr. Otto Benus (Blankfield) and she sets out to help him, after a big argument at a party Madison returns to Cape Cod and Allen begins to feel like something's missing. One night she returns home and they begin to rekindle their love.

they rescue Salty and he goes back to his home. After seeing Splash Too I enjoyed it as much as the original 1984 hit.

a magical viewing experience

[mermaid78 · 10/10 · 18 June 2005]

What can i say about this movie. It is one of the most special,unique and incredible movies i have ever had the privilege of watching. I first saw "Splash too" in 1989 when i was 11 years old, and from that day onwards, my life was changed forever. "ST" has affected my life in many ways. Some ways have been bad(i was teased for my infatuation as i would act out scenes from the movie), but mostly great. Every time i watch it, i always get something magical out of it.

Todd Waring and Amy Yasbeck are superb in their roles as Allen and Madison and I think they did a marvelous job replacing tom hanks and Daryl Hannah.

"splash too" tells the story of Allen and Madison returning to New York and trying to live a perfect life as a "normal" couple while they try to save their business and dolphin friend Salty.

A positive surprise

[Oldenbur · 25 May 2002]

I saw this film for the first time today. Having seen the original, I didn't have very high expectations in this one, with the cast being completely new and different. But, I was positively surprised. It is actually a good film, more than just an attempt to make more money out of the concept of a mermaid who comes up on land, from the original film. Sequels are rarely as good as the originals, and I think that's true of this one too, but it's a lot better than many sequels are, compared to their originals. It's definitely worth seeing and if you like the original, you won't get disappointed.

Corny but Fun

[m-ozfirat · 7/10 · 10 March 2022]

Many reviews give this film a negative rating taking the film too seriously when I think it should be taken as light hearted fun

In many ways I think it is better then the original Todd Warring and Amy Yasbeck have a cuteness about them that makes the chemistry work and in my view are far better then the formal and inelegant leads of the original 1984 film. On a further note reading the trivia of the original Michelle Pfeiffer or especially Diane Lane would off been better suited but Yasbeck compensates for this. The filming locations and setting is better.

The storyline is daft but the characters, cast and chemistry save this film making it fun escapism with better music. Had the original film had been more lighthearted like this one with a basic but introductory plot it would off been better without the formalities.

How can they return after 4 years in the same business and names without the American government not knowing and not pursuing them for scientific research.

It's not great but it's an enjoyable sequel that thankfully did not get made in to a TV series but as a successor film.

It's the ultimate fish-out-of-water story!

[Andras_J · 10/10 · 19 November 2001]

WARNING, has some spoilers

If your a die hard fan of Tom Hanks or the other cast from the original "Splash", then "Splash Too" may be seen as trash. But I think it is one of the greatest, yet unfortunately obscure sequels ever made! Just like the first, it has fairy tale elements mixed with a sophisticated grown up feel. Who would have ever thought a movie about a mermaid could be for adults, huh? lol. Anyway, it opens up with Madison who is now played by the lovely Amy Yasbeck, who may I add was much much much better than Daryl Hannah, playing with a Dolphin friend named Salty in the sea. it has a great opening sequence. In some ways though, this movie totally contradicts the first. Allen and Madison went back to New York, although the reason they left is because the government was after Madison. So its a bit odd there. But yet still works.

The guy that took over for Tom Hanks is ok. But I prefer Tom. It must have been hard filling Tom's shoes though, so he did a good job in general. In some senses I prefer "Splash Too" to the original. I like Madison's new found power, Salty, Amy Yasbeck as Madison etc.

Also, you see Madison of a mermaid more in the movie. And the story line is more fun. The first was great, but mainly revolved around Madison trying to hide the fact that she was a mermaid. The ice for this movie had been totally broke, and allot more happens in it.

This is the ultimate family Sunday movie!

It's nice to see Allen and Madison returning to New York Allen can save his business and Madison can save her friend Salty the Dolphin

[hakyhiqz · 10/10 · 1 February 2006]

It's a great film and a it's a good story, because in reality you can't drop a business it will all go down hill. Allen had to save his business and then Madison found her friend Salty the Dolphin and tries to rescue him. I have been watching this film maybe since i was four i am 19 now and i still think it should come on TV more often it's not fair. Splash 1 is so wonderful and i wish they bring Splash too on more often The actors deserve more credit, If it was Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah i think my friends may appreciate it more. I like it it's great and it's really a good movie i do not agree with that person who said what an awful movie excuse me you don't know a good movie standing right in front of you, this was a great childhood movie to me, if i was a mermaid and Dolphins were my only friends i'd do the same. It's an excellent backup to the original it's so good a squeal i must have been physically bullied because i was obsessed with mermaids and dolphins and i act out scenes from Splash 1 and 2 i used to love Todd Waring and Amy yasback. isn't it amazing how much she looks like daryl hannah when they changed her hair. Splash too changed my life forever i was able to stand up for myself and what i believed "I like dolphins and i will save them and rescue one someday." I did i paid at my school to have a dolphin adopted by a wonderful family and i feel very proud of it.

Excellent!

[Splash 2 · 10/10 · 11 February 2001]

I thought that this movie, though not as good as the first, was excellent! I love how they continued with the story and character plots, I just thought it was really well done. My only negative comment would be, why is it so hard to find?? I have been looking for years and still no luck. If you find this movie, hold on to it! Because you'll never get it back!

A pretty good sequel.

[itsmrbigtoyou · 8/10 · 27 August 2008]

Making a sequel to "SPLASH" was not going to be an easy task, but was well done for this production. With it's catchy theme song and well-cast actors, this is a genuinely entertaining movie.

Stepping into the roles of Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah as Allen and Madison are then-newcomers Todd Waring and Amy Yasbeck. While Waring does resemble Hanks a little, maybe there's more Jim Carrey in there looks-wise, Yasbeck looks and sounds nothing like Dary Hannah, but gives a good performance.

Even though, over the years, this movie has gotten a lot of flack from reviewers and such, it is still worth a watch and deserves a viewing. I recommend it if you liked "SPLASH".