Big (1988)

A perfect marriage of novel but incisive writing, acting, and direction, Big is the story of a 12-year-old boy who wishes he were older, and wakes up one morning as a 30-year-old man (Tom Hanks). The script by Gary Ross (Dave) and Anne Spielberg finds some unexpected ways of attacking obvious issues of sex, work, and childhood friendships, and in all of these things the accent is on classy humor and great sensitivity. Hanks is remarkable in the lead, at times hilarious (reacting to caviar just as a 12-year-old would) and at others deeply tender. Penny Marshall became a first-rate filmmaker with this 1988 work. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

A fun adventure

This 1988 movie, at least in my mind, established Tom Hanks as a star. If he could pull off this role, what couldn't he do. As we've learned through the years, very little.

The Big story is about a thirteen year old boy that is suddenly transformed into a full grown man. This premise is fraught with potential landmines, but the film is tasteful and consistent with an adolescent view of the world. Hanks is perfect, playing the part with body language that never lets the audience forget that he is still a kid only beginning the tough journey into adulthood.

This is a fine, fun film that deserves to be in home libraries of classic and noteworthy movies.
December 22, 2008

Tom Hanks's Exuberance Makes This Film A Classic

Every child ever born on this earth, at some point in his/her life, wants to experience life as a grown-up before their time. Well, this comical little film shows what would happen if one of those children were to get their wish.

For a short synopsis, this film tells the story of a 13-year old boy, Josh, who loses the "girl of his dreams" due to his short stature and lack of adult characteristics (such as driving). So, in a moment of self-pity, Josh makes a wish on a carnival game machine that he wants to be "big". The next morning, Josh wakes up with is 13-year old mind in the body of a 30-year old, and hilarity (and some emotional drama) ensues for the rest of the film.

Tom Hanks, one of the few truly great actors of our day, plays the "old Josh", and really does carry this film in what turned out to be the start of his brilliant leading-role career. Hanks absolutely nails the silliness and mannerisms of a young teenager, which makes for some hilarious physical and situational comedy. Plus, the script is also very conducive to his acting, as the plot feeds into the mentality of a child (I mean, what could have possibly been a better job for the old Josh than Toy Tester?!). Whether Hanks is failing to convince his mother that, at heart, he is still 13, goofing around with his best buddy, or trying to maintain an adult romantic relationship, Hanks is brilliant in every nuance of the character.

A particularly touching scene comes towards the end of the film, when the Old Josh must decide whether he wants to revert back to childhood. As he walks through his old neighborhood, he observes the simple moments that make childhood great, such as playing in a pile of leaves, a junior-high class picture, or starting a pick-up baseball game. I'll leave you in suspense as to what Old Josh decides to do, but suffice it to say that the scene will have you wondering whether you would have made the same choice.

I don't consider this film to be one of my all-time favorites, thus the 4-star rating instead of five, but it is a very engaging little film that can be enjoyed by pretty much all ages. Children will love Hanks' crazy antics, while adults will appreciate Hanks' performance and be drawn into the conundrum he ultimately faces. December 19, 2008

BIG!

What can I say, this movie is a classic! I bought it for my husband as an early Christmas gift, and he couldn't be happier. The scene in FAO Schwartz with the giant piano is great. We love it. December 12, 2008

black mesh covers image

I am very disappointed in this DVD. The image on my 26" HD TV appears to be overlaid by a fine black mesh. I've never had this occur watching any other DVDs. BUYERS BEWARE! November 28, 2008

Love this movie!

It took a little long to arrive, but it did not arrive late. Packaged and sealed, watched movie, no problems, no damage, easy to find online, easy pay. Ye-ah! September 8, 2008

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