Big - A Movie Review

Wasn’t I 13 yesterday? How did I age twenty years overnight?

Big was released to theaters in 1988. Wishing that he could be an adult, 13-year-old Josh’s wish comes true overnight. Having no choice but to live for a month as an adult, Josh discovers what adult life is all about.

I laughed at Big the first time I watched it. It’s a fun film with a message that stands out to audiences of all ages. We should never wish away the best years of our lives. Big establishes how we should live each day to the fullest.

Tom Hanks sells his performance as a thirteen-year-old boy in the body of a thirty-year-old man. Big is all about Hank’s portrayal. Josh teaches audiences how important it is to live out each year of your life to the fullest - especially your childhood. Hanks genuinely acted as a child, mimicking quirky ways to act in the adult world.

Hanks didn’t do it alone, however. David Moscow (Young Josh) performed Hank’s scenes first. Hanks would then copy Moscow’s mannerisms as what he saw fit. I would have liked to have seen how Moscow performed those sequences. I liked that Moscow was used for more scenes rather than just the sequences he was called for.

Friendship is a value. One of my favorite parts about this film is the friendship between Josh and Billy (Jared Rushton). Moscow (Hanks, too) and Rushton did an outstanding job establishing their friendship. I liked their interactions.

My favorite part will always be when they goof around with silly string. I especially liked Rushton’s approach to the role. It’s funny how he’s able to hang out with Josh every single day, somehow traveling behind his parent’s backs. You will always have a friend nearby in any circumstance.

Big also included the talents of Elizabeth Perkins, John Heard, Jon Lovitz, and the unforgettable Robert Loggia who performed the iconic piano sequence with Hanks. Did you know that stand-ins were assigned for them in the case they couldn’t perform the scene? Hanks and Loggia performed the entire piano scene themselves.

Josh’s subplot with Susan (Perkins) is interesting. While nobody should ever be in a rush to grow up, we should never lose our inner kid. It’s subtle, but watch Susan’s transition throughout the story. There is a questionable sequence that viewers have talked about over the years.

Big offers the best comedic moments based on childhood innocence. That memorable scene where Josh eats baby corn was improvised by Hanks. Shoutout goes to the filmmakers for establishing the best design for Josh’s apartment.

During production, Hanks, Moscow, and Rushton were put in a room with a bunch of toys. Most of their playtime ended up in the final film. That’s what I liked most about Big. It aimed for authenticity and got it.

Penny Marshall did a wonderful job connecting to viewers. She worked closely on the small moments. One of the best elements that she succeeded in was character direction. Big grossed $100 million at the box office, leading Marshall to become the first female director to accomplish this milestone.

Over the decades, our definition of adulthood has changed. Just because we’re adults doesn’t mean that we should stop being kids. Big is genuine. That’s what all films should have because it adds realism. Never wish away any age. Live each day to the fullest. And never lose your inner child. We’re all kids at heart.

Don’t skip out on Big. The film will keep you laughing until the very end. It’s another film that showcases the talents of Tom Hanks.