Big

1988 Comedy

More than anything else, 13-year old New Jerseyite Josh (David Moscow) wants to be "big". That's the wish he makes at an odd-looking amusement pier fortunetelling machine. The next morning, Josh wakes up-only to discover that he's grown to manhood overnight! (At this point, the part is taken over by Tom Hanks). Still a 13-year-old mentally and emotionally, Josh decides to hide out in New York City until he can figure out what to do next. He lucks into a job with a major toy company run by kid-at-heart McMillan (Robert Loggia). By cannily bringing a child's eye view to McMillan's business, Josh rises to the top-and in process, he falls in love with fellow employee Susan (Elizabeth Perkins). But he's still a kid, and he'd like to go back to his own world and own body. Written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg, Big proved a crucial success for budding director Penny Marshall, who'd work harmoniously with Hanks again on the radically different A League of Their Own. The cinematography was by Barry Sonenfeld, who went on to become a director himself with The Addams Family. That Big was heavily reliant upon the input of Tom Hanks and Penny Marshall was proven by the failed attempt to turn the property into a Broadway musical. more..

Director: Penny Marshall

Starring: Tom Hanks, Jared Rushton, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, David Moscow

 17 Reviews  14 Awards

Reviews

  • Unpretentious as it is, Big takes you beyond laughter, to where you live. And there's nothing small about that.

    - USA Today

    26 April 2013

  • Big is an example of what has become rare in Hollywood -- a self-confident comedy that transforms an old gimmick into a new, vivid experience. It's as funny for the kids as it is for adults and, for that reason alone, can't be recommended too highly.

    - The Boston Globe

    26 April 2013

  • Big is a winning, charming film, primarily because Hanks makes it work. He is extraordinarily convincing as an adolescent who suddenly finds himself dealing with a new, adult body, responsibilities, and a romantic relationship, while simultaneously trying to survive vicious corporate infighting.

    - TV Guide

    26 April 2013

  • The greatest thing about Big is that its makers have known how to end it in a thoroughly satisfying fashion, which is always the challenge-and often the stumbling block-of fantasy. In never confusing what is child-like with childishness, Big is actually a refreshingly grown-up comedy-for the entire family.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    26 April 2013

  • I am glad to be able to say that all these clever and talented people have actually come up with the goods. The biggest goodie is Tom Hanks as the little boy after his wish has been granted. Much of the comedy in this movie is physical. Without forcing the matter Mr. Hanks has a startling ability to take on the mannerisms and facial expressions of an adolescent.

    Julie Salamon - The Wall Street Journal

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Top Box Office Films

    ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (1989)

  • Best Actor in a Leading Role

    Academy Awards (1989)

     

  • Best DVD Special Edition Release

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2008)

     

  • Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role)

    American Comedy Awards (1989)

  • Best Casting for Feature Film, Comedy

    Casting Society of America (1989)

     

Lists

No lists

©2013 Movie Monitor