Big

"Big" is a 1980's drama that wouldn't get less excitement even seeing it decades from now. The movie is honest, funny and surprisingly sweet. It has deep messages about growing-up and friendship. Big appreciation to smart script that never left this movie from being dull or silly with it's risky theme. All the jokes and romance work as it should be, also a more than fine performance from Tom Hanks has lifted these through higher achievement. His performance makes us believe at Josh Baskin's character, a 13 years old child who suddenly appeared in a 30 years old body. Also solid performance from all supporting casts set "Big" into a fascinating film to see. Overall "Big" is a well acted and directed drama that always be missed. It's a romantic-comedy that teaches a lot moral attitude inside and definitely doesn't offer only on sexuality or bad words like most of Rom-Com nowadays.

Of course, the premise sets up the possibility for an actor to either succeed or fail. If we don't buy into the innocence and the joy of a little boy, it isn't going to happen. By Tom Hanks being cast here, a mediocre script is brought to life. This was later a Broadway play, and when I saw it, I felt a bit cheated. Then it dawned on me that I was so involved in Hanks portrayal that the actor I was watching, as gifted as he was, was a step down. The plot, of course, involves a boy who maintains his childish being in a man's body. The man has choices in his world where the boy did not. Someone could fall in love with him in a romantic way. He, naturally, is clueless and this is bewildering. I remember Peter Sellers in "Being There." They are what they are and their environment is in conflict with them. Yet they don't have the intellectual wherewithal to change to adapt. A very nice movie. Unfortunately, a shameless commercial for F.A.O. Schwartz. But that's only a minor point.

Josh is a regular kid. He can't get the girl. He can't even get on the amusement ride because he's too short. So he makes a wish upon a carnival Zoltar machine. He just wants to be big, and the next morning he wakes up as an adult. The only person who believes him is his best friend Billy. It's a nice premise. Certainly age changing is not a new idea for stories. Nevertheless, it is well written. Director Penny Marshall shows herself to be a very capable director. However this is all dependent on Tom Hanks. He really digs up his inner child with this impersonation of a 12 year old. The joy in his performance is unmistakable. Dancing on the roll out piano is the classic movie scene. Tom Hanks really excels playing around with Jared Rushton or acting childish around the unsuspecting adults.

Big does have its minor faults, such as the parents missing a child idea barely registering, but overall while goofy it is also very charming thanks to the performances and chemistry between the two leads. The story is nice and simple, and it is beautifully handled, while the script is witty, funny and quite charming, like the story. Then there is Penny Marshal's polished direction, some nice cinematography and a sweet soundtrack. The best thing though for me was the performances and chemistry of Tom Hanks and Elizabeth Perkins. Hanks is typically fine in his role, and Perkins makes the most of her character, and the two have a very effective chemistry on screen. So overall, very enjoyable and charming, and actually one of the better body-swap movies out there. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Tom Hanks is at his best -- as are the others in this wonderful movie. Manages to be lighthearted and profound at the same time. The individual scenes are funny and memorable (the boy in a man's body unabashedly devours the food at the office party, surrounded by the restrained and constrained adults), but the whole narrative works as well. Underrated by IMDb users, based on the ratings! If you haven't seen it, rent it next time you are in the mood for something fun.