Big (1988)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 1988
	Director: Penny Marshall (Jumpin' Jack Flash)
	Actors: Tom Hanks (Cast Away, Forrest Gump), Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard (Home Alone 1-2), Jon Lovitz (Loaded Weapon 1)
	Country: USA
	Genre: Comedy
	Conditions of visioning: 08.06.2019, in-flight entertainment system 10" screen.
Synopsis: 13-year old Josh wishes to be a grown-up and this turns true overnight. Now 30 (Hanks), he is trying to blend into adults' life while looking for a way to turn back.
Review: I had never seen this classic, dating from a pre-Philadelphia time when Tom Hanks was not yet a huge star. And it is indeed funny to see him so young. The Fantasy argument that leads to comedy situations reminds of movies like Groundhog Day, and the infantile humor of Home Alone, all from the same time period. I find that Big has a much deeper meaning that the two other examples. Past the surprise of the situation, and the many funny misunderstandings and mismatch between the character's physical and mental ages, the message that slowly emerges from that movie is: must we loose our innocence and funny side when we grow out of childhood? The director subtly and cleverly takes us to that question by showing some absurdities of the adult's life. It seems to me that the movie benefits a lot from female director (Penny Marshall) and screenplay writer in the person of Anne Spielberg (sister of Steven). It probably sounds cliché but they bring a sensitivity to a story that could have otherwise been too slapstick. For example there are a few moments that feel weird: the boy leaving his mom for an extended amount of time, his whole relationship with Susan. And by weird I mean that pedophilia is on the mind of the audience. But it is all sweet in this movie and well-done, so that it is acceptable. At least for a movie of the 80's. Nowadays this movie couldn't be done, however sweet. Fortunately the goofy start of the movie evolves to this more mature reflection, for the best. So a weird movie with not-so-funny 80's jokes, saved by a good direction and a deeper message.
Rating: 7 /10