Big [DVD] [1988]

Whether "Big" is the best of the bunch is a pretty subjective matter but in my humble opinion it simply has to be.

Tom Hanks is simply wonderful as the 13 year old Josh Baskin and was quite worthy of his Oscar nomination. He brings an innocence to the role that is absolutely perfect, he never goes childishly silly and he never acts like a young boy pretending to be grown up, he simply acts like a 12 year old and the performance is incredibly realistic.

I think this is where this film scores over some of the other of this ilk, in that it concentrates on the golden times of childhood and doesn't become just a situation comedy. It reminds you of how wonderful it was to be 12, when the summer days seemed endless. It reminds you of how central your family was when you were young and how "best friends" really were the best.

Apart from Hanks there isn't really much room for anyone else. Robert Loggia as the kindly toy company boss is good value and Elizabeth Perkins as Hank's love interest performs with sensitivity. Special mention though for two fantastic child performers in both David Moscow as the young Josh but especially to Jared Rushton as Josh's best friend Billy.

It is sentimental, make no mistake about that, but I don't think it can be accused of being sloppy and I'm sure it will delight watchers both young and old.

The story is simple, based on classic plotlines that extend back through fairy tales. Josh, the boy, is bummed his life is dictated by his small size and young age. He is unexpectedly granted his wish to be 'big', which means 30 years old. He then faces the adventures of being a grown-up.

Scenes from this movie are famous, including the FAO Schwarz toy store dance on the keyboard floor mat. It has everything a vaudeville skit would have, from music to dance to the mix of an old and young man. It works incredibly well. Chopsticks has never been as entertaining.

Josh becomes by serendipity the VP of toy development. Despite his immaturity, the owner feels Josh is tuned into the pulse of youth, unlike the lackeys cranking out marketing reports. His colleagues become jealous of his fast rise and unsuccessfully try to root him out. One of those trying to learn his game is Susan, but he wins her over in a confusing escapade of love.

The movie is an overall pile of fun, but lacks in a few areas. It is dated, very stuck in the 1980s. That is tolerable. Had Josh been kidnapped, why wasn't his boyhood friend interviewed by police? Why didn't Josh ever confide in Susan while they fell in love? A number of other unanswered questions develop at the end dealing with his job, his apartment, his bank account.

Even though I have questions, the movie is still a keeper. It is funny, makes strong statements about good parenting, and has a charm only Tom Hanks could bring. Good, clean fun... a perfect date movie.

Anthony Trendl