Penny Marshall's top grossing film, Big, was a crossover cinematic experience. Hank's film career was solidified with this here film, well deserved as he delivers an amazing portrayal of a 13-year-old in a 30-year-old's body. Never
underestimate the power of the extraordinary, especially if you have a
Hollywood tech crew in the wings,. moreover be careful what you wish for, you just might get your wish.
I've always associated Big with another 80's movie. "Mr. Mom," both sharing
boardroom scenes involving a new employee who speaks from personal
experience as opposed to well funded corporate research. And they both
produced their own instantly recognizable and forever classic moments, Big,
(frolicking on the toy store piano), Mr. Mom, (crossing the finish line in slow motion with the highly dramatic music). While Mr. Mom addresses feminist
topics in an pedestrian Hollywood manner, Big begs similar questions about
youth. Similar to Groundhog Day (though not nearly as funny or potent), in Big we are asked to swallow bizarre "impossible" plots with a spoonful of sugar
provided by amazing lead performances. Hank's boyish looks and his sugar
high antics or homesick appear so authentic. Though the plot could have
continued along the line of Hanks remaining an adult, it is with bravery that the writers return Hanks to his original family and life. The films ending was rather touching even if it is somehow inexplicable. (What exactly triggers him to be normal again, first time he was sleeping at the end it occurs while walking back up to his parents house...) Despite the incongruence we buy it because
narratively it works and it also implies that his adult love interest actually experiences the transformation, in a way sharing and proving that the
impossible was real and true.
While Big has probably become some what dusty over it's 14 year history, it will remain one of the classic 80's family films. Though we have yet to see for sure, it is my guess that well written / acted films will eclipse their CGI / special effects in the long run. In wouldn't be surprised to see a return to the precepts which inspire this types of films once the new producers / directors get board with the new bundle of toys that we have at our disposal in the 21st century.
8/10
underestimate the power of the extraordinary, especially if you have a
Hollywood tech crew in the wings,. moreover be careful what you wish for, you just might get your wish.
I've always associated Big with another 80's movie. "Mr. Mom," both sharing
boardroom scenes involving a new employee who speaks from personal
experience as opposed to well funded corporate research. And they both
produced their own instantly recognizable and forever classic moments, Big,
(frolicking on the toy store piano), Mr. Mom, (crossing the finish line in slow motion with the highly dramatic music). While Mr. Mom addresses feminist
topics in an pedestrian Hollywood manner, Big begs similar questions about
youth. Similar to Groundhog Day (though not nearly as funny or potent), in Big we are asked to swallow bizarre "impossible" plots with a spoonful of sugar
provided by amazing lead performances. Hank's boyish looks and his sugar
high antics or homesick appear so authentic. Though the plot could have
continued along the line of Hanks remaining an adult, it is with bravery that the writers return Hanks to his original family and life. The films ending was rather touching even if it is somehow inexplicable. (What exactly triggers him to be normal again, first time he was sleeping at the end it occurs while walking back up to his parents house...) Despite the incongruence we buy it because
narratively it works and it also implies that his adult love interest actually experiences the transformation, in a way sharing and proving that the
impossible was real and true.
While Big has probably become some what dusty over it's 14 year history, it will remain one of the classic 80's family films. Though we have yet to see for sure, it is my guess that well written / acted films will eclipse their CGI / special effects in the long run. In wouldn't be surprised to see a return to the precepts which inspire this types of films once the new producers / directors get board with the new bundle of toys that we have at our disposal in the 21st century.
8/10