It seems like I've been doing a lot of reminiscing in my film reviews, and I apologize for that. But I think that can be a good thing, as it reminds you, the reader, that a) a film review is by no means objective, and b) I'm a freak whose childhood was inextricably linked to movies. You know, just in case you forgot.
Where was I? Oh yes: when I first saw this film, I was seven. This film is rated PG-13. So it was a "Big" (heh) deal that I got to see it. My mom took me, and we went to White Spot beforehand. But my point? Well, I think this film is great for kids and adults alike--with the exception of one scene.
First, some background. Josh Baskin (David Moscow) is a twelve-year-old boy who desperately wants to be older, so he can do the things that older people do, such as ride on roller coasters and hang out with cute teenage girls. (Wait, what kind of old people do that stuff?) So, Josh makes a wish to be "Big", and lo and behold, he wakes up as Tom Hanks the next day. Big Josh enters the workforce and causes a sensation at MacMillan Toys, where, having the sensibility of a kid, he can tell the suits what kids really want to play with. It's all very cute and, of course, is meant to make the adult viewer nostalgic for his or her childhood.
But. Along the way, Big Josh falls for his co-worker, Susan (Elizabeth Perkins), and the two eventually end up...doing it. At least, we're given that impression, what with Josh coming into work The Morning After all high-fiving and black-coffee-requesting. As a seven-year-old, my reaction to this implication (and trust me, I was well aware of the subtext, even at that tender age) was one of maturity. I was a little embarassed to watch Hanks copping a feel with my mom sitting next to me, but I was determined to prove that I could handle it. Now when I watch that scene, I get all disturbed that a twelve-year-old (in the body of a man) is having sex with a woman old enough to be his mother. Ick, Penny Marshall, ick!
Putting any Mary Kay LeTourneau comparisons aside, I really do adore this movie. Hanks's performance is commendable for the sense of innocence and bewilderment he radiates throughout the film. It's amusing to watch Susan trying to dissect Josh's behaviour as though he were an adult. When he tries to tell her the truth about his age, she misunderstands and responds, "You think that there isn’t a frightened kid inside of me, too?"
Yes, there are many scenes to savour in this film: the baby corn/white tuxedo scene, the limo scene, the squash scene, the trampoline scene, and of course, the giant piano scene (pictured above). Too bad there's also that Other Scene--I wonder if I'll ever get over it. I guess I just need to grow up.
-reviewed by the ladybug, Feb.17, 2002
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