Big

UK Release: 21st October 1988

Watched on TV: Wednesday 10th August 2011

Rating: 12

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family

Runtime: 1hr 44mins

Tagline: Yesterday Josh Wanted Everything In Life - Girls...Money...Cars... Today, All His Wildest Dreams Have Come True!

IMDb Plot Summary: When a boy wishes to be big at a magic wish machine, he wakes up the next morning and finds himself in an adult body literally overnight.

My Review: A young Tom Hanks takes centre stage in this warm family comedy. It’s a sweet concept that almost all kids and one time or another have wished - to be big. And when Josh Baskin’s wish comes true the reality of his wish begins to surface. Landing himself a dream job trying out new toys, and falls for a colleague he starts to loose touch with where he’s come from. 

However despite the ‘family’ marketing there is quite a lot of adult subtext which makes it fun for adults to watch as well (see the trailer for some great examples).

The performances are touching especially between Josh and his best friend played nicely by Jared Rushton. I haven’t seen as good an age-changing film since Freaky Friday. The issues of growing up fast are dealt with brilliantly as well as subtly. Tom Hanks shows some remarkable talent in one of his first major roles. It’s clear that he was a movie star in the making. 

Josh’s plight to find his childhood again and to survive in the adult world makes for a great family film that everyone can enjoy. It's a shame it isn't more well known as it has all the ingredients for a classic.

Score: 6/10