Day 89: Big (1988)
I saw this movie on a date, and fell in love with the movie, not the guy. Penny Marshall directed this wonderful fantasy comedy, with Tom Hanks as a young boy (Josh Baskin) who upon making a wish "to be big" becomes an adult overnight. How many times when we were young did we wish the same thing? Hanks is perfection as the boy/man who has to learn how to live in a world of stiff adults, who are competitive and unfair. Hanks mannerisms as Josh are perfection! Seeing adulthood from a kids perspective drives this film, providing multiple hilariously played scenes such as the piano duet at FAO Schwartz. In this scene Josh meets his future boss, who is so impressed with Josh's insights on toys and his childlike sense of fun that he hires him on the spot; well after they both end up playing a duet together on a foot-operated large scale electronic keyboard, performing not just "Chopsticks" but "Heart and Soul."
Elizabeth Perkins, (who I miss, where is she?) is wonderful as the adult woman who thinks she has finally met a 'real' man in the presence of Josh's grown-up self. At one point Josh curious about his growing attraction to her (the Elizabeth Perkins character) gently touches her breast; the scene is quite innocent and sweet, and I had no problem with my kids seeing it, but I leave that up to you. Besides, this moment the film conveys little reference to adult sexuality, and stays within the realm of childhood fantasy.
Themes: Adulthood, Patience, Friendship, Time
Media Literacy Questions for Kids: Have you ever wanted to be grown-up? If so, how do you imagine it will be? Do you think Josh made the right choice? How did the filmmakers convey that Josh was still an eleven year old? What are key values of the film?
Elizabeth Perkins, (who I miss, where is she?) is wonderful as the adult woman who thinks she has finally met a 'real' man in the presence of Josh's grown-up self. At one point Josh curious about his growing attraction to her (the Elizabeth Perkins character) gently touches her breast; the scene is quite innocent and sweet, and I had no problem with my kids seeing it, but I leave that up to you. Besides, this moment the film conveys little reference to adult sexuality, and stays within the realm of childhood fantasy.
Themes: Adulthood, Patience, Friendship, Time
Media Literacy Questions for Kids: Have you ever wanted to be grown-up? If so, how do you imagine it will be? Do you think Josh made the right choice? How did the filmmakers convey that Josh was still an eleven year old? What are key values of the film?
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