Movie: Big
Debut: 1988
Rating: PG
Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
Directed by: Penny Marshall
What we fondly remember: Tom Hanks’ cuteness factor, that iconic scene at F.A.O. Schwartz, a fresh perspective on childhood innocence, and just the right amount of romance.
What we had forgotten: I was 12 when this movie came out, and as it turns out, what was ‘just the right amount of romance’ to me was a bit too much for my 11 and 9-year-old boys. Nate ‘got’ just enough of the few innuendos (i.e. ‘I get to be on top’…of the bunk bed, etc) to make me squirm, and Calvin just got bored when he stopped playing with all the toys.
Kids’ Review: So-so. I know…what’s wrong with them, right?! They watched the whole thing, but Toby really didn’t get much of it, and as mentioned above, even Calvin got a little bored. They enjoyed all the zany kid behavior but didn’t get why he started acting more ‘adult’ toward the end of the film. I guess this would be lost on viewers who are kids, have always been kids, and are still kids. They also repeatedly asked why the female lead was always smoking. I dunno kids…because it was 1988?
Want more after the credits roll? Catch up on past reviews here!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
The smoking part cracked me up. Javi notices that about older movies, including home movies from when I was his age. “Mom, why did everyone smoke in the old days?”
Kelly recently posted..Growing out of it
I can remember holidays and family dinners where my grandparents would be smoking up a storm right next to the kids. Just a different time!
Yeah, the boobie touching might have been a little too much for the little ones. Have you tried The Princess Bride?! God, they’d laugh at the video game Fred Savage is playing in the beginning! Anyway, I love Big, I mean who can’t not love it, it’s the film that god Tom his first Oscar nomination!
Rebekah recently posted..Couple Running
Yes, we’ve seen The Princess Bride…a classic! Was Big Tom Hanks’ first Oscar nom? Very cool!
My daughter always asks me this question when she sees people smoking: “Why are they putting fire in their mouth?” I don’t really have an answer. I always say,”Because they want to.”
I remember many things about Big, but the piano scene is the best. It has stuck with me after all these years.
Rudri recently posted..Of the White Lotus and Stillness
Yes, that movie is one that sticks with you, in a happy way. No other real explanation for smoking, is there? Funny to see it from their perspective. We’ve been watching Mad Men (husband and me, not the kids!) and the smoking on that show is laughable!
Retro movie that 9-y-o boys can appreciate: Goonies. We watch it about every 6 mos. and M still laughs hysterically whenever the kids use swear words. I never actually saw it in the 80s (must’ve been a ‘guy’ movie even then!)
Someone else recommended that one to us, and my husband remembers loving it, so it’s on the list. I wonder how much swearing there is though…hmmm. It’s an adventure every time we pick a movie and hit play!
I loved that movie! I’m pretty sure I saw it in the theater with my dad – at age 12, just like you. :) I might have to add it to my Netflix queue – not for my kids, but for me!
Kristen @ Motherese recently posted..Mistaking Activity for Happiness
Yes, do! As we’ve been looking for good contenders for this project, Charlie and I keep finding lots of other movies we want to watch again together, too! It’s been so fun.
I never liked that movie much as a kid….Sorry! But careful on The Princess Bride. We drove my mom nuts mimicking the zanely little rhymes that they do. My mother resorted to her fake laugh while trying to shut us out. Somehow we got over the phase bt it took WEEKS! Other than that it is a FABULOUS movie!
Kat recently posted..Oh- black nectar- come hither
Anyone want a peanut?!
We love that movie! I am prepared for the annoyance. ;)
I still want a big giant piano to dance on. I rewatched this not too long ago on TV and laughed at all the innuendos that had gone over my head when I was little!