Tom Hanks progressed from television sitcom star to one of Hollywood’s best and favourite actors, culminating in back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor (Philadelphia in 1993 and Forrest Gump in 1994). However, I think Big, for which he was also nominated as Best Actor, is better than either of his Oscar-winning performances. It also stands as director Penny Marshall’s best work to date. Needless to say, it’s a pretty good film. It’s not an “important” film, but it sure is a lot of fun.
Hanks plays the grown-up sized version of twelve-year-old Josh Baskin, who makes a wish to be big after being embarrassed in front of a girl while at a carnival. Little does he know the wish would come true. The rest of the film deals with the now-physically-big Josh (who is still a kid inside) and his little best friend, Billy (Jared Rushton), in a search for the travelling carnival so he can get back to normal. Along the way, Josh gets a job in New York City at a toy company, where he quite understandably excels. He also attracts the attention of a beautiful co-worker (Elizabeth Perkins).
Hanks is perfectly believable as a twelve year old without going over the top, as he could so very easily have done. This is no Jerry Lewis-like performance. Hanks gives us many looks, from wide-eyed and innocent, to scared, to rambunctious. In short, he plays a twelve year old like a twelve year old. There’s not a wrong note in the whole film. Big is one of the best examples of the otherwise hackneyed body transference genre. Special mention must go to Rushton, who holds his own with Hanks as the wise best friend.
This is one, as they say, for the whole family. Kids will love the laugh-out-loud fantasy. Adults will laugh, too, as well as appreciate the sweetness that lies underneath.
Tom Hanks gives his best performance (despite what the Academy thought). He is perfectly believable, without once going over the top. Young and old will appreciate this gem.- Guy MacPherson
