Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chaotic teenage girl with more step-parents and half-siblings than a phone book runs away, forcing her incredibly confusing extended family to accidentally bond while trying to find her.

🍿 Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Laura’s Complicated Family Life

Thirteen-year-old Laura Chartoff feels overwhelmed by her extremely complex and dysfunctional blended family. Her parents divorced when she was eight, and both have since remarried multiple times, creating a sprawling network of step-parents, step-siblings, and half-siblings. Laura struggles to find her place and feel understood amidst the chaos, especially with a materialistic mother and a flaky artist father.

A Runaway Plan and an Unexpected Ally

Fed up with her home life, Laura decides to run away. Her plan involves seeking refuge with her estranged stepbrother, Josh, who lives a more independent life in a remote cabin. Laura sees Josh as her only genuine connection within the family, believing he understands her desire for escape and independence.

The Family Convergence

When Laura’s family learns of her disappearance, their planned vacation is immediately derailed. Driven by worry, the various family members—including her parents, step-parents, and all her siblings—converge on Josh’s cabin in the mountains. This unexpected gathering forces the often-disconnected family members into close quarters, sparking both friction and new understandings as they collectively search for Laura.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Laura Chartoff (Hillary Wolf): The sarcastic and self-aware thirteen-year-old protagonist who runs away from her overwhelming, dysfunctional blended family.
• Josh (Dan Futterman): Laura’s understanding older stepbrother, estranged from his own father, who provides her initial refuge after she runs away.
• Melinda (Margaret Whitton): Laura’s self-absorbed and materialistic mother, whose frequent marriages contribute to the protagonist’s familial frustrations.
• David (Griffin Dunne): Laura’s flaky artist father, who is perpetually in the midst of complicated romantic entanglements and offers little stability.
• Keith (David Strathairn): Laura’s wealthy, work-a-holic stepfather, whose focus on luxury rather than family adds to the household’s dysfunction.
• Barbara (Patricia Kalember): Laura’s kind and beloved ex-stepmother, who remains a caring figure despite her divorce from Laura’s father.
• Sam (Ben Savage): Laura’s precocious and intellectually inclined younger half-brother, who often makes observations beyond his years.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Laura: “This isn’t a family, it’s a human experiment gone wrong.” – Said with exasperation, expressing her deep frustration and sarcasm regarding her impossibly complicated blended family.
• Stephanie: “Respect! I wrote a haiku about respect. And the moon!” – Delivered in her quirky, new-age manner, highlighting her unique, offbeat perspective on life and relationships.
• Sam: “The empirical data suggests a high correlation between household chaos and sibling rebellion.” – Spoken matter-of-factly, showcasing his precocious, analytical mind as he observes his unconventional family dynamics.
• Josh: “Running away usually means running *to* something, not just away from it.” – Shared with Laura, offering a reflective and understanding perspective on her decision to leave and the deeper reasons behind it.
• Keith: “You try managing a family that requires a flowchart just to keep track of everyone!” – Said in exasperation to another adult, highlighting the overwhelming complexity of their multi-layered, blended family structure.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $271,327
• Worldwide Gross: $271,327

💥 Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even Reviews

Personal Review

I stumbled upon *Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even* years ago and it immediately became a comfort movie for me. Hillary Wolf’s Laura is just so relatable; who hasn’t felt overwhelmed by their family at some point? I loved the scene where her entire extended, bizarre family shows up at the lake house – the sheer absurdity of it was gold! It’s got this perfect blend of humor and genuine emotion that really hits home. Plus, that ending song just leaves you feeling so good and hopeful. Definitely a hidden gem that deserves more love.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers who appreciate quirky family comedies and dramas”
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories featuring independent young protagonists”
  • “Audiences interested in films exploring themes of divorce and blended family dynamics”
  • “Those looking for an ‘underrated’ and often overlooked gem from the early 90s”
  • “People who enjoy films with relatable characters and a mix of humor and heart”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) for thematic elements and mild mature situations typical of a family drama.”
  • “Deals with themes of divorce and family dysfunction, which might resonate differently with various viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• Original: “”Big Girls Don’t Cry…” is a surprisingly sharp comedy that expertly navigates the complexities of blended families with a refreshingly sarcastic wit. Hillary Wolf shines as the runaway protagonist, leading a vibrant ensemble cast. It’s an overlooked 90s flick that serves up both laughs and genuine heart, making it more than just a typical teen film. A truly enjoyable watch for anyone who appreciates clever social commentary.
• Original: “This film is a delightful discovery, showcasing a stellar cast led by the charismatic Hillary Wolf. It manages to be genuinely funny while touching on emotional truths about family and belonging. The chemistry among the diverse cast, particularly Dan Futterman and Patricia Kalember, elevates the straightforward premise into something truly memorable. A perfect pick-me-up that proves hidden gems still exist.
• Original: “”Big Girls Don’t Cry…” captures the hilarious chaos of a sprawling, unconventional family with a charmingly authentic touch. What could have been a simple runaway story becomes a clever exploration of identity and connection amidst modern family dynamics. The film’s strength lies in its ability to find humor in relatable situations, making it a surprisingly poignant and thoroughly entertaining watch.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praise its unexpected depth and humor in tackling complex family dynamics, making it a true hidden gem.: Most people agree that the film’s blend of comedy and genuine emotion, coupled with strong performances, creates a surprisingly relatable and feel-good experience, especially the satisfying resolution.

Overall Consensus: An underrated, charming comedy-drama offering a humorous yet insightful look into blended family life, celebrated for its relatable characters and feel-good ending.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s original working title was ‘Stepkids’, a straightforward reflection of its central theme involving complex blended family dynamics.”
• “Hillary Wolf, who stars as the lead character Laura, was also widely recognized for her role as Macaulay Culkin’s older sister, Megan McCallister, in the highly successful ‘Home Alone’ films.”
• “The DVD release famously contained a production goof on its jacket’s plot synopsis, mistakenly referring to Hillary Wolf’s character as ‘Hillary’ instead of her actual character name, Laura.”
• “The iconic song ‘I’m Free’ by the British alternative rock band The Soup Dragons was prominently featured in the movie, adding a distinct early 90s musical vibe to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even?

Finding ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even’ for streaming might require a bit of searching due to its age and niche status. You can often find it available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability to add this charming family comedy-drama to your collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even, you might like these similar films:

• Parenthood (1989): Explores the comedic chaos and heartwarming moments of a large, extended family with diverse personalities and everyday struggles, similar to the blend of humor and drama in ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry…’.
• Home Alone (1990): While different in plot, it shares the theme of a resourceful child navigating challenging situations alone (Hillary Wolf’s connection), and the eventual appreciation for family, despite its quirks.
• Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991): Features a teenager suddenly forced to fend for themselves and their siblings in a comedic way after an adult figure is out of the picture, mirroring Laura’s journey towards independence.
• Instant Family (2018): Offers a modern and often hilarious look at the complexities, challenges, and ultimate rewards of forming a blended family through foster care, providing a similar heartwarming yet chaotic vibe.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Showcases an incredibly dysfunctional family on a road trip, with themes of acceptance, finding your place, and overcoming personal struggles, albeit with a darker comedic edge.

🛒 Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even Related Products

• Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even (Collector’s Edition Blu-ray): Experience this 90s comedy cult classic in stunning high-definition, featuring newly remastered audio and video. This special edition includes rare behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews reflecting on the film’s impact, and an exclusive director’s commentary track.
• Blended Family Chaos: The Game (Digital Download): An interactive narrative game inspired by the film’s unique family dynamics. Players navigate hilarious scenarios, make choices that impact relationships, and help a protagonist escape or embrace their quirky extended family.
• Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even – Retro T-Shirt: A stylish, soft cotton t-shirt featuring vintage movie poster art or a memorable quote (‘Respect! I wrote a haiku about respect. And the moon!’). Perfect for showing off your appreciation for this iconic 90s comedy.
• The Unconventional Family Handbook: Surviving Modern Family Dynamics (Paperback): Inspired by the film’s exploration of step-parents, half-siblings, and navigating complex family trees, this humorous and insightful guide offers practical tips and relatable anecdotes for anyone living in or forming an unconventional family.

🎧 Soundtrack

Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’m Free” – performed by The Soup Dragons

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Instant Regret 😂

Ever wonder what it’s like to instantly regret a bad decision, just like Harry and Marv after falling for one of Kevin’s traps? This short video perfectly captures that ‘oh no’ moment, and it’s surprisingly relatable to the hilarious consequences in Home Alone. You’ll definitely chuckle!

He’s Mad , She’s Mad, Haha 😂 #shorts

Remember how Harry and Marv were *always* getting mad at each other, or at Kevin’s antics? This video hilariously reflects those moments of shared frustration and escalating madness. It’s a quick laugh that will remind you of the chaos and comedy that makes Home Alone so memorable!

The EASIEST Way To Trick Mom

Curious about Kevin McCallister’s secret to outsmarting everyone, even his own mom (or the burglars)? This video, though short, really hits on that cunning spirit of Home Alone. It’s a fun take on the clever tricks we see in the movie, making you appreciate Kevin’s genius even more!

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