Big Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid puts a quarter in a dodgy machine and suddenly has to pretend to be an adult with zero qualifications, lands a sweet job testing toys, and romances his boss, all while trying to find that darn machine again.

🍿 Big: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Wish

Josh Baskin, a 13-year-old boy, feels frustrated by his age after being turned away from a carnival ride and embarrassed in front of his crush, Cynthia. In desperation, he makes a wish to be ‘big’ at an arcade fortune teller machine named Zoltar. The machine grants his wish, but then appears to malfunction, leaving Josh uncertain.

Waking Up ‘Big’

The next morning, Josh wakes up in the body of an adult man. Terrified, he seeks out his best friend, Billy, and explains the situation. Together, they try to find Zoltar to reverse the wish, but the machine has disappeared. They decide to head to New York City to find a way to support himself while searching for Zoltar.

Life in the Adult World

In New York, Josh, now in an adult body, gets a job at a toy company, MacMillan Toys. His childlike enthusiasm and genuine understanding of what kids want quickly impress the owner, Mr. MacMillan. Josh rises through the ranks, leading to a romantic relationship with Susan Lawrence, a fellow executive. As he experiences the perks and pressures of adulthood, Josh begins to miss his old life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks): A young boy who makes a wish to be big and finds himself in an adult body, navigating the complexities of adulthood with a child’s perspective.
• Susan (Elizabeth Perkins): A career-driven executive who falls for Josh’s childlike innocence and becomes entangled in his unusual situation.
• MacMillan (Robert Loggia): The open-minded and enthusiastic owner of MacMillan Toy Company who appreciates Josh’s childlike creativity.
• Billy (Jared Rushton): Josh’s loyal best friend who helps him navigate the adult world and seeks to help him return to his normal life.
• Young Josh (David Moscow): The 12-year-old version of Josh, who makes the initial wish at the carnival and sets the story in motion.
• Paul (John Heard): A marketing executive who views Josh’s simplistic ideas as an invasion of Paul’s more experienced and competitive ways.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Josh: “I want to be big.” – Josh makes this wish to the Zoltar machine, setting the entire plot in motion.
• MacMillan: “I get it! You’re a kid!” – MacMillan realizes Josh’s unique perspective is due to him actually being a child, not just pretending.
• Susan: “What am I gonna do with a thirteen-year-old?” – Susan’s shocked reaction after finally believing Josh’s true age, questioning the nature of their relationship.
• Josh: “No way! A Transformer turns into a building? That’s like the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” – Josh expresses his genuine enthusiasm for toys, which is a critical point when convincing McMillan that he is the best person for the job.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $115,227,281
• Worldwide Gross: $151,927,281

💥 Big Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing ‘Big’ as a kid and just being completely mesmerized! Tom Hanks absolutely nailed it; he was like a giant kid in a man’s body. The scene where he and Robert Loggia play the giant piano at FAO Schwarz? Pure magic! It made me want to work in a toy company and never grow up. Rewatching it now, it’s still just as heartwarming and funny, and it’s a great reminder to embrace the inner child. Definitely one of my all-time favorites!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Tom Hanks”
  • “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming comedies”
  • “People interested in movies about body-swapping or wish fulfillment”
  • “Those seeking nostalgic films from the 1980s”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive situations”
  • “Thematic elements related to growing up and adult relationships”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Hanks’ performance is masterful. He perfectly captures the essence of a 13-year-old boy thrust into an adult world, balancing humor with genuine emotion. The film is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and the importance of staying true to your inner child. It offers laughter and reflection in equal measure.
• Variety: “A sweet and surprisingly thoughtful comedy, propelled by Hanks’ charming performance. The film explores the challenges of adulthood and the value of childlike wonder. It offers a refreshing take on the body-swap genre with genuine moments and heartwarming relationships.
• The New York Times: “Big works because of its central conceit and Hanks’ skill in executing it. The film is a charming and funny exploration of adulthood, and a great Tom Hanks performance. It blends silly with smart, making for a worthwhile movie experience.

Audience Reactions

Tom Hanks’ performance is unforgettable and truly embodies the spirit of a child.: Viewers consistently praise Tom Hanks’ amazing portrayal of a 13-year-old in a grown man’s body, and the movie’s ability to evoke nostalgia and remind them of their own childhood dreams.

The piano scene at FAO Schwarz is iconic and creates a lighthearted, fun atmosphere.: Many agree the piano scene is a highlight, perfectly capturing the movie’s playful spirit.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and funny film that explores the challenges of adulthood through the eyes of a child, anchored by a brilliant performance from Tom Hanks.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1989

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Loggia and Tom Hanks performed the famous FAO Schwarz piano scene themselves, rejecting the use of doubles. They practiced the routine extensively to ensure a seamless performance.”
• “The Zoltar machine prop became a popular item after the film’s release, leading to many replicas and homages in popular culture.”
• “Director Penny Marshall initially wanted Robert De Niro for the role of Josh Baskin, but Tom Hanks was eventually cast, proving to be a perfect fit.”

🖥️ How to Watch Big?

Big is widely available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) are also available at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Big, you might like these similar films:

• 13 Going on 30 (2004): A woman makes a wish and wakes up as her future self, dealing with the adult world.
• Freaky Friday (2003): A mother and daughter switch bodies and must learn to understand each other’s lives.
• Vice Versa (1988): A father and son switch bodies and have to navigate each other’s lives.
• Like Father Like Son (1987): A father and son switch bodies, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments.

🛒 Big Related Products

• Zoltar Speaks Fortune Teller Machine Replica: A detailed replica of the iconic Zoltar machine from the movie. Features lights, sound effects, and delivers a fortune card. A perfect item for fans and collectors.
• Big (1988) Blu-ray: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the classic film. Includes special features such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and commentary. Watch and relive the classic movie.
• Big Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Vivid colors and durable material. Decorate your space with a touch of 80s nostalgia.
• Big Movie-themed T-Shirt: Comfortable cotton t-shirt featuring a design inspired by the movie, such as the Zoltar machine or the giant piano scene. Available in various sizes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Big features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Heart and Soul” – performed by Hoagy Carmichael
• “The Way We Were” – performed by Barbra Streisand
• “Piano Fantasy” – performed by Randy Newman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock Play Chopsticks on The Jonathan Ross Show

In this hilarious clip from The Jonathan Ross Show, Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock reenact the iconic Chopsticks scene from Big. It’s a fun and nostalgic moment that will make you smile.

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