Big
1988ComedyDirected by Penny Marshall
AI-generated for entertainment purposes only
Own & Stream
Synopsis
"Big," directed by Penny Marshall and released in 1988, is a beloved comedy-drama fantasy film that follows the story of a young boy named Josh Baskin who, after making a wish to be "big" at a carnival fortune-telling machine, wakes up the next day as a full-grown adult, played by the charismatic Tom Hanks. As Josh navigates the challenges of adulthood while trapped in a child's mind, he lands a job at a toy company and starts to see the world through a fresh and innocent perspective, captivating audiences with a heartwarming and humorous tale of growing up too soon. The film features a stellar cast including Elizabeth Perkins as Susan, John Heard as Paul, and Robert Loggia as Mr. MacMillan, each delivering standout performances that contribute to the movie's charm and appeal. With its blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy elements, "Big" explores themes of innocence, friendship, and the universal desire to hold onto the joy and wonder of childhood. Audiences of all ages have been captivated by the film's timeless story and Tom Hanks' endearing portrayal of a boy in a man's body, making "Big" a classic that continues to resonate with viewers decades after its release.
This synopsis is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
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TML Review
TopMovieList exclusive verdict👍
Highly Recommended
👍 A solid film worth your time with notable strengths. While not perfect, it offers substantial entertainment value.
Collectibles & Reads
Director
Main Cast
4 cast members
F.A.Q.
Q:Why did Tom Hanks almost miss out on playing Josh in Big?
A:
Tom Hanks was not the first choice for the role of Josh Baskin. Initially, Harrison Ford was in talks for the part, but disagreements over script details led to his exit. Hanks, who had previously passed due to scheduling conflicts with the film 'Punchline', was able to join 'Big' after the production delays aligned with his availability.
Q:How did they manage to shoot the iconic piano scene in FAO Schwarz?
A:
The famous piano scene was almost filmed in a studio replica due to concerns about logistics in FAO Schwarz. However, director Penny Marshall insisted on authenticity and secured overnight filming in the store. This required special permissions and meticulous planning, as they had only a narrow window from store closing to opening to complete the shoot.
Q:What really happened when Tom Hanks interacted with the Zoltar machine?
A:
The Zoltar machine scene required a significant amount of post-production work because the machine malfunctioned during filming. Originally, it was supposed to mechanically dispense the fortune card, but it failed to do so. The production team had to manually operate the machine off-camera to ensure the scene worked as scripted.
The FAQ section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
Trivia
🎬Robert De Niro was originally offered the role of Josh Baskin in 'Big', and he accepted it. However, his asking salary of $6 million was too high for the film's budget, leading to Tom Hanks eventually getting the role for $2 million, significantly shaping the film's light-hearted tone.
💡The keyboard used in the famous FAO Schwarz scene is not just a prop—it's a real instrument called the 'Walking Piano' created by Remo Saraceni. It was specially designed to be large enough to dance on, and its inclusion in 'Big' significantly boosted its sales and popularity.
🎯In an unusual method to help adult actors channel their inner children, director Penny Marshall organized a 'play day' where the cast participated in child-like activities including hopscotch and dodgeball. This exercise was meant to help them deliver more authentic performances by reconnecting them with their youthful spirits.
The trivia section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
