Opened: June 3, 1988

Directed by: Penny Marshall

Starring: Tom Hanks, David Moscow, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jared Rushton, Jon Lovitz, Mercedes Reuhl, Josh Clark & Debra Jo Rupp

With an Oscar-nominated performance, Tom Hanks elevates the lead role in Big to become more than a comedy-fantasy but something very heartfelt.

After being told he’s too short to ride a rollercoaster, 13-year-old Josh Baskin (David Moscow) puts his faith in a Zoltar fortune-teller machine where his wish to be big is granted. Josh wakes up the next morning as an adult (Hanks) and must figure out how to navigate life until he can become a kid again.

Hanks has an infectious spirit and never once makes you doubt that he’s not a 13-year-old trapped in an adult’s body. His chemistry with Elizabeth Perkins (as love interest Susan) is palpable, and you’ll find yourself wishing he stays an adult for her.

The script is incredibly funny, while the “Walking Piano” scene is legendary.

Final say: Big laughs and heart. ★★★★★