Navigating Adulthood with Childlike Grace: A Movie Critique of 'Big




 Big, 1988

Directed by: Penny Marshall

Link to trailer

The film Big tells the story of Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who, after being humiliated at a carnival, makes a wish to become "big." To his surprise, the next morning he wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old man. Josh finds it difficult at first to function in the adult world. He has a number of difficulties, including trying to obtain employment and housing. He eventually gets a position at MacMillan Toys, a toy manufacturer, where his youthful viewpoint helps create innovative toys. Josh develops a close bond with his coworker Billy and begins dating Susan, a fellow worker, and high-ranking executive at the business. Despite appearing to be an adult, Josh still has a childlike innocence and pure heart, which both fascinate and perplexes everyone around him. As Josh integrates more fully into adult life, he runs into problems that make him reevaluate his goals and values. He struggles with the thought of outpacing his inner kid and growing up too rapidly. Josh encounters the rewards and difficulties of adulthood throughout the movie, picking up valuable life lessons along the way. At some point, he comes to understand that, regardless of one's age, true happiness comes from being true to oneself and embracing the childlike wonder and innocence within. 

The story of "Big" covers topics of childhood, adolescence, identity, and the value of preserving wonder and authenticity in the face of social expectations. In spite of navigating the difficulties of the adult world, it is important to embrace our inner kid, as this comforting and humorous story serves as a reminder to viewers.

In the movie Big, there isn't anything specific that drives the plot. However, "Big" focuses more on the transformation and exploration of its protagonist, Josh Baskin, rather than a specific object or goal. Josh's overnight transition into an adult and his adventure of navigating the adult world while preserving his innocent demeanor serve as the film's key plot points. Instead of a particular object or objective that propels the narrative, the emphasis is on Josh's personal development, the difficulties he encounters, and the lessons he learns. As a result, even though the movie has a number of significant aspects and items, such as the carnival machine that fulfills Josh's wish or the job at MacMillan Toys, they act more as story catalysts than as traditional plot drivers. The focus is primarily on Josh's emotional and psychological growth as he navigates the rewards and difficulties of maturity.

The 3 main acts in Big are firstly when Josh makes a wish to become "big" and wakes up in this phase as a 30-year-old guy. Josh first has trouble getting used to his new adult body, adjusting to adult life, getting a job, and overcoming everyday obstacles. He lands a position at MacMillan Toys and begins to get noticed for his innocent viewpoint and fresh concepts. In this stage, the premise is established, the main conflict is introduced, and Josh's path to self-discovery is laid out. Then, Josh accepts his new adult life and succeeds at MacMillan Toys. He becomes very close friends with Billy, a coworker, and he starts dating Susan, a senior executive at the business. Josh is recognized and admired by his coworkers because of his ingenuity and sense of wonder as a child, which makes him a valued asset in the toy industry. This stage demonstrates Josh's development as a person, his maturity in dealing with adult issues, and his capacity to have a positive influence on others around him. 

Finally, As he encounters obstacles and feels the effects of his decisions in the last stage, Josh starts to doubt his goals and priorities. He begins to understand that losing touch with his inner kid and growing up too rapidly might come with a price. Josh struggles to balance the pressures of his career success with his romantic relationship with Susan, which causes the plot to take a significant turn. This stage emphasizes Josh's introspection, reevaluation of his principles, and the significance of maintaining his connection to his youthful innocence.

The main character changes in the film when Josh starts out as a 12-year-old kid who is unhappy with his age and longs to be "big." Josh's request is realized, and as a result, he goes through a bodily change and ends up in a 30-year-old man's body. Josh develops emotionally and learns more about the difficulties of adulthood as the movie progresses. He gains experience navigating the adult world, assumes obligations, and discovers his own skills and capacities. Josh's journey is accepting his inner kid while adjusting to the difficulties and demands of adulthood.

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