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Avg. Critic Score: 70 out of 100 Generally favorable reviews Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
12 OK for kids 12+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 100
    USA Today |

    Unpretentious as it is, Big takes you beyond laughter, to where you live. And there's nothing small about that. [3 Jun 1988, p.1D] Read full review

  • 88
    Boston Globe |

    Big is an example of what has become rare in Hollywood -- a self-confident comedy that transforms an old gimmick into a new, vivid experience. It's as funny for the kids as it is for adults and, for that reason alone, can't be recommended too highly. [3 Jun 1988, p.33] Read full review

  • 80
    Wall Street Journal | Julie Salamon

    I am glad to be able to say that all these clever and talented people have actually come up with the goods. The biggest goodie is Tom Hanks as the little boy after his wish has been granted. Much of the comedy in this movie is physical. Without forcing the matter Mr. Hanks has a startling ability to take on the mannerisms and facial expressions of an adolescent. [2 Jun 1988, p.1] Read full review

  • 80
    Washington Post |

    Big is never condescending to or smuttily smirky about kids. And it doesn't make fun of grownups, either. It just feels sorry for them a little. [3 Jun 1988, p.n37] Read full review

  • 80
    Los Angeles Times | Kevin Thomas

    The greatest thing about Big is that its makers have known how to end it in a thoroughly satisfying fashion, which is always the challenge-and often the stumbling block-of fantasy. In never confusing what is child-like with childishness, Big is actually a refreshingly grown-up comedy-for the entire family. [3 Jun 1988, p.1] Read full review

  • 80
    The New York Times | Janet Maslin

    Big features believable young teen-age mannerisms from the two real boys in its cast, and this only makes Mr. Hanks's funny, flawless impression that much more adorable. This really is the performance to beat. Read full review

  • 80
    Variety |

    A 13-year-old junior high kid Josh (David Moscow) is transformed into a 35-year-old's body (Tom Hanks) by a carnival wishing machine in this pic which unspools with enjoyable genuineness and ingenuity. Read full review

  • 75
    San Francisco Chronicle | Peter Stack

    Sappiness and romance always are fine with me, and Big is a good example of a movie that effortlessly blends sweetness and fun - it feels a little like stumbling on a picnic of smiles. [3 Jun 1988, p.E1] Read full review

  • 70
    Washington Post | Hal Hinson

    Big has a warmhearted sweetness that's invigorating; it makes you want to break out the Legos. It's only near the end of the film, when Hanks has to play the scenes for pathos, that the movie becomes cloying. Read full review

  • 50
    Chicago Sun-Times |

    It's too involved in administering its reversion fantasy to acquisition-guilty yuppies to cast an eye on its own venture status. And the contradictions don't stop there. That this celebration of the Peter Pan syndrome was directed by a woman, Penny Marshall, adds another layer of dishonesty. [3 Jun 1988, p.31] Read full review


Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 12+ Wonderful story with some mature material.
What Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that this movie came out before the PG-13 rating, so it earned a PG rating. However, if this movie were released today, it would almost certainly be rated PG-13. There is some strong language and some sexual situations. A child forced to grow up too quickly is exposed to corporate life, sex, and other adult matters.
  • Families can talk about Josh's experiences as an adult. Why does he want to be big, and why does he ultimately decide he wants to be small?
The good stuff
  • message true0 Positive messages: Some innuendo and racy humor for a PG.
What to watch for
  • violence false0 Violence: Not an issue
  • sex false3 Sex: Some innuendo and breast discussion. Momentary brassiere exposure with hands-on inspection.
  • language false3 Language: A couple of mild expletives; "f--k" used once.
  • consumerism false0 Consumerism: Not an issue
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Susan smokes frequently; adult characters (including Josh in his adult appearance) drink.

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