Big (1988)

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When a young boy makes a wish at a carnival machine to be big—he wakes up the following morning to find that it has been granted and his body has grown older overnight. But he is still the same 13-year-old boy inside. Now he must learn how to cope with the unfamiliar world of grown-ups including getting a job and having his first romantic encounter with a woman.

Intro to "Big"
"Big" is a 1988 fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Penny Marshall and functions Tom Hanks in among his breakout roles. The film follows the story of a young kid named Josh Baskin who wants to be 'big' and is amazingly aged into the adult years over night. This movie is beloved for its heartfelt narrative and the fine balance of humor and feeling, making it a traditional in American movie theater.

Plot Summary
The movie starts with a 12-year-old boy named Josh Baskin attempting to impress a woman at a carnival, just to be humiliated when he is informed he is too short for a trip. Discouraged, Josh finds an antique fortune-telling machine named Zoltar Speaks and wants to be big. The next early morning, he wakes up to discover himself changed into a 30-year-old male, played by Tom Hanks.

Josh, now in his adult body, worries, and after unsuccessfully attempting to explain the situation to his mother, who thinks he is a kidnapper, he leaves his home. He seeks out the assistance of his buddy, Billy Kopecki, who encourages him to register his brand-new identity and find a job while they look for the Zoltar machine so he can want himself back to normal.

Josh secures a data entry position at the MacMillan Toy Company by utilizing his boyish charm and perspective on toys. His insight into what kids like leads to an unexpected meeting with the company's owner, Mr. MacMillan, in a toy store. They play a duet on a giant walking piano, impressing MacMillan, who quickly promotes Josh to a function in toy development.

The Adventures of Adult Life
As Josh navigates the adult years, he brings his childlike interest to his work and individual life, endearing him to his associates and prompting the jealousy of a competitive colleague, Paul. In the middle of his increase at MacMillan, Josh begins a romantic relationship with a colleague, Susan Lawrence. Despite the adult world's intricacies, Josh's innocence and sincerity touch Susan's heart, and they grow close.

The Cost of Wishes
However, as Josh ends up being accustomed to his adult life, the perks of being 'big' start to lose their appeal. The responsibilities and the emotional complications that include their adult years begin to weigh on him, and he misses out on the simpleness and carefree nature of being a child. While Susan dreams of a future together, Josh begins to realize that this isn't the life he wants or is ready for.

Conclusion: The Search for Zoltar and Returning to Childhood
The motion picture culminates in Josh's desperate search for the Zoltar maker, which causes a poignant moment where he must pick in between continuing his life as an adult or returning to his real age. His decision comes to a head when Susan finds the truth about Josh's real identity. In spite of her shock and unhappiness, she understands and assists him locate the device.

In the last scenes, Josh makes the desire to become a kid again, and the magic of Zoltar reverses the change. Returning back to his original self, Josh, now a young boy again, strolls back home with a newly found gratitude for his youth and the life stages that shouldn't be rushed. The movie ends as he fixes up with his family and go back to the normalcy of a kid's life, leaving the audience with a thoughtful reflection on the essence of childhood and the inevitable journey into adulthood.

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