Big Christian Review
Some movies sneak up on you, don’t they? You sit down expecting light laughs, maybe a touch of nostalgia, and instead, you find yourself grappling with questions about life, love, and what it means to grow up. Big is one of those films. It’s a comedy, sure. It’s a fantasy, absolutely. But it’s also a gentle exploration of the tension between adulthood and the purity of childhood, and somehow, it feels like it was made for everyone—kids, adults, and even those of us navigating faith through the complications of everyday life.
A Simple Wish That Changes Everything
Josh Baskin is just a regular kid. Thirteen years old, stuck in the awkward in-between of wanting to grow up but not knowing what that really means. A carnival machine called Zoltar grants his wish to “be big,” and just like that, Josh wakes up in the body of a 35-year-old man. The brilliance of this premise lies in its simplicity. Who hasn’t, at some point, wished to skip the messiness of growing up and just get to the good stuff?
But life doesn’t work like that. And as Josh quickly learns, adulthood isn’t all freedom and fun. There are bills to pay, office politics to survive, and relationships to navigate. Through it all, though, Josh’s childlike wonder and honesty set him apart. For Christians, this setup is instantly relatable. It echoes the biblical call to approach life—and faith—with the heart of a child (Matthew 18:3).
Tom Hanks: The Soul of the Story
Let’s just get this out of the way: Tom Hanks is this movie. Sure, the script is clever, and the supporting cast does their part, but Hanks’s performance is what gives Big its heart. He doesn’t just act like a kid; he embodies one. Every awkward shuffle, every wide-eyed moment of joy, every unfiltered reaction—it’s all so believable that you forget you’re watching an adult playing a child.
Hanks’s portrayal of Josh reminds us of something profound: innocence is disarming. It’s hard not to root for him, even when he’s fumbling his way through office meetings or awkward romantic encounters. For Christians, this kind of purity is a powerful reminder of the beauty of living with integrity and openness, even in a world that often rewards cynicism.
Laughter That Hits Close to Home
Comedy in Big isn’t about punchlines or cheap gags. It’s about the little absurdities of life—the ridiculousness of office hierarchies, the awkwardness of first dates, the sheer joy of dancing on a giant piano. It’s the kind of humor that feels real because it comes from situations we’ve all experienced in some form.
Take the iconic piano scene at FAO Schwarz. It’s not just funny; it’s joyful. It’s a reminder that even in the most mundane moments, there’s room for play and wonder. As Christians, this resonates on a deeper level. Psalm 126:2 speaks of laughter as an expression of God’s goodness, and Big feels like a celebration of that joy.
The Growing Pains of Adulthood
But let’s not pretend Big is all fun and games. Beneath the humor lies a thoughtful exploration of what it means to grow up. Josh’s journey is bittersweet. On one hand, he gets to experience the freedom and independence he’s always dreamed of. On the other, he quickly learns that adulthood comes with its own set of challenges.
One of the most poignant moments in the film is when Josh starts to lose touch with his childhood. His wide-eyed wonder begins to fade, replaced by the stress and cynicism of adult life. It’s a subtle shift, but it’s heartbreaking to watch. For Christians, this serves as a cautionary tale. While maturity is essential, we’re called to hold on to the faith, hope, and joy of our younger years. The challenge is finding that balance—growing in wisdom without losing the wonder.
Romance: Sweet or Unsettling?
Here’s where things get a little complicated. As an adult, Josh enters into a romantic relationship with Susan (Elizabeth Perkins), a colleague at his toy company. While the relationship is played for laughs and handled with a surprising amount of restraint, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Josh is, at his core, still a 13-year-old boy.
From a Christian perspective, this subplot raises some questions. It’s not inappropriate in the traditional sense, but it does tread into morally ambiguous territory. That said, the film never feels exploitative or crude. Instead, it uses the relationship to highlight Josh’s innocence and Susan’s gradual realization that she’s falling for someone who sees the world in a completely different way.
A Movie About More Than Just Growing Up
On the surface, Big is a film about growing up. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that it’s also about rediscovering what’s most important. As Josh navigates the adult world, he comes to realize that the freedom and independence he craved aren’t worth sacrificing his family, his friendships, or his sense of wonder.
This arc of longing, growth, and return carries strong spiritual undertones. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, Josh ventures into a new and challenging world, only to realize that what he truly values has been there all along. His decision to return to his childhood isn’t just a reversal; it’s a moment of redemption.
What Big Gets Right About Life
What sets Big apart from other age-reversal comedies is its respect for its characters and its audience. It doesn’t rely on slapstick or cheap laughs. Instead, it finds humor and meaning in the complexities of life. The script is sharp, the performances are genuine, and the story never loses sight of its heart.
For Christian viewers, this respect is refreshing. In a world where so much entertainment feels shallow or cynical, Big stands out as a film that values honesty, integrity, and joy. It’s not a “Christian movie” in the traditional sense, but its themes align beautifully with biblical values.
A Family-Friendly Classic
One of the best things about Big is its universal appeal. Kids will love the humor and the fantasy of waking up in an adult body. Adults will appreciate the wit and emotional depth. And families can watch it together without worrying about inappropriate content.
For Christian families, Big offers a great opportunity to talk about the challenges of growing up, the importance of staying true to yourself, and the value of childlike faith. It’s a film that entertains while also sparking meaningful conversations.
Final Thoughts: Why Big Is Bigger Than You’d Expect
Big isn’t just a comedy; it’s a celebration of what makes life beautiful and messy and complicated. It’s about growing up without losing yourself, finding joy in the little things, and learning to balance responsibility with wonder.
For Christians, it’s a reminder that life is a gift, meant to be approached with both humility and gratitude. It’s about embracing maturity while holding on to the qualities that make childhood special—honesty, hope, and an unshakable sense of joy.
Rating: 9/10. Funny, heartfelt, and endlessly charming, Big is a timeless film that leaves you smiling—and thinking—long after the credits roll.
