One of the hardest moments to pinpoint in life is when we stop wanting to be older and suddenly wish we were younger. This contradiction is at the heart of Penny Marshall’s “Big,” a cinematic fable about a young boy who wishes he could be “big,” only to wake up horrified when his wish is granted.
“Big” was a breakout role for Tom Hanks in the late ’80s, tapping into his boundless enthusiasm to tell the story of a 13-year-old boy who navigates the adult world with nothing but joy and an earnest worldview. But as Hanks’ character, Josh, takes on more and more responsibilities and adulthood begins to weigh on him, he becomes so desperate to return to his childhood that he flees his new life when the chance arises to become a kid again.
Almost 40 years after its release, “Big” still feels relevant. Millennials, the generation born around the time of the movie’s release, are becoming parents and taking on the mantle of adulthood. As they do, many grapple with a persistent nostalgia, looking back at the ’80s and ’90s as a way to find comfort and a sense of control. (Movie studios have responded by digging up every franchise possible for a reboot or sequel.)
But the irony—and the tragedy—of “Big” is that while Josh walks away at the end of the film, returning to his 13-year-old self, we as the audience know that his story isn’t over. Josh will grow up again. He will become an adult who will have to face these responsibilities and decisions, but this time, he won’t be able to wish them away.
In the final moments, Susan, Josh’s adult love interest played by Elizabeth Perkins (who joins us for our screening of “Big” this Saturday), is asked if she would like to make a wish to become a teenage girl again. Her character’s hesitation suggests a deeper understanding that adulthood comes for all of us, whether we want it to or not. Beneath its joyful moments of youthful exuberance, that is the real, stinging message of “Big”: We can’t escape growing up.
Now Playing
“Between the Temples”
A mid-life coming-of-age comedy with Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane.
As a 40-something cantor struggles with losing his voice and failing to meet the expectations of his rabbi, congregation, and not one but two Jewish mothers, his world turns upside down when his grade school music teacher reenters his life as an adult bat mitzvah student. Powered by the winning chemistry of stars Jason Schwarzman and Carol Kane, “Between the Temples” is a character-driven comedy that explores the complexities of faith, connection, and what it means to be a mensch.
Just announced: Star Maddie Weinstein joins us for a Q&A Friday, August 30, at 7:15 p.m.!
“Kneecap”
A profanely funny love letter to the Irish language.
A trio of self-proclaimed “low-life scum” become unlikely Irish Civil Rights activists in the explosively funny “Kneecap.” Starring the real-life hip-hop group as themselves, “Kneecap” follows the hoods as they go up against police, paramilitaries, and politicians in an attempt to rap in their native Irish language.
Part of The Triplex’s limited engagement series, “Kneecap” plays for one week.
“Janet Planet”
A nostalgic drama from Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker.
The debut film from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker, “Janet Planet” is a subdued drama that explores the intricacies of the mother-daughter relationship. Set in western Massachusetts in the early 1990s, “Janet Planet” centers around knockout performances from Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Eastown) and Zoe Ziegler as her 11-year-old daughter as they spend a summer redefining their relationship.
Held over by popular demand!
“Alien: Romulus”
A gritty return to the horror/action roots of the venerable franchise.
The Xenomorphs return to their roots in Fede Alvarez’s “Alien: Romulus.” Set in between “Alien” and “Aliens,” “Romulus” follows a group of young space colonizers who get more than they bargained for when they break into an abandoned space station. Collaborating with crew members from the original movies, Alvarez uses an innovative mix of practical effects and CGI to bring screams back to space.
Ends Thursday!
Coming Soon
“Didi”
Winner of the audience award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, “Didi” is an authentic ode to coming of age in the internet era. Director Sean Wang’s semi-autobiographical debut follows a 13-year-old Chris as he learns to skate, flirt, and appreciate everything that his mother (Joan Chen) has done for him over the course of his last summer before high school.
“National Anthem”
A tender queer coming-of-age story wrapped up in lush Americana visuals, “National Anthem” is one of the most striking love stories you will see this year. The story of a soft-spoken construction worker (Charlie Plummer) who finds work on a ranch run by a vibrant community of rodeo performers who openly explore their identities and sexuality, “National Anthem” follows Charlie as he falls in love with the magnetic Sky (Eve Lindley) and begins to forge his own identity.
Part of The Triplex’s limited engagement series, National Anthem plays for one week starting August 30.
