Movie of the Week 4

FOR PENNY

Laverne & Shirley working as bottle cappers for the Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee.

This post is dedicated to Penny Marshall, actress and director, who died this week (Dec 17, 2018) at age 75. Penny starred as Laverne DeFazio in the hit sit-com TV series, Laverne & Shirley (1976 – 1983). Later in her show business career, Penny transitioned to directing full feature films. In 1988 with the movie Big, she was the first female to direct a movie that grossed over $100 million. I never watched Laverne and Shirley, but I saw Big with my kids. We loved it. See brief movie review below. RIP Penny.  

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Big   1988   family comedy fantasy​

Available for streaming on Prime Video.

Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true. That is the theme of this sleeper hit film. Not a silly slapstick – it is a movie for both kids and adults – a rare bird. Tom Hanks delivers an outstanding performance as the young and innocent Josh. This movie reminds us to have a little fun in life, and it is OK to be a kid at heart. A few of my favorite scenes: Josh’s first pay day, Josh and his boss on the floor piano at toy store, the party scene where Josh wears an outrageous tux, dancing with Elizabeth Perkins at the carnival. Wow, what a lady! She is clever, fun, and sexy all at the same time. 

My 2018 update - For repeat viewing, since you already know the magical side of the story, skip ahead to Josh’s interview with the HR rep of the toy company. The best and funniest scenes in the movie happen after Josh gets his first job.  

Streamable now using Prime Video link below