Directed by Penny Marshall, ‘Big’ tells the story of a young boy who wishes to grow up and, overnight, turns into a thirty-year old man. The film stars Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, and Robert Loggia. It was a critical and commercial success, receiving two Academy Award nominations.

I first saw this movie in middle school! I found it funny, heartwarming, interesting, and lovable — all in one. It is one of Tom Hanks’ early performances that make us fall in love with him. His innocence as Josh Baskin is extremely endearing and we take note. His choices, from the mind of a twelve-year old, are quite amusing considering his exterior image. For example, at a fancy affair, he chooses to wear a white tuxedo, catching side-eye glances from other attendees. Josh also furnishes his Manhattan apartment with the entire catalog of a FAO Schwarz, much to his friends’ surprise. It’s these small things that are whimsical, innocent, and fun that can’t help but conjure warm memories of childhood.

I first saw ‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989) either soon before or shortly after the death of Robin Williams in 2014. I cannot remember the timeline exactly, but I remember my profound reaction. I believe that it is one of his greatest dramatic performances on film.

I was extremely moved by him and his character in such a way that reinforced my own perception of teaching. From the age of 8 or so, I had wanted to become a teacher and I had many models in my life that helped me come to that realization. But, seeing this film, put that into a new perspective in a way that I had never seen or imagined before. It was remarkable! I was completely drawn into the story of this influential teacher and his impact on his prep school class. It was inspiring and life-affirming when I first saw it. And, although I will not be the next ‘John Keating,’ the experiences that I have had in the classroom from many great teachers has left a significant place in my life.

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986) has become a ’80s cult classic! Written and directed by John Hughes, the film follows a sneaky high school student who skips school for a day to spend time with his girlfriend and best friend in Chicago. Starring Matthew Broderick, the film was a hit in a successful run of teen comedies during the decade, many of which were written by Hughes.

I was introduced to this film in middle school and the premise alone sounded funny. The series of adventures that Ferris would take proved to top the next and the laughs continued all the way to the very end. It’s not so much as a philosophical look at youth with emotional weight, instead it stands as a feel-good movie to brighten anyone’s mood. And, that’s precisely why I love it. The movie also represents this period of filmmaking that centered upon youth that defined the decade and the generation that watched. My father, for example, was a great fan of John Hughes and movies like ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ remain significant to that part of his life.

‘Everybody’s Fine’ is a 2009 film starring Robert De Niro as a father who sets on a journey to visit his children around the country. Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell play his children who all seem to be hiding secrets from their father.

I first saw this film close to its release on DVD. Distributed by the independent film company, Miramax, it was not a highly publicized film at the time. But, I remember vividly watching the film for the first time around the age of 11 or 12. I didn’t fully understand it at first, but, over time, I soon did. Family is at the center of the film and the relationship between a father and his children is examined. I can relate to this because Frank Goode (De Niro) resembles my own father. He is somewhat old-fashioned, but down-to-earth. It’s touching and heartbreaking at the same time. But, in the end, he comes to terms with his own life and that of his children’s, realizing that ‘everybody’s fine.’

In 1995, ‘Toy Story’ was released from the then-unknown animation studio, Pixar, which soon became a household name. The film was the first computer-generated feature, a new feat that ushered in the trend in Hollywood. Starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, the film received widespread praise for its screenplay and technological achievement.

‘Toy Story’ holds a special place in my heart because I was ‘Andy.’ I had the entire collection of toys from the movies. I even took a black Sharpie and etched my name on the bottom of the shoes to each. But, more importantly, the film also drew my father and I closer. We would watch it over and over again like a couple of childhood friends. It certainly gave the film’s theme, ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me,’ much more significant meaning. Whenever I hear the first few chords, it brings me back to that young boy. It spurred my innocent imagination and created a fictitious world that I could take part in.

‘The Switch’ (2010) is a romantic comedy film starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. It’s one of the few films that has not gained as much notoriety in either actor’s body of work. But, I love it. I remember seeing it in theaters when it was released and the reaction that I had from it. It didn’t seem like a typical romantic comedy and the route that it took to a happy ending was unusual. Most of all, the relationship between the two leading characters started with a friendship. While we knew where this was headed, the cozy, lovable bond on-screen felt real. I think that this is a natural place to start when developing two romantic leads. It’s not a typical story line that we often see in our favorite films, but it’s not nevertheless true to life.

It also related to my personal experience with a high school friend. I am very similar to Jason Bateman’s character in the film and I had feelings for her in the same way that he did for Jennifer Aniston. It made me reflect on my own friendship with her and consider the ‘what’s ifs’ between the two of us. While we have both moved on and remain friends, I feel that this movie adequately represents this time in my life and I look back on it with great fondness.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991) is the final Disney film that holds importance to me. Directed by Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, the film was one of the first in what is now regarded as the Disney Renaissance in the 1990s. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was also nominated for Best Picture at the 64th Academy Awards, the first animated film to receive this honor.
The film draws upon the relationship of Belle and the Beast. It’s tender, but sweet. She sees him for his kind soul when no else paid him much attention. I feel that it’s a lesson that we should learn from; not to judge a book by its cover. Love reveals itself by the end and this happy-ever-after story pulls at your heart strings.

Like many young adults my age, I first saw this film as a kid nearly ten years after its original release. It was one of those VHS tapes in the clunky plastic cases that sat in our dusty TV cabinet. Although I always enjoyed the film, it didn’t mean as much to me until high school. When I was a senior, the drama department, which I was actively involved, mounted a production of the stage musical. I played the part of ‘Lumière’ in this show and that experience is very significant in my life. I had one of the best times of my life during the creation of that production. I made lifelong friends during the process and it remains one of my greatest accomplishments.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991) is the final Disney film that holds importance to me. Directed by Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, the film was one of the first in what is now regarded as the Disney Renaissance in the 1990s. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was also nominated for Best Picture at the 64th Academy Awards, the first animated film to receive this honor.

The film draws upon the relationship of Belle and the Beast. It’s tender, but sweet. She sees him for his kind soul when no else paid him much attention. I feel that it’s a lesson that we should learn from; not to judge a book by its cover. Love reveals itself by the end and this happy-ever-after story pulls at your heart strings.

Like many young adults my age, I first saw this film as a kid nearly ten years after its original release. It was one of those VHS tapes in the clunky plastic cases that sat in our dusty TV cabinet. Although I always enjoyed the film, it didn’t mean as much to me until high school. When I was a senior, the drama department, which I was actively involved, mounted a production of the stage musical. I played the part of ‘Lumière’ in this show and that experience is very significant in my life. I had one of the best times of my life during the creation of that production. I made lifelong friends during the process and it remains one of my greatest accomplishments.

Another classic romantic comedy, ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ tells the story of two college classmates who lose touch and catch up by coincidence. While their disdain for each other is palpable at first, Harry Burns and Sally Albright soon develop a real friendship. Most of their conversations revolve around past flames and ex-partners, and, in the process, they realize their love for each other. The film examines issues of gender and relationships while asking the question if ‘men and women can ever be friends?’

Akin to the films of Woody Allen and Mike Nichols, this screenplay by Nora Ephron stands among the most cherished romantic comedies of all-time. I first watched the film several years ago and fell in love with the stylistic and aesthetic choices by the screenwriter and director, Rob Reiner. Not only did I fall for Harry and Sally, I fell for Meg Ryan, too. She’s adorable in this film.

I saw ‘Forrest Gump’ for the first time when I was a high school student. I have been a fan of Tom Hanks for a long time and I consider this film to be his best. It has everything that an audience loves about a film: humor, heart, and a broad timeline of the most important cultural moments of American history. And, in many ways, Hanks personifies this ordinary simpleton that we can relate to and see ourselves in.

Forrest is a shy, kind-hearted young man from Greenbow, Alabama who serves in the Vietnam War, becomes a world-famous ping-pong player, and develops a shrimp business with his friend, Bubba. Along the way, he finds himself on the sidelines of a handful of influential moments in history. To name just a few key moments, Forrest meets JFK, surrounds the group of students of the Little Rock Nine, sits for an interview with John Lennon on ‘The Dick Cavett Show,’ and blows the whistle on the Watergate Scandal under the Nixon Administration.

But, it is his heart for his longtime love, Jenny Curran, that makes us fall apart. He always said that they ‘was like peas and carrots.’ At the end of the film, Jenny passes away from a cancer battle and our hearts sink for Forrest. It’s an extremely touching moment and a reason why we love Tom Hanks.