Movies in the Park has a big night tonight.  The feature is the 1988 film Big.  A quarter of a century after it was first released, this film still is hilarious and heartwarming.

Tom Hanks’s star turn cemented his status as a Hollywood leading man.  The film also firmly established Penny Marshall as a feature film director.

Joining Hanks in the cast are Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jon Lovitz, Mercedes Ruehl, David Moscow and Jared Rushton.   The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Hanks received his first ever Best Actor Oscar nomination and screenwriters Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg were nominated for Original Screenplay.

Movies in the Park is a free outdoor movie series in Little Rock’s River Market. They take place at the First Security Amphitheatre. The mission of Movies in the Park is help foster a sense of community and enjoyment in downtown Little Rock and throughout Central Arkansas by bringing people together to enjoy a movie in a unique setting along the scenic banks of the Arkansas River.

Movies start at dark. Visitors are welcome to bring picnics but please no glass containers and pick up afterwards. Those choosing not to bring their own picnic, the park does have concessions available for sale.

Bring bug spray, picnic and family and have a good time!

The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau Technical Services department provides all the equipment for the movies.