Little: Movie Review

From the moment the first trailer hit, Little looked big. Sure, 14-year-old TV star Marsai Martin's movie looks like Tom Hanks' classic Big in reverse. But, the trailer just makes it look so fun.

The pint-sized actress, now film producer, shakes things up in this more-often-than-not funny PG-13 flick. It's from one of the producers of Girls Trip, so there's a clue right there that it might have suggestive humor. Well, it has that and some offensive language too (more on that later).

Martin stars as the middle school version of tyranical boss Jordan Sanders (Regina Hall). When Jordan's assistant, April (Issa Rae) discovers that her mean girl boss has turned back into a child, things get a little crazy. With no way of fixing the 'curse', Jordan is forced to relive her childhood. She goes from bully to being bullied all over again. And, her strong will isn't easily broken. This lesson in humility takes its time and its toll.

Little's fun cast and moments of creative comedy are brought down by the film's mishaps. It's a missed opportunity mainly due to its PG-13 rated humor. The story presents as family-friendly movie gold, but doesn't deliver on kid-friendliness because of the film's foul language and suggestive dialogue. Parts of the storyline also could use some tweaking. A few fun characters never reappear and one of the third act scenes leaves you questioning: where are the teachers/adults?

All in all, Little might make you laugh, but it'll probably make you cringe a couple of times too. What's certain though is that this isn't the last we will see of the talented Ms. Marsai Martin.