Big Shots should have been a much bigger deal.
Helmed by solid ’80s talent—directed by Robert Mandel (F/X, School Ties), produced by Ivan Reitman, and written by Joe Eszterhas (yes, that Joe Eszterhas, right before Basic Instinct and Showgirls)—it’s a film that has simply vanished into the deep, dark archives of video store history.
It never built a substantial cult following, escaped any ironic millennial reappraisal, and hasn’t even snagged a boutique Blu-ray revival treatment. It just existed for a brief moment, and then faded away—massively overshadowed upon release by Adventures in Babysitting.
Why It’s Still Worth a Rewind:
- Classic ’80s Runaway Fantasy: A chaotic, pre-teen adventure following two mismatched kids who steal a Mercedes and accidentally land in the crosshairs of ruthless Chicago gangsters.
- Heavyweight Pedigree: Delivers Eszterhas’ signature gritty edge, balanced by Reitman’s knack for accessible mainstream pacing.
- Surprising Heart: Beneath the high-stakes crime plots and streetwise banter lies an unexpectedly sweet emotional core about grief, friendship, and growing up.
While it failed to capture the box office magic of its peers, Big Shots remains a genuinely fun, high-energy ride. It easily earns its rightful place on the retro shelf right alongside underappreciated ’80s and ’90s kid-odyssey classics like The Wizard and Josh and S.A.M.
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