“Little (2019): A Big Idea with Mixed Results
Introduction
We’re thrilled to take a closer look at the fascinating topic of Little (2019): A Big Idea with Mixed Results. Come along as we weave together insightful information and offer fresh perspectives for our readers.
Little (2019): A Big Idea with Mixed Results
"Little," released in 2019, is a body-swap comedy that attempts to blend humor, heart, and a dash of social commentary. Directed by Tina Gordon Chism, the film stars Regina Hall, Marsai Martin, and Issa Rae in a story about a ruthless tech mogul who is magically transformed back into her 13-year-old self. While the premise is promising and the performances are generally strong, the film ultimately struggles to fully realize its potential due to uneven pacing, predictable plot points, and a somewhat muddled message.
Synopsis
Jordan Sanders (Regina Hall) is a formidable and often cruel CEO of a successful tech company. She rules her office with an iron fist, belittling her employees and taking credit for their ideas. Her long-suffering assistant, April Williams (Issa Rae), bears the brunt of Jordan’s harsh behavior, constantly juggling her boss’s demands while harboring her own aspirations.
One day, after mistreating a young girl selling crafts, Jordan is cursed by the girl’s magic wand. She wakes up the next morning to find herself transformed back into her 13-year-old self (Marsai Martin). Terrified and desperate to reverse the spell, Jordan enlists April’s help to maintain the façade of her adult life while she tries to figure out how to break the curse.
As "Little Jordan" navigates the challenges of middle school, she is forced to confront the consequences of her past actions and the impact she has had on those around her. Meanwhile, April seizes the opportunity to prove her worth and take on more responsibility at the company.
Strengths
-
Marsai Martin’s Performance: Without a doubt, the standout element of "Little" is Marsai Martin’s portrayal of the younger Jordan. Martin, who also served as an executive producer on the film, embodies the character with a perfect blend of sass, vulnerability, and comedic timing. She convincingly captures the essence of Regina Hall’s adult Jordan while adding her own unique flair. Martin’s performance is both hilarious and endearing, making her the heart and soul of the film.
-
Regina Hall’s Comedic Presence: Regina Hall is a seasoned comedic actress, and she brings her signature energy to the role of adult Jordan. Even though she spends a significant portion of the film off-screen, her presence is felt through Martin’s performance, which is clearly influenced by Hall’s mannerisms and delivery. Hall’s brief appearances as the adult Jordan are memorable and contribute to the film’s comedic tone.
-
The Body-Swap Premise: The body-swap trope is a classic for a reason. It provides ample opportunities for humor, self-discovery, and character development. "Little" utilizes the premise effectively, exploring the contrast between Jordan’s adult and child selves. The film mines humor from the fish-out-of-water scenarios that arise when a grown woman is forced to navigate the world of middle school.
-
The Theme of Redemption: At its core, "Little" is a story about redemption. Jordan’s transformation forces her to confront her flaws and make amends for her past behavior. As she experiences the world through the eyes of a child, she gains a new perspective on her actions and their impact on others. While the film’s message is somewhat heavy-handed, it is ultimately a positive one about the importance of kindness, empathy, and self-awareness.
Issa Rae’s Solid Performance: Issa Rae delivers a grounded and relatable performance as April. She is the audience’s entry point into the story, and her character provides a much-needed dose of sincerity and compassion. While April is often relegated to the role of the long-suffering assistant, Rae manages to imbue her with depth and nuance. Her comedic timing is also on point, and she shares some memorable scenes with Martin.
Weaknesses
-
Uneven Pacing: One of the biggest problems with "Little" is its inconsistent pacing. The film starts off strong, quickly establishing Jordan’s character and setting up the central conflict. However, the middle act of the film drags as Jordan navigates the challenges of middle school. The plot becomes repetitive, and the humor starts to feel stale. The film picks up again in the final act, but the uneven pacing detracts from the overall experience.
-
Predictable Plot Points: "Little" relies heavily on familiar tropes and predictable plot points. The film follows a predictable arc, with Jordan learning valuable life lessons and ultimately transforming into a better person. While there is nothing inherently wrong with predictability, it does make the film feel somewhat formulaic and uninspired.
-
Muddled Message: While "Little" attempts to address themes of female empowerment and the importance of kindness, its message is somewhat muddled. The film sometimes struggles to balance its comedic elements with its more serious themes. As a result, the film’s message can feel heavy-handed and preachy at times.
-
Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: While the three leads deliver strong performances, the supporting characters in "Little" are largely underdeveloped. Jordan’s employees are mostly caricatures, and her romantic interest feels like an afterthought. The film would have benefited from giving these characters more depth and complexity.
-
Missed Opportunities for Social Commentary: "Little" touches on issues of race, class, and gender, but it does not fully explore these themes. The film could have used its premise to make a more pointed commentary on the challenges faced by women in the workplace, particularly women of color. However, the film ultimately shies away from these issues, opting for a more lighthearted and comedic approach.
Overall
"Little" is a mixed bag. It has a promising premise, strong performances from its leads, and moments of genuine humor. However, it is also plagued by uneven pacing, predictable plot points, and a muddled message. While the film is entertaining enough, it ultimately fails to live up to its full potential.
Marsai Martin’s performance is the main reason to watch "Little." She is a talented and charismatic actress who brings a unique energy to the role of the younger Jordan. Regina Hall and Issa Rae also deliver solid performances, but they are somewhat overshadowed by Martin’s star power.
If you are a fan of body-swap comedies, you may find "Little" to be an enjoyable, if somewhat forgettable, diversion. However, if you are looking for a film with more depth and substance, you may be disappointed.
Verdict: "Little" is a decent comedy that is worth watching for Marsai Martin’s performance alone. However, its flaws prevent it from being a truly great film. I would give it a rating of 6/10.