Powerful businessman Russ Duritz is self-absorbed and immersed in his work. But by the magic of the moon, he meets Rusty, a chubby, charming 8-year-old version of himself who can't believe he could turn out so badly – with no life and no dog. With Rusty's help, Russ is able to reconcile the person he used to dream of being with the man he's actually become.
Acting
Willis and Breslin's chemistry feels genuinely uncanny.
Writing
Smart script that doesn't talk down to kids or adults.
Practical Effects
Pre-CGI era magic keeps the fantasy grounded and warm.
Director
Jon Turteltaub
Bruce Willis
Russ Duritz
Spencer Breslin
Rusty Duritz
Emily Mortimer
Amy
Lily Tomlin
Janet
Jean Smart
Deirdre Lefever
Chi McBride
Kenny
Daniel von Bargen
Sam Duritz
Dana Ivey
Dr. Alexander
Stanley Anderson
Bob Riley
Juanita Moore
Kenny's Grandmother
Susan Dalian
Giselle
Esther Scott
Clarissa
Deborah May
Governor
Vernee Watson
Newsstand Cashier
Jan Hoag
Newsstand Tourist
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Spencer Breslin was discovered through a nationwide casting search after the filmmakers couldn't find a child actor who felt convincingly like young Bruce Willis.
The film quietly predicted the modern 'inner child' therapy boom and corporate burnout discourse—released in 2000, it feels more relevant to millennials now than it did then.
US
