The Henderson family (lead by patriarch Lithgow), on returning from a hunting outing, run over what they at first think is a man. On closer inspection, it turns out to be a 7ft 'Bigfoot.' They house the beast, which turns out to be friendly, and try to hide his presence from the authorities.
Another nostalgia trip with this kids tale of Bigfoot. This heart warming tale of a family who adopt a Bigfoot after hitting it with their car on a journey home from a hunting/camping trip.
The Hendersons are a typical American family consisting of wannabe artist/gun salesman dad George played by the always enjoyable John Lithgow, loving mum Melinda Dillon, a bratty daughter and a hyperactive son. On returning from a camping trip in the Pacific Northwest, they accidentally run into some sort of large furry creature on the forest road. Originally believing it to be a bear, George steps out of the car to prod it with his gun a few times. But the bear has man-like hands and George suddenly asks his family...
'What if it's...HIM'.
Bigfoot! So they tie him to the roof of the car and drive him home, while George thinks of the best way of selling him. Later that night, he is curious as to how big his feet really are. So he sneaks down to the garage with a measuring tape only to find that he's no longer strapped to the roof of the car, but poking around in the kitchen fridge.
The Henderson's stand back as Bigfoot (or Harry as he is later renamed) stomps around the house and garden investigating all their strange belongings. Though he doesn't care much for all the animal trophies hanging around everywhere. Freaking out, George tries to snipe Harry from through the bedroom window, but has a change of heart when he realises that Harry is just big, harmless oaf.
Soon Bigfoot/Harry is on the loose and the whole town and beyond are on the hunt for him.
Rick Baker deservedly took home an Academy Award for Best Make-Up Effects back in 1988 for this movie. Harry Henderson is an amazing character with a wonderfully wide range of expressions and emotions, and unlike most creatures created for similar movies, he is totally believable which of immerses you further into the story
Behind the fun family movie about a family and their unorthodox pet is themes of respecting nature and anti-hunting sentiments and the importance of family. Also there is George who eventually leaves his unsatisfying job as a gun sales man with his Dad and follow his dream of being an artist but this can simply be enjoyed for what it is, a fun family movie!!
7/10
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