Forrest Gump

Rating:
Summary: "Stupid is as stupid does" - Don't miss this one
Review: I have given a lot of thought as to what "it" is that I like about this picture and I just can't seem to be able to put my finger on it as to "why" though. Ironically although almost everyone that came into contact with Forest had a terrible tragedy in the end - I would have to say that overall the best way to describe this DVD would be as a "feel good movie." In the end you are left with an unexplainable feeling of hope. If you are a Tom Hanks fan you have already seen it, and if you are are a Hanks fan and haven't - then shame on you! I enjoyed it and if I were you I would buy it and add it to your DVD collection or in Forest's own words "Stupid is as stupid does" - Don't be stupid by passing on this one.

Rating:
Summary: The Story of a Lifetime
Review: Once in a great while, a movie comes along that captures your heart and imagination. Forrest Gump is one of those rare movies. Led by an all-star cast including Tom Hanks (Forrest), Robin Wright Penn (Jenny), Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan), and Sally Field (Mrs. Gump), the viewer is treated to a view of Americana through the eyes of a simple young country boy.

Through three turbulent decades, the movie describes events that were capturing headlines throughout the United States, as told through Forrest's eyes. The viewer gets a unique look at such events as racial segregation, physical disability, war protests, and the onset of AIDS. Through Forrest's unique perspective, the viewer is shown each of these controversial topics.

The viewer also gets to see the ups and downs of Forrest's relationship with Jenny over the years. From young children riding a school bus together to facing the uncertainty of AIDS, a lifelong bond is shared between them. Although leading very different lives, Forrest's love for Jenny never waivers, and in the end, Jenny finally realizes that she is ment to be with Forrest.

The scenes in Vietnam are some of my favorites. Gary Sinese's portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor is simply perfect. A by-the-book soldier who teaches Forrest how to stay alive, it is ultimately Forrest who saves Lt. Dan's life (over his protests) during an enemy ambush. Forced to have both legs amputated, Lt. Dan slips into a life of alcohol and self-doubt, but Forrest remains his true friend, and after buying a shrimping boat, Lt. Dan joins Forrest as his "first mate". It is here that Lt. Dan finally thanks Forrest for saving his life.

The most touching scene of the movie is near the end where Forrest is speaking to Jenny at her gravesite. Forrest tells Jenny how much he loves and misses her, all the while gently crying. He also explains to her how proud he is of their son Forrest Jr. In the end, Forrest and Forrest Jr. are waiting for the school bus, just like Forrest and his mother used to.

I would give this movie six stars if I could. Tom Hanks won an academy award for his portrayal of Forrest, while Robert Zemeckis also won for best director. Simply put, this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. The acting is impeccable, and the viewer gets an interesting history lesson about life in the United States during the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. I give this film my highest recommendation. I guarantee that you won't have a dry eye after watching it.

Rating:
Summary: FORREST GUMP
Review:
The highly acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis, the genius behind the cult classic `Back To The Future', can add another feather to his cap with this summers box office smash Forrest Gump. This epic of human proportions, staring Tom Hanks as the smartest dumb person in America, will capture hearts world wide with its warming feel good story line.
The chronicles of a young man who's accent comes straight form his back bone, following Forrest from his first day at school, to Vietnam and strangely shrimping. This film is the story of one mans accident through life. He may not have the highest IQ... or even an average on for that matter, but he still manages to become one of Americas most successful business tycoons. He meets many famous icons of our time, some by accident, some by luck by most by stupidity along his ride to the top, including J.F.K, Elvis, president Nixon and John Lennon.
But who or what is Forrest Gump? Is he a simpleton? An idealist? A moral paragon? In this movie it's more appropriate to describe him as what he isn't. Forrest lives in a world that derides him as stupid but, as Mrs Gump says, "stupid is as stupid does", and in this movie it's everybody else who seems to cross that behavioural line, it's not Forrest that's `retarded', it's the rest of the world.
But what's special about this film is that it goes against all conventional rules of film production, there are no heroes or quests to complete just the irrepressible spirit of Forrest Gump. He may not know much but he definitely knows how to treat people right. But having said this, what's a film with out a love interest? Provided by the fantastically talented Robin Wright, this impossible relationship only fuels the love story making a classic cinema romance. As kids Forrest and Jenny shared a common purity but as the couple grow, Jenny sheds her child hood innocence leaving Forrest behind. Jenny stumbles from one bad trip to another and while everybody else seems to engage in acts of relentless, well, stupidity, forest maintains his carefree attitude that is the life blood of this cinematic triumph. Trough all this Forrest is the constant: he sees the world in simple terms, intent on doing the right thing
Forrest Gump addresses many of the crucial American wounds of the 20th century: Vietnam, relationships with African-Americans, drugs, capitalism and the mistreatment of women. Naturally Forrest himself takes the morally right line on all of these. However just beneath the surface Forrest Gump could be little more than an ideological fairy story to keep Americans believing in the cause. If only we could have a world where the best-intentioned half-wit could pop up at opportune moments in history, winning hearts, amassing a fortune and becoming famous. Sadly, the world generally belongs to those who have screwed over someone else to get there - and that isn't Forrest, he's too nice a guy.
The acting is strong, the narrative is compelling and its semi-documentary style direction is consistent and provides clarity and pace. While Forrest may look to be only primary colours, Hanks gives him all the shades of the 64-crayon box; humour, rage, suspicion, doubt, longing, all swirl in his mesmerizing performance. Much of the film is about the country's pain over having its innocence ripped away in that era by war and civil strife and how, in Forrest Gump, the child lived on. But in no way is this film another tabloid version of history, what it depicts is done right with class and style













Rating:
Summary: Waiting for You Know... Forrest Gump.
Review: Forrest Gump, is the story of a man who is not that smart, but not "stupid" either. He has no agenda, no plans, just a love of life and all that is in it. He is the modern symbol of innocence, and that is why he became such a symbol after the movie release.

The director traces time from the 50's I'd say all the way to the 70's, with tons of music along the journey. The film was highly effective, although was often seen more as a comic endeavor. Too many young people overlooked the overriding tale of innocence in a crazy and sin-filled world.

Forrest, played by Tom Hanks, is contrasted against his life-long love Jenny, played by Robin Wright Penn. Jenny experiences all of the mood swings of American culture, i.e., hippie culture, drug life, and so on. However, Forrest, although he is much more face to face with the most gripping of realities, such as Vietnam and presidential assassinations, never strays from his half-minded yet picture perfect view of reality.

I really liked the attempt that this movie made with the story of everlasting innocence and love; however, too many were distracted by Forrest's many guffaws, specifically his speech impediment. In addition, many believe this to have a great soundtrack, but combining a vast variety of songs that were popular is not original, instead a score could have been extensively used throughout the entire film instead of using clippings of 60's/70's popular hits no matter how much we liked them.

Also, we probably got the message way before the film was over and thus could have skipped parts of the film and been just the same. Lastly, I did not like the hype, and was sick of all the people quoting the film. Now, I only saw this film a few days ago, and for many that is shocking; however, this film was not as powerful as people pre-suppose.

Yes, this film was good. Maybe it will one day be a classic, but right now this is just a quality shrimp in a more-or-less lousy catch.

Rating:
Summary: ARGH!
Review: PEOPLE!! Why are you reviewing the MOVIE under the book title?!! The movie was great, but I really wanted to know what people thought of the BOOK! While the movie is awesome, and has a permanent place as one of my all time favorites, I think the book is just outstanding! I couldn't stop laughing. The second book, Gump & Co. is great, too. Check 'em out. You won't be sorry.