Rating: 
Summary: Have you been Gumped?
Review: It is hard to pass too harsh a judgement on this movie, since I think that Zemeckis probably did it in humor, judging by his past efforts. But, somehow this movie became a defining moment in American political thought, as many of the Gumpisms that abound in this film became fodder for political debate, with the movie eventually garnering an Oscar for Best Picture. It was contemporary American History made light, with the lovable Forest Gump floating through the controversial 60's and 70's like Woody Allen's Zelig or Chance the Gardner in Hal Ashby's Being There. However, the author, Winston Groom, seemed to have Benji, from The Sound and the Fury, in mind judging by the physically bigger Gump in the novel. Anyway, the movie, and indeed the novel, seemed little more than a pastiche of previous material. There was absolutely nothing new or stimulating about the movie. It seemed a way to put a feel-good spin on the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War. I got absolutely sick of all the persons asking me if I had seen Gump yet, telling me over and over how great a movie it was. I finally brought myself to watch it and reached the conclusion that Americans simply don't want to be troubled by their past.
Rating: 
Summary: Simply wonderful
Review: About once a year, I watch this unique and heartwarming film to experience the sorrow and joy and beauty of life. And each year, Forrest Gump proves itself abundantly deserving of both its Academy Award for Best Picture and its status as an amazon.com Essential Video. The film chronicles, from boyhood on, the life and times of a mentally slow but good-hearted and physically gifted Southerner. In doing so, it recreates vibrantly and poignantly the most turbulent decades of change (the 60s and 70s) in twentieth century America. It is thus the story of a man who remains innocent in the midst of a nation rapidly losing its innocence and, because of his difference, makes a difference. Ultimately, it is a love story that, both throughout and in its sublime conclusion, dares to address the issue of free will versus predestination. (And does so more successfully than any film--and perhaps any popular work of art.) Tom Hanks enters an amazing, tour de force performance, actually becoming the slow-witted but faithful Gump. The tenderly stunning Robin Wright Penn and the perfectly-cast Gary Sinise shine in memorable supporting roles. The soundtrack--a remarkable combination of original music, period-evoking songs, and haunting silence--is one of the best in recent memory. And the screenplay--which goes far above and beyond the earthier, lesser book on which the film is 'based'--is simply inspired, a work of magic. I've seen this film several times now, and each time I can only cry at its evocation of life's essence, even as I smile thereafter. Highly recommended and very much worth owning and sharing. Five shining stars.
Rating:
Summary: The best movie ever
Review: This is the best movie I've ever saw. Is absolutely perfect in all way. The story is amazing, the Tom Hank's performance is perfect, the music is perfect. Nobody can lose this fine piece of art. Wonderful movie.
Rating:
Summary: The best movie of the 1990s
Review: Forrest Gump guarantees to be one of the greatest movies you ever see.
Forrest is a simple man who lives by his beliefs, and lives by his mother's advice. He talks of his incredible life while sitting at a bus stop in Alabama, of teaching Elvis new dance moves, of bceoming a war hero in Vietnam, and of meeting several Presidents. At the same time, he recollects about his childhood sweetheart Jenny, who is living a horrible life after being abused as a child.
This is a truly inspirational movie, one of humour and light-hearted fun, while looking back at some of America's biggest moments.
Tom Hanks richly deserved Best Actor, as did the film deserve Best Picture, and Forrest Gump is one of the least-challenged Academy Award decisions in recent memory. This film really can say that it will make you laugh and cry, as well as thoroughly enjoying the best movie of its decade.
Very good special features on this well-presented two-disc special edition. Informatice commentaries and documentary, as well as insights to the production team and other visual goodies!
Forrest Gump is a must have movie, and is one to watch many times!
Rating:
Summary: 4.5 out of 5
Review: In 1994, FORREST GUMP raised a ruckuss for winning 6 Academy Awards, including "Best Picture" - and it deserved each and every one of those awards. Adapted from Winston Groom's novel, the film tells the tale of mentally retarded Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), who is present at many historic events while chasing after his lifelong love, Jenny (Robin Wright). The special effects are so absolutely flawless it's as if Gump truly was at those events; it's amazing! The soundtrack is also awesome, and adds to the atmosphere of the events at which Gump is present. Hanks is at his best, and gives a truly moving performance; Wright is very good; and Sinise is really excellent. This is one of the few films where even adults will cry. The end scene, with Gump and Lt. Dan meeting before Gump's meeting, is a real moving moment. There is also some lighthearted comedy at moments when you need it most; it's really a terrific film. Of course, there's also excellent directing by Zemeckis; he has really given us an extraodinarily lifelike film. You just can't afford to miss out on FORREST GUMP.
Rating:
Summary: IQ Does Not Presuppose Wisdom
Review: What's there not to like about this film? It seems to have everything: crisp direction, outstanding acting, a compelling narrative, life lessons worthy of affirmation, highly innovative special effects, and a soundtrack whose CD continues to be a bestseller. It received and deserved five Academy Awards and could have received others as well. Of special interest to me is director Robert Zemeckis and his crew's brilliant integration of material from Winston Groom's novel with historical material in the 1960s and 1970s. I am not referring to Sonny Shroyer as Paul ("Bear") Bryant or Peter Dobson as a young Elvis Presley; rather, to the inclusion of footage of John F. Kennedy and George W. Wallace in scenes in which Forrest (Tom Hanks) appears. What is fact? What is fiction? Who cares? Another question: "Where's Forrest?" At various points in his life, he is outrunning childhood tormentors on bicycles, scoring touchdowns for the University of Alabama, attending a White House reception, proving himself worthy of a Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism in Viet Nam, attending a major peace rally at the Lincoln Memorial, launching what becomes a highly profitable shrimp company named in honor of a Viet Nam comrade, defeating international ping pong champions, creating a "smiley face" which makes another person wealthy, jogging thousands of miles throughout the United States, re-settling in his family home, reuniting with a young son he did not know he had, marrying his beloved Jenny.... Some people have told me they think this film is "corny" and that Forrest is "dumb." If "Stupid is as stupid does," what he accomplishes suggests otherwise. However, who he is as a person is far more important to me. I admire Forrest because he is a thoroughly decent man whose wisdom cannot be measured by I.Q. tests or net worth. I would be proud to have him as a son or son-in-law, as the father of my grandchildren, and as a next-door neighbor. Who wouldn't? FYI: The special features which supplement the DVD version of this film are among the most informative I have examined thus far. Why is that not also true of so many other great films? Perhaps Mrs. Gump is right: "Stupid is as stupid does."
Rating:
Summary: I only rate the best...
Review: I'm sad i didn't watch this movie when it came out on theaters. I watched on 08-13-2003 at 11:00 AM and I just loved it. This is the reason why Tom Hanks is one of the best actors in the world. The movie is very depressing, but it really shows you the journey of a person. It shows how much a person can do NOT knowing the reasons to it. Forrest Gump is a different kind of hero. This is one of my favorites in my collection
Rating:
Summary: Run Forrest Run...
Review: ...and so Tom Hanks did in the movie "Forrest Gump." This 1996 film has to be the best epic of all times. Not only did it win an Academy Award for Best Actor (Tom Hanks), and Best Director (Robert Zemeckis), but also Best Picture, plus three other Academy Awards. This film starts off in a small southern town, where Forrest grows up. Next it takes us through three decades of Forrest's life, from the 1950's through the 1980's. It show's Forrest, who happens to be a really fast runner, as a college football player, a vietnam soldier, a ping pong champ, a shrimp boat captain, and a man in love with his childhood friend Jenny (Robin Wright). Oh and did I forget to mention that it also portrays him as a hippy! I give this movie five stars because it has managed to include action, love, comedy, a little bit of history, and a whole lot of heart and soul. Are you looking for a movie that's "like a box of chocolates (you never know what you're going to get?" If so then you will love all 142 minutes of "Forrest Gump."
Rating:
Summary: an interesting story
Review: this movie is very interesting in its telling of the story of a slow man who through his search for the women he loves changes American pop culture and it deserves the title of best picture it won
Rating:
Summary: One of Hanks' best!
Review: I love Tom Hanks, and have seen him in all his films. This is one of, if not THE, best. In this role, he disappears as Tom Hanks and becomes Forrest Gump. And when a great actor does that--watch out!! In some of Hanks' movies, he overshadows the movie and you are aware of Tom Hanks playing a role. (I think this happened with some of Meryl Streeps movies.)But not in this one. He is pure Forrest. The supporting roles are very engaging also and are well-acted: I loved Sally Fields' mother--Sally never misses the right ambience, tone of voice, etc. She nails the mother. And Bubba, I will never forget the scenes during which he is listing every shrimp recipe in the world--especially the one where they are cleaning the floor with toothbrushes. Jenny is also spot on. She got each decade just right. And Gary Sinise screaming his lungs out at God during the hurricane--great scene. I rank this as one of the top ten movies ever made.
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