Forrest Gump (1994)
The Cast
Tom Hanks .... Forrest Gump
Robin Wright Penn .... Jenny Curran
Gary Sinise .... Lt. Dan Taylor
Mykelti Williamson .... Pvt. Benjamin Buford 'Bubba' Blue
Sally Field .... Mrs. Gump
Just the kind of Sunday diversion you need, that's what Forrest Gump delivers. It allows you to remember things that you probably never experienced, through the eyes of a dummard. Well, that might be a bit harsh, but he is slow. Except when he is running!
Forrest Gump won a Best Picture Oscar in 1995, as did Hanks for his portrayal of the titular character, who blundered his way through American history by doing no more than what was asked of him, perfectly. Except when he got shot in the buttocks.
If you've never read the book, you should, because it's a super-easy read, & Gump gets into even wackier adventures. The movie is one of those feel-good movies that will have your heart skipping a bit & feeling tingles down your spine when Gump yells "JENNY!" at the Washington Monument protest.
Even now, over ten years later, the effects in this movie are excellent, making you truly believe that Gump was involved in all these events that formed modern day America. You get the sense that you're not just watching the movie, you're along for the ride of someone else's lifetime.
Excellently directed by Robert Zemeckis, & featuring an all-star cast - especially one Gary Sinise, but especially Hanks (that's my Sideshow Bob reference for today) - this movie will stir up some pretty strong feelings anytime you watch it. Unless you're dead inside that is. Hanks portrays Gump not only as someone slightly naive, but completely innocent & trusting, looking for the good in everyone, but extremely protective of his girl, Jenny. It's a character & performance for the ages. 5 outta 5.
Roger Ebert's review of Forrest Gump (1994)