Forrest Gump (A or 4/4 stars)
Through all stages of his young life, 'Forrest Gump' (played by Tom Hanks, & directed by the great Robert Zemeckis) has been a simple man with a simpleton's brain, but good intentions. Forrest was named after a civil war hero, grew up in Greenbow, Alabama, & was raised by single mother (Sally Field); a woman whose only income was running a boarding house. Although Forrest is 'slow' (with an IQ around 75), his mental & social impairment never bothers him, or his mom, or his only friend, Jenny (played in adulthood by Robin Wright). In fact, because his is so naive, his limited comprehension of the world around him gives his a fresh perspective on life that most people can't achieve.
Over the course of 30 yrs., Forrest not only pines for his elusive true love, Jenny - but he also finds himself accidentally present at many historical moments. Let me just give you an idea of some of the things that happens to Forrest: he struggles through childhood, is taught by his loving 'Mama' to choose his destiny, breaks free from his back brace, becomes an unlikely football hero, befriends a black man named Bubba, enlists in the army, becomes a war hero in Vietnam (for saving one, Lieutenant Dan - brilliantly played by Gary Sinise), starts a ping pong craze, goes on to own a huge shrimping boat (that he names 'Jenny', after the only girl who'd ever mattered to him), meets Elvis, meets presidents, donates $$, becomes a successful businessman, inspires people across America to take-up running, & by pure luck ... becomes something of a pop icon (creating the 'smiley' - which would eventually go on clothes & bumper stickers).
What's so funny about the film is that Forrest is so slow ... that he fails to realize the significance of all his amazing actions. What's not so funny is his unflinching love for Jenny, and her struggle to stay on the straight & narrow in a life troubled by sex, drugs, & rock-n-roll. Can Forrest's naivety shield him from the cruel world much longer? Will his love for Jenny ever be reciprocated? Everything culminates in this sometimes sad, but often joyful story that never fails to surprise us along the way. Just like his Mama always said to him, "Life is like a box of chocolates, Forrest ... you never know what you're gonna get."
This movie is simply outstanding. I went in to the theater not knowing a thing about the film, & I walked out invigorated; wanting to see it all over again. 'FG is one of those magical films that only come around a few times every decade. It's - all at once - quirky, riveting, involving, optimistic, narratively fresh, & emotional. And for as successfully sentimental as the film is, it's actually the 'quirks' that makes 'FG' thrive. 'FG' is also one of those films that perfectly suffuses moments of sheer laughter, with quiet moments of melancholy, with moments that are grandly epic. And I actually think those quiet moments are where the movie truly shines.
Tom Hanks becomes Forrest Gump - and in doing so - has created an everlasting iconic performance. He gives Forrest a child-like sensibility that stays with him from adolescence, & into his adulthood. His body matures, but his heart & spirit remain simple. Hanks' Forrest is honest, & free of deceit. Evil doesn't exist in his world. Robin Wright has always been a sturdy actress. I've loved her since 1987's Princess Bride. But she really comes into her own here; giving a beautiful, haunting performance as Jenny. Her character goes to some pretty dark places; & Wright navigates them wonderfully. Sally Field is great as Forrest's loving mama. And Gary Sinise gives a wide-eyed, awards caliber supporting performance as good 'ole Lt. Dan. No matter what he says or does, I was riveted.
And for as brilliant as 'Forrest Gump' is on a directing/acting/screenplay level, it also thrives in its technical craftsmanship. The cinematography, art direction, & costumes evoke a span of 30 yrs. (1950s-80s) extremely well. Alan Silvestri's musical score is both lyrical & memorable - I can still hear the main theme in my head. The action (including pyrotechnics) is incredible; particularly in an extended Vietnam War sequence. And by mixing real footage of presidents & celebrities with images featuring Forrest (Hanks), it shows that the integration of these 'special effects' really ADDS to the film. I sat in awe at Forrest seeming to meet these real historical people (for his series of remarkable feats). I loved 'FG because the main character never gives up on life. Good things happen to him, awful things happen to him. And he drudges on. I truly believe that this imaginative, unforgettable motion picture will wind up being one of my favorites for all-time.
Over the course of 30 yrs., Forrest not only pines for his elusive true love, Jenny - but he also finds himself accidentally present at many historical moments. Let me just give you an idea of some of the things that happens to Forrest: he struggles through childhood, is taught by his loving 'Mama' to choose his destiny, breaks free from his back brace, becomes an unlikely football hero, befriends a black man named Bubba, enlists in the army, becomes a war hero in Vietnam (for saving one, Lieutenant Dan - brilliantly played by Gary Sinise), starts a ping pong craze, goes on to own a huge shrimping boat (that he names 'Jenny', after the only girl who'd ever mattered to him), meets Elvis, meets presidents, donates $$, becomes a successful businessman, inspires people across America to take-up running, & by pure luck ... becomes something of a pop icon (creating the 'smiley' - which would eventually go on clothes & bumper stickers).
What's so funny about the film is that Forrest is so slow ... that he fails to realize the significance of all his amazing actions. What's not so funny is his unflinching love for Jenny, and her struggle to stay on the straight & narrow in a life troubled by sex, drugs, & rock-n-roll. Can Forrest's naivety shield him from the cruel world much longer? Will his love for Jenny ever be reciprocated? Everything culminates in this sometimes sad, but often joyful story that never fails to surprise us along the way. Just like his Mama always said to him, "Life is like a box of chocolates, Forrest ... you never know what you're gonna get."
This movie is simply outstanding. I went in to the theater not knowing a thing about the film, & I walked out invigorated; wanting to see it all over again. 'FG is one of those magical films that only come around a few times every decade. It's - all at once - quirky, riveting, involving, optimistic, narratively fresh, & emotional. And for as successfully sentimental as the film is, it's actually the 'quirks' that makes 'FG' thrive. 'FG' is also one of those films that perfectly suffuses moments of sheer laughter, with quiet moments of melancholy, with moments that are grandly epic. And I actually think those quiet moments are where the movie truly shines.
Tom Hanks becomes Forrest Gump - and in doing so - has created an everlasting iconic performance. He gives Forrest a child-like sensibility that stays with him from adolescence, & into his adulthood. His body matures, but his heart & spirit remain simple. Hanks' Forrest is honest, & free of deceit. Evil doesn't exist in his world. Robin Wright has always been a sturdy actress. I've loved her since 1987's Princess Bride. But she really comes into her own here; giving a beautiful, haunting performance as Jenny. Her character goes to some pretty dark places; & Wright navigates them wonderfully. Sally Field is great as Forrest's loving mama. And Gary Sinise gives a wide-eyed, awards caliber supporting performance as good 'ole Lt. Dan. No matter what he says or does, I was riveted.
And for as brilliant as 'Forrest Gump' is on a directing/acting/screenplay level, it also thrives in its technical craftsmanship. The cinematography, art direction, & costumes evoke a span of 30 yrs. (1950s-80s) extremely well. Alan Silvestri's musical score is both lyrical & memorable - I can still hear the main theme in my head. The action (including pyrotechnics) is incredible; particularly in an extended Vietnam War sequence. And by mixing real footage of presidents & celebrities with images featuring Forrest (Hanks), it shows that the integration of these 'special effects' really ADDS to the film. I sat in awe at Forrest seeming to meet these real historical people (for his series of remarkable feats). I loved 'FG because the main character never gives up on life. Good things happen to him, awful things happen to him. And he drudges on. I truly believe that this imaginative, unforgettable motion picture will wind up being one of my favorites for all-time.