FORREST GUMP (1994)
In the spirit of Mother's Day, I decided to do review of my mother's favorite flick, since she's my biggest fan (how she puts up with the crazy shit I write, I will never know). Still, Forrest Gump just happens to not only be her favorite movie, but one of mine as well. It may not be a particularly deep or visceral movie, but it's just really well done. It's an all around good movie--from the period-appopriate music to the balance of history and fiction to the bare bones of the act structure. The best part about it is, it makes good writing look easy. And, yes, it's one of those movies I could probably recite from memory.
The real appeal of Forrest Gump, when you get down to it, is the fact that it's a very human story. We believe in all the characters as they appear--from the misguided Jenny (Robin Wright) to the bitter Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise), it's hard not to love every character that comes on the screen. And the movie does a good job at making sure each character has an arc that they complete, giving the movie a very satisfying feeling. And then, of course, there's Forrest Gump himself. Tom Hanks delivers what is, in my opinion, one of the best narrations of all time, and gives us a character we can't help but fall in love with. Really, who doesn't want to me Forrest Gump's best friend? Then again, it probably helps that he didn't go full retard.
Yeah, it's a corker movie for sure. It's also one of the most suprising adaptations of all time - have you ever read the novel by Winston Groom? I thought it was terrible - the worst kind of psuedo-Vonnegut satirical tripe - and how they got THIS movie from THAT book is beyond my ability to comprehend. Thank goodness they did though! Shrimp, anyone?
ReplyDeleteI actually have no idea it was based on a novel! Goes to show how much I know. Interesting little tidbit! Bubba Gump is the shit.
DeleteOh I love this movie, too. Especially the music and Robin Wright Penn. God, she was awesome as Jenny. I hadn't seen her do anything this good at the time since Princess Bride.
ReplyDeleteRobin Wright Penn is the shit. I really don't know why she isn't a bigger actress, since she seems to have more of a cult following than anything. Princess Bride is win.
DeleteAww I love this film. It's one of those genuinely feel good movies. Tom Hanks is an incredible narrator.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! There aren't a lot of feel good movies that I really enjoy, but this is certainly one of them. Hanks is win.
Deleteyeah, it's a rare one. As much as I'd like to not like it, it's just too likable for my plan to work. One of Hank's best roles. But Sinise is pretty cool too. Sally Fields and Wright Penn...Ok I'll stop before I name everyone who ever thought about being in it.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you completely! everyone in this movie owns their roles and come together in epic ways. It's a damn good feel-good movie.
DeleteFantastic movie! There's an award for you on my blog.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks! I'll go check it out!
DeleteI recognized Stray Cat on my blog with the 7x7 award. It's not much, but I wanted to recognize the awesome sauce that is Feed Me A Stray Cat.
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks, homie! I'll check it out pronto!
DeleteThe characters are great in that movie. It is cool that it is both you and your mom's favorite.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It really is a great movie. Definitely runs in the family.
DeleteI love that movie, I think it's very touching...
ReplyDeleteGreat role play, but most importantly - the story is good.
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It really is! It was on TV the other day and of course I had to rewatch it. Great story, great characters, great scriptwriting.
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