Title: Forrest Gump
Debut: 1994
Rating: PG-13
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Summary: (From IMDB): Forrest Gump, while not intelligent, has accidentally been present at many historic moments, but his true love, Jenny, eludes him.
What we fondly remember: Who doesn’t fondly remember Forrest Gump? This movie came out when I was a senior in high school, and I probably saw it three times in the theater alone, mostly with my family. Whenever I happened upon it on TV after that, I stopped to watch. It had probably been ten years since I saw it last, however.
What was refreshing: The natural flow of progression of Forrest Gump (both the movie and the evolution of the character) is breathtaking. I love the way U.S. history, at such a turbulent time, is weaved so effortlessly through the narrative. Plus: re-watching this reminded me that Tom Hanks is possibly the best actor on the planet.
Red flags: Adult themes abound: there’s some sex (though not graphic), drug use, war violence, and language. We used the fast-forward button at the beginning, when Forrest’s mother gets him into school via less-than-traditional means, then used it again when Jenny is singing naked on a stage.
Kids’ Review: We watched Forrest Gump on an evening Toby (age 7) was enjoying a sleep-over elsewhere, because we wanted to experience it with just the 13-year-old and 11-year-old. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to younger kids. Not only is it too mature, but most young kids just wouldn’t grasp the epic historical significance. As it was, we had to explain Watergate to the boys, and viewing the movie led to several good discussions on Vietnam-era social issues. The boys had to be coaxed into watching this one (an old movie called Forrest Gump just doesn’t seem that appealing), but once we were off and running, they loved it. Now they’re quoting it regularly: ‘Run, Forrest, run!’
Want more after the credits roll? Catch up on past reviews here!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love Forrest Gump, but my boys are still definitely too young still.
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I love so much about this movie. My daughter is still young, but someday I know we will watch it together.
Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being Rudri recently posted..How Do You Prefer Reading Your Words?
It might sound weird, but we’ve started a tradition of eating a popcorn turkey (instead of a real one) it involves a paper bag that looks like a turkey, but filled with popcorn and a vintage/classic movie. This year: Indiana Jones…and Forrest Gump will be added to my future watch list! Cheers!
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