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In 1994, a film was released that captivated millions of movie goers from one end of the world to the other. The name of the film was, Forrest Gump, and it was universally critically acclaimed.

Set in rural Alabama, Forrest Gump, details the trials and tribulations of a young man, who despite lacking in certain book smarts, possesses a great deal of both courage and integrity. And these two traits manifest themselves as the film progresses.

Starring Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, Robin Wright Penn as Jenny Curran, Sally Field as Forrest's mama, Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan Taylor, and Mykelti Williamson as "Bubba", Forrest Gump begins with Sally Field taking a young Forrest to the Doctor who attempts to straighten out the young boy's back by putting braces on both of his legs. Eventually, these braces perform nothing short of a miracle and turn Forrest into a world class speedster. Right from the beginning, it is crystal clear to the viewer that Sally Field's character will do anything for her son. It is one of the most heart warming parts of the film.

Forrest Gump is actually narrated by Tom Hanks as he plays the character himself. He talks about the ordinary people he has met throughout his amazing life, as well as numerous famous people. Some of these legends include: The King of Rock-n-Roll; Elvis Presley, John Lennon, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon. Special effects videography is utilized to pretty decent effect which makes it appear that Forrest is actually conversing with these famed icons.

The movie contains several serious sides. One of the most enduring is the plight of Forrest's love interest Jenny, portrayed brilliantly by Robin Wright Penn. As a child, she is physically and sexually abused by her dispicable bum of a father, and this unfortunately leads her down a path of self destruction eventually leading to her untimely demise.

However, Forrest Gump also has some hilarious scenes as well. For example, he inadvertantly moons President Lyndon Johnson when he shows him the wound he received while fighting in Vietnam. Next, he jumps out of his shrimp boat to greet Gary Sinise, leaving the vessel to crash full speed into the dock. Then, while staying at the Watergate Hotel, he phones security to tell them that they need to send someone to the fifth floor to replace a fuse because, "there are five men waving flashlights around, and the constant movement is keeping him up".

Some of the scenes are quite diffcult to reconcile, like when he runs from one end of the United States to the other; but, they are still quite enjoyable nonetheless.

At the conclusion of the film, his love interest meets a tragic end, that is true. However, she bears Forrest's child, a little boy with incredible levels of intelligence. This is important, because it allows the movie and his life to come full circle. So, the viewer leaves the theatre in an upbeat mood.

I really enjoyed the film, Forrest Gump. I thought that it told the incredible story of the young man's life in a very dynamic way. The historical scenes with the three ex-Presidents were quite amazing, indeed. His brutal experience in Vietnam truly captures the terror and futility of that awful conflict. And finally, the manner in which he finally gets together with his one and only true love makes the movie special. I feel that this movie is a must see for everyone and anyone.

Learn more about this author, TIMOTHY J. THOMPSON.
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