This was probably the best movie I saw last year

Rating: 10/10 (10 January 2006)

(Original comment September 2005)
I saw the critically-acclaimed 'classic' Forrest Gump just the other night. The story revolves around a slow-witted, unintelligent man by the name of Forrest Gump. As Gump waits at a bus stop, he decides to tell those sitting next to him his life story. As it turns out, Gump has been present at many historic events; the problem is, he's too stupid to realise their significance. He also tells of his one true love, Jenny, who was the only person in his life to accept him for who he was. However, from adulthood onward, she often eluded him, instead preferring to live a life involving sex and drugs.
Anyway, enough about the plot. Judging by what I saw the other night, Forrest Gump definitely deserves it's status as a 'classic' movie. First off, it is original to an extent, as it focuses on deconstructing a low-intelligence person, rather than putting one in just for cheap laughs (as in There's Something About Mary). Another interesting aspect of the movie is that there is no real villain who is constantly at odds with Gump, as there are in other movies. It also takes on so many moods successfully. Most movies choose one mood and stick with it (comedy, romance, etc.), whereas Forrest Gump provided me with laughs (like when, in a football game, the crowd flashes 'GO FORREST' and then 'STOP FORREST' when he reaches the try line) and romance (Gump and Jenny).
Second off, some of the acting here is great. Tom Hanks really does deliver as Forrest Gump. His accent never wavers and he portrays his low-intelligence character in a touching yet funny way (two signifiers which are pretty much opposites in today's movies). His facial expressions are also quite realistic (see his look when he discovers that he has a son). Gary Sinise (or as I called him, Steve Waugh) puts in a pretty good performance as the embittered lieutenant who believes that his destiny was to die in Vietnam and is 'pissed off' at Gump for robbing him of it. Mylketi Willamson (I think that's his name), also gives a decent turn as Gump's black buddy.
Thirdly, as aforementioned above, this is like a documentary on American culture in the 50's, 60's, 70's and even 80's, as seen through the eyes of Forrest Gump. During the movie, Forrest meets JFK, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, begins the Watergate scandal, serves in Vietnam and makes national TV, to name a few. This part of the movie, I believe, is presented in an interesting manner.
I find it hard to criticise a movie like 'Forrest Gump', however, I do have one issue with it. It is a little too righteous. Gump has no personality flaws other than being a man of low intelligence. Jenny, on the other hand, is constructed as a woman with many flaws and pays the ultimate price as a result. This is a touch unrealistic. However, this is a minor issue which most people won't even see. Other than that, it is perfect.
I've spoiled enough of the movie for you, so I leave you with this parting advice: See this movie as soon as possible. I saw Forrest Gump, hoping that it'd be good and I wasn't disappointed, but bear in mind that good is an understatement when referring to this movie. This is probably the best movie I've seen this year (over Memento and The Dirty Dozen).
5/5 stars