Simply unmissable

Rating: 10/10 (12 April 2008)

Forrest Gump (Hanks) is short on IQ points but long on heart, a pure and simple soul who follows a straight path through the world, ever true to the homely advice of his mother (Field) - the source of guiding Gumpisms such as "Stupid is as stupid does" - and to his elusive lifelong love Jenny (Wright). He begins his serendipitous skirmishes with destiny in childhood by unconsciously giving ideas to the as-yet-unknown Elvis Presley, and goes on to become, unintentionally, a football star and war hero.
Considering all its mush and meandering, this is among the best audience pleasers ever. Hanks outdoes himself in the lovable dolt department with unforgettable, utterly disarming work. Just as he recaptured boyishness in Big without resorting to cuteness, here he brilliantly portrays slowness and dumb doggedness without being patronising. Admittedly, the film does have its flaws but despite this, it is simply unmissable and one of my all time favourite films.