At Times Fascinating and Informative but Also Considerably Offensive

Rating: Null/10 (27 February 2000)

Perhaps the most interesting aspect in Forrest Gump is its various alternations of certain historical events. While these scenes (presented in the fashion of archives) which center on interaction with numerous past famous people essentially appears to be contrived (not to mention that the film also could have gone further with the satire), this can also serve as some type of source for information on the United States and are amusing and inventive. The storytelling in general, feels like a way to provide some type of information and history of the United States at a certain period. But the film as a whole feels bloated, and along the way, some considerably offensive material can be found here and there. At one point, there's a feeling that the script is trying to lay down a stereotype people based on the type of states that they live in. The script in certain areas takes some humor and/or tries to create satire out of people with various physical disabilities along with seemingly attempting to create some humor out of a racial slur based on misinterpretation from the title character. Certain points in the story are brought up in a relatively low key fashion but we still can help to come to a foregone conclusion on the meaning of the particular topics that are discussed. Along with that, Forrest Gump occasionally aims for absolutely low brow humor rather than providing more necessary satire. While the musical score makes for a good set piece, the drama to a certain extent can also rub you the wrong way. It at times breaks down and treads into sappy territory and can also get pretty manipulative. Take for instance a small reference to AIDS which by itself feels tagged onto the story.