Forrest Gump

"Forrest Gump" is probably one of the best movies of all-time. If you have not seen this movie before, than you are really missing out on a great cinematic adventure. It is by far one of my favorite movies. It was based on the book "Forrest Gump", written by Winston Groom. The novel was also very well-done with a couple aspects in it that were not included in the movie. However, I feel that "Forrest Gump" is one of the very few movie adaptation’s that was even better than the book. This is something that you rarely get to see in movies that were based on books; usually critics who have read the book beforehand tend to criticize the movie, but in this case it became an American classic. I think one of the strongest attributes of this movie is that it has such a wide-range appeal to all viewers. This is mainly because it covers nearly all major genres of movies in one film: this includes comedy, romance, drama, action, and even historical non-fiction. Also, Tom Hanks did a wonderful job playing the role of Forrest Gump, stating that it was the best roll that he has ever played. Forest Gump is considered to be borderline mentally challenge.  Like Forrest says, "Stupid is, as stupid does." However, he never let his limitations prevent him from accomplishing amazing things. It was truly miraculous to watch Forrest Gump’s simple character grow to have such a big heart. Through all his many adversities, he still was able to keep a positive outlook on life. To be honest with you, this is one thing that I have learned from Forrest Gump: you just need to have a little faith, and never give up on your dreams. Like Forrest's mom told him, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get."

I'll give you a short summary to help you decide if you would enjoy "Forrest Gump" as much as I did. And trust me, you will! The movie starts out in the year 1981, where Forrest Gump begins to tell an older lady (as well as many other people further on in the movie) the story of his life to help pass the time. He begins by talking about his childhood. This is when the movie flashes back, eventually leading up to him discussing his story at the bus stop. It then progresses onto more of his life, leading to the climax of the story, and the ultimate resolution. He talks about how his mother was able to convince his principle to get into his public school, even with his fairly low IQ. On his first day of school, none of the kids on the bus would let him sit down next to them except one girl name Jenny. She will become his best friend and protector throughout their close relationship as children and later on as friends. Soon Forrest will grow to love Jenny more than he himself could understand. As a child, the doctor gave him leg braces, thinking that it was the best way to help "straighten him out". One day while walking with Jenny, a group of bullies road up on their bikes and began to throw rocks at him. Forrest resists to movie until Jenny yells, "Run Forrest, run!" This is a reoccurring motif throughout the movie. Forrest takes off while being chased by the boys on their bikes. His leg braces ripped right off and he was able to run faster than ever. This is when Forrest discovers one of his first miraculous talents. The movie goes on and eventually Forrest graduates high school. After being chased in a truck by the same, but older bullies, Forrest ends up running accidentally across the University of Alabama’s football field during their practice. This is where the coach discovers his amazing speed, seeing that he could outrun a hail-marry. He was soon given a football scholarship to Alabama, where he becomes the star players of the team. After graduating, he ends up enlisting into the military during the Vietnam War, not really knowing any better. This is where he meets one of his best friend name Bubba who convinces him to get into the shrimping business with him after the war. This is also where he meets the character Lt. Dan. Later on, Forrest Gump ends up getting caught in a Vietnamese ambush with the rest of his platoon, where he listens to Jenny’s advice to just run when he gets into any trouble. After making it to the shoreline, he realizes that he had left Bubba, so he ends up running back into the dangerous ambush. On his way, he runs into several other injured American soldiers, rescuing them as well. Finally after finding Bubba, he takes him to wear it was safe with the other men, however it was too late. Forrest is given the Medal of Honor from President Nixon for his tremendous bravery. Forrest ends up keeping his promise to Bubba, by establishing the "Bubba-Gump Shrimp Company” with Lt. Dan. Forrest ends up making a fortune off their company and as well as his investment in "Apple", which he believes to be some sort of fruit company. Forrest continues to spread his generosity by giving Bubba’s Momma, Bubba’s share, and also donating a lot of the money to charities, as well as a new hospital in town and a gospel church. I think I have already ruined enough for you, and trust me there is much more. This includes Forrest Gump’s accomplishments, such as running all across the United States from coast to coast, being a world champion ping-pong player, and eventually marrying the love of his life, Jenny. Please do yourself a favor and watch this movie. There is so much more to it than I already discussed with you. It is full of beautiful screenshots, a great soundtrack, lots of symbolism, and even a great historical outline of this time period. Not only that but this movie also won several awards, including "Best Picture" at the Academy Awards. Here is a preview of the movie for you to see: "Forrest Gump". I cannot stress my point any stronger! You will love it!