Forrest Gump was nothing more than an adult baby crib movie produced by a bunch of over-the-hill boomers who still have delerious todler memories of JFK.

In the early fifties two children are born in the less-fortunate parts of Alabama - one is Forrest Gump and the other is his best friend Jenny. Though these two children have the same starting points, they grow up to lead very different lives. In Robert Zemeckis' Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump we're introduced to Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) who always seems to have his route in life predetermined by the most unfortunate of circumstances, and manages to get there by running. Jenny (Hanna Hall) on the other hand, life doesn't come so easy. From early childhood the two are inseparable except for those occasions when Forrest needs to run. It isn't until after high school that these two kindred souls' lives take dramatically different turns. Forrest gets a scholarship to play football and Jenny plays her guitar at a strip club. This film really does tug at the heart, especially the life Jenny is forced to lead. Forrest is the man with an IQ of 75, but his footsteps always seem to be placed for him - though he does make the most out of his opportunities. What more can I add that the Oscars, Hollywood, the Internet, and all the reviews haven't? Not much! This is wonderful family film that makes reliving the sixties, seventies, and eighties, memorable.

I know that I should love this movie since everyone else in the world does, but I can't help but get this overwhelming singe of disappointment every time I sit down to watch this movie (which isn't often, but I recently watched this for the third time thinking that maybe I was harsh on it the first two times). `Forrest Gump' is what I consider, as my title suggests, mediocrity done extremely well. It's what happens when you take a cliché ridden story and fill it with gimmicky characters who speak mind-numbing (albeit entertaining) dialog. There is a layer of originality that spreads itself thin over the film, but overall the film is bogged down by its own aspirations. It is trying way to hard and failing most of the way. It is not a bad film, but it is no where near the top of the pack, not even in 1994, which was a sub par year in general.

I know that `Forrest Gump' has its rabid supporters (thus the reason that every review under a five-star gets trashed by the next reviewer) and I am literally stripped of my dignity every time this movie is brought up among friends since apparently I am the only person I know who sees that there is simply nothing here to get excited over (actually I do remember one time that one of my friends nodded in agreement with me, and then his wife let us both have it).

So I don't get yelled at, there are some spoilers below, so be forewarned.

So, here are my issues with `Forrest Gump'. The story is actually good in my opinion, or at least the idea behind it. Having one man make an unintentional impact on the entire world and be utterly clueless to it is actually interesting. If the plot hadn't been muddled with clichéd characters from the very beginning then it really could have been worked into genius. But that wasn't the case. The character of Forrest isn't the biggest cliché (although he is clichéd, don't get me wrong) but all the people around him (from his mother to his war buddy to the love of his life) are so `been-there-done-that' that I can't understand why someone didn't stop production and ask why they couldn't create something a little different. The performances for the most part work to elevate the familiarity (especially Wright, whose character is probably the most clichéd in the bunch) but it doesn't really help much.

Another problem that I have with `Forrest Gump' is Tom Hanks. Hanks is kind of like the king of gimmick for me. I don't think he is the strongest actor and it feels as if he relies to heavily on his characters gimmick's to elevate his performance and acceptance. He won back to back Oscars for barely doing anything. Really, he played a man dying of AIDS and then he played a man mentally handicapped, the two biggest Oscar bait gimmicks out there, but his personal performance was nothing spectacular. The final frames of the film are truly the strongest, and yes, when he realizes that he has a child his reaction is raw and real and heartbreaking, especially when he asks if his son is smart, but honestly that is one scene (the best scene in the film mind you) and one scene does not make you a good actor. Robin Wright Penn and Gary Sinise are actually very good here (Sally Field cannot step out of her character cliché long enough to do anything decent here) but there performances are muddled down by the mediocrity surrounding them. I am not for one minute saying that no movie should be made about wounded war vets or the mentally handicapped or the drug addicted floozy, but when so much of it is thrown into the same pot it begins to feel as if no one involved with this project has an imagination.

The film feels very force-fed at times, like it's spoon feeding the audience mouthfuls of manipulated sympathies. I know that I am like the last person to complain about that since I cry every time I watch a Ron Howard film (talk about emotional manipulations) but Ron Howard has a way of making all that syrup go down smooth; and Zemeckis doesn't (at least for me).

I just don't buy it.

I don't know, maybe I am really harsh and maybe I take life way to seriously as some angered reviewers have claimed anyone who doesn't rave this movie must do. I'm not saying that it isn't entertaining and even enjoyable. This is just not an Oscar movie. It's more of a C+ than an A+ in my book. Like I said, it's done well, really well, but that still doesn't make up for the lapses in judgment on the part of the writers, directors and lead actor (at least he tries in some scenes here as apposed to his horrendously mediocre `Philadelphia' performance the previous year). When I look back at the films that `Forrest Gump' beat out for the top prize (namely `The Shawshank Redemption', `Pulp Fiction' and the un-nominated `Heavenly Creatures') I am dumbfounded that the world fell for this living breathing cliché, wrapped in a feel good package.

The product itself was fine, but it took me over 10 days to receive it.
Need to improve shipping procedures.

Forrest Gump rules i love this movie. Its the greatset and is my faviorte movie by far
buy the dvd today

One of the greatest touching movies ever. Forrest Gump is a movie that will make you cry, and it will make you laugh. When I first saw it in 2001, It touched my heart. I watched the first few minutes of it, and I couldn't stop. I watched it downstairs and stayed their all night to watch it. And it was spectacular. Tom Hanks is perfect as Forrest Gump. Won 6 Oscars for Best Actor (Tom Hanks), Best Director (Robert Zemekis), Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Picture, and Best Screenplay. Went to this touching story about a simple man named Forrest Gump who, even though isn't very bright, accidently ends up getting involved with some of the biggest key moments of the 19th century. It's funny, touching, heart warming, and sad. I read the book, and the first line even touched me. I highly recommend watching this. It deserves a chance. I've seen it 14 times in counting too! Get it, buy it, see it, and you'll see what makes this a 100% succesful movie.

Great movie, unlikely story of course...but that's the beauty of this movie. If you want to see a movie that's more realistic about life then watch a documentary because people who criticize this movie obviously have no imagination and should drop the whole "I'm gonna take every movie i see literally" mindset, and to give it one star?...in the words of Gob Bluth "COME ON!"

What makes this film so irritating is its pro-American propoganda and religious undertones, which reaches levels few films dare to trot.

It's a fictional story of someone who was born mentally challenged. As a school kid he has a crush on a girl (who later becomes his wife). He is good at running (which gets him into college). He becomes a war hero and meets the president. He fulfills a promise he made to his dying best friend (who died in his arms) and enters the shrimp boat industry. He asks God to help him succeed and God (instead of making more shrimp) helps him by destroying every other shrimp boat (you can't make this stuff up) and Gump becomes super rich. He has a child with his future wife and the kid is the "smartest" in his class. And all throughout this improbable story, he remains blissfully ignorant at how extraordinary it is.

I want a film about the real world. This film does the mentally challenged no services. Rather, it patronizes them. If they decided to make a film based on a true story of a REAL mentally challenged person, I think I would have liked the film. And besides all that, this film is downright annoying. Someone had to say it. 2/5

After all the hype about this movie, I decided to rent it.
And I really didn't care for it.
Yes, Hanks puts on a good performance........but, it's corny and his voice is annoying.
"Life is like a box of chocolates"
I felt like shoving the whole box in his mouth at once.
SILENCE!!!
It's too unrealistic to even suspend your imagination for a second.
That's where Big Fish has it beat, just as unrealistic but at least "Fish" doesn't try to convince you it's real. The movie lets you figure that you for yourself.
Do I recommend Gump? Yes.
Because you'll have a hard time keeping a dry eye at the end.
Three stars for a great movie, but an annoying performance.

A movie filled with wonder and loss, emotions and dedication, and deeper meanings of what we see of people, Forrest Gump is a really wonderful movie. I can't stop watching it. I love the twists and turns, and I also like how Forrest's deeper feelings are shown. Friends, enemies, and lovers are combined into this film. In this movie, Forrest Gump, a seemingly stupid man who does whatever people tell him to, is telling the story of his life, starting when he is six. His story goes through high school and college, and then goes to the army. Through his story he meets Jennie and Bubba, the love of his life and his best friend. He meets enemies, and is devastated by loss after loss. I really enjoyed this movie. I laughed a lot, but afterwards I had to sit and think about what Forrest had gone through. This is one of the greatest movies of all time in my opinion. Forrest's deeper feelings will really make you think hard about people who are different or dumb. Quotes like "Stupid is as stupid does" and "mama always told me life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get" make you laugh at first, but then make you ponder about what Forrest is thinking and how true his thoughts are. His friendships are very emotional as Bubba dies and Jennie refuses to marry him. He goes through hardships that make you think of your own. I really enjoyed this movie and I think that anyone who watches it will, too.

RUN FORREST RUN! Run right out and buy this one. I have watched this movie at least 20 times. How can anyone not love Forrest?

I love this movies it shows life can be a big adventure.
I can relate cause I'm learning disabled, I learn slow.
I remember when kids uses to call me stupid, cause I didn't
learn the way they did.
It's sad how mean kids can be, but just remember kids usually
do what they see their parents do.
I think this is one of Tom Hank's best movies.
I rate this movie a 10 from 1to10!!

This movie is a classic! Going with the characters through their times of life and important times of change through people's live's/love's is beautiful. Also, the innocence that Gump brings to life is wonderful.

Still one of my favorite movies! What a great story! Even though it's a bit longer than most, this is one for the movie appreciation classes of the future! From every angle of movie-making (how in the world did they create Tom Hanks shaking the president's hand?) this one reminds me of Citizen Kane and the lengths Orson Welles went through to create a movie for the ages. Phenomenal!

It's story that haunts a person. Each time its seen you find something you hadn't noticed before.

One of my most favorite movies of all time. Destined to be a classic. I laughed and cryed....truly. 5 stars!

Forrest Gump DVD

Tom Hanks stars in this movie about a young man who unwittingly participates in some of the key moments of the twentieth century. I highly recommend this movie for fans of Tom Hanks and anyone alive in the twentieth century.

Gunner April, 2008

One of the greatest films of all time... and definitely one of the two best Tom Hanks performances EVER! The other, of course, is Philadelphia... with a close third for "Cast Away". My opinion, of course.

I highly recommend this film for everyone. Male, female; young, old; conservative or liberal. Everyone will find something in this film to relate to and love.

Fascinating movie.I'm going watch again and again. You can find everything in this movie: joy, sadness, love,some cruelty of war, a lot jokes, serenity and big, big hope and belief in human being.

I bought this dvd to share with my 6 yr old son. I played the dvd and it immediately captured my son. After the movie was over the first thing he asked was "can we watch again daddy". I love this movie and so dose my son. The other day he was outside running around the house I opened up the window and said "run Forrest run" He started laughing and said "good one dad good one". Buy this movie!!!!!

I hated this movie at first. I had to go out in the lobby during the combat scene. Even though I did not go to Vietnam, I felt like I did. Forrest moves from Elvis and The Beatles to the disco era. He finds himself in Washington, D.C., the ordinary man caught up in extraordinary circumstances. I later developed an affection for Tom Hanks' character when I went to D.C. with my son. We joked about Forrest's girl friend, Jenny, running through the Reflecting Pool. The story ends with Jenny dying of AIDS. Seeing the quintessential boomer life unfold can be painful.

"I don't remember being born, I don't remember what I got for my first birthday and I don't remember going on my first outdoor picnic ... but I do remember the first time I heard the sweetest voice in whole wide world." -- Forrest Gump

I have to be honest with you and just say that I'm a fool for sentimental movies like this. This is actually one of my all-time favorites. I usually find myself disappearing into this movie during flu season and when I'm confined to the couch for a week suffering in pain. Watching Forrest Gump seems to make things better, sooner.

While that might sound corny, and you might be rolling your eyes, I usually feel better every time just watching it. The truth about the success of this movie is that most people identify with it, because unless you're a sycophantic sociopath, there are many times when the majority of us feel inferior, or less than or unable to meet the demands of our life - rendering us a little blue, sad, debilitated ... take your pick. Knowing that there is someone in the world like Forrest, probably gives us the hope that you're going to be alright if you hang on and don't obsess on your flaws. Forrest Gump is a lot of different things to different people. Mostly, it just takes you out of whatever you're in and does a pretty consistent job at making you feel that much better. Even if it's just for a little while.

I'll spare you the repetitious information regarding any technical information about the DVD or the cast, as to date there are 543 reviews on this, 397 "5 star" and 42 "1 star", and 10 pages of posts on IMDb.

Another reviewer stated that this was an introspective look into the Baby Boomers generation, and while I've never been a fan of the Baby Boomers per se, as most of the would-be flower children that briefly took up residences in communes, would later switch-off and drift into the largest group of corporate raiders in the history of this nation. Not much of a legacy there. But the character of Forrest speaks to more than just one single generation, or even one single man or one journey. Forrest Gump is an amalgam of several people, this according to Winston Groom and the reason why so many people identify with it. While the book is a worthy and interesting read, the film trumps.

"I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is ..."

This film could have been good if parts of it were'nt so ridiculous. I can suspend belief for maybe a minute, but not for the whole movie. I am not a Tom Hanks fan, but have seen a few of his films. This is not even one of my favorites of HIS. So, even though its not the worst thing I've ever seen, its still up there as one of the more ridiculous ones.

Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks is still a sweet, tearjerker, and honest film about a man who may not have all his marbles intact but his sweet nature and common sense make him special wherever he goes. Great performance by Hanks, Robin Wright, Sally Field, and Gary Sinise. I can see why the Academy Awards gave this movie the best picture nod. This film will touch your heart and make you laugh for sure. I highly recommend it!

what a groovy seller! i was taken care of with no questions asked and received immediate responses! thanks!

I absolutely loved this movie from the first time I saw it when I was like 9 years old. I cannot even begin to think how many times I've seen it, and it just gets better and better each time. You can really connect with this movie, and you really feel for every character. No other movie makes me feel as many emotions as Forrest Gump does. An absolutley perfect movie that to me has no equal.

Well what can i say a great movie I enjoy watching it , and many of my friend do, too. I really enjoy being able to see my favorite parts over and over again.

This movie is amazing, but the package was a little damaged. I still enjoyed my purchase though.

You're either getting paid to market HD DVD, or you just have no clue.

Blu Ray is the better quality and everybody knows it. And to say they the "sound quality is better," is a complete joke.

Aside from flourishing this movie with historical events and alluding life to a flying feather and a box of chocolate, this movie is both realistic and uplifting.
The story line is a reminiscent of other encouraging heartrending films, but this character is "special."

Gump is mentally challenged, which only represents a small, unfortunate percentage of the population, and yet you can relate to his mind because his obtuseness just puts his thoughts in slow motions and amplifies every detail.

In a way, everyone is handicapped and hence experiences crisis of self-confidence from time to time. The tale of Forrest Gump lights up a simple path, a solution to all.

A look at the "baby boomers" generation performed by the new Jimmy Stewart; Tom Hanks.

This movie is a most own for any movie Collector out there...

it is amazing what you kan do, if u stick to it.. :)

When I first saw this movie I didn't think it was very credible and could not understand what all the fuss was about. I find it impossible to believe that a person with an IQ of 75 could achieve the things Forrest Gump did and have the wisdom that he was shown to have in this movie. A much more credible performance about a mentally challenged person is given in the excellent movie: "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." Leo DiCaprio's portrayal of how a mentally retarded teenager's limitations and antics cause major problems and upheaval for his family should have earned the young actor an Academy Award in my opinion. Forrest Gump is just a mildly entertaining fantasy. I can't understand why Forrest Gump would win for best picture. I was incredulous as I watched this movie, knowing how impossible it would be for someone of his intelligence to achieve the things he supposedly does in this movie, i.e. graduate from H.S., go to college, join the military, etc., etc., etc. If you want to see a believeable movie about a mentally challenged person and his family, see the movie "What's eating Gilbert Grape" with Johnny Depp and Leo DiCaprio.

Higly overated, this sentimental flick is part Zelig, part Being There--minus the irony, honesty, or wit of either. While it had some fine acting, a decent (though wierdly predictable) soundtrack, and even a few memorable moments, the praise that was heaped on Gump was so undeserved, I thought, that finally watching this "great movie" in the theater and having to sit through the standing ovation at the end was a little nauseating--literally.

Year of release: 1994
Writers: Winston Groom (who wrote the novel) and Eric Roth
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Runtime: 2 hours 22 minutes

I haven't seen this film for about 7 years or so. Seeing it again I was reminded why this is one of my all-time favorite pictures.

THE PLOT: Tom Hanks plays Forrest Gump, a mildly retarded Alabaman who brushes shoulders with the key figures and events of the 50s through the early 80s. Due to hard work, focus and uncommon wisdom he is hugely successful at whatever he does (running, war hero, ping pong, shrimp fishing). Meanwhile, the one woman he loves in all the world, Jenny (Robin Wright Penn), flounders through life hopelessly trying to find fulfillment in the drug culture with all the wrong people.

"Forrest Gump" is hugely entertaining on every level. It's a drama that skillfully includes both lighter, comedic moments and serious, tragic elements. If you've never seen it, don't think for a second that this is some average romantic comedy or goofball comedy. Far from it. I don't watch the Acadamy Awards or give any creedance to their judgment ("American Beauty," best picture? Please) but "Forrest Gump" is one instance where they were absolutely right in regard to the Best Picture award.

Some have criticized the film as an imbecilic fantasy, arguing that a simpleton like Gump would never become successful. It's true that the picture exagerates Forrest's successes and experiences, and in that sense it's not realistic, but the film plainly reveals WHY he experienced continued success throughout his life. We can all learn from these little gems of wisdom:

-- Whatever your I.Q., zero in on the areas for which you have a real talant.

-- Focus on those gifts and master them. In other words, don't be a jack of all trades. This is in line with the Russian proverb: "If you chase 8 rabbits you'll catch none."

-- Mastering your talants will take HARD WORK (which explains why lazy people are never wealthy, unless they inherit it).

-- Whatever you do, do it WITH ALL YOUR HEART.

-- Love deeply and cultivate deep loyalties (e.g. Jenny, Bubba & Lt. Dan). Loyalty is underrated.

-- Be patient and slow to judge (unless someone abuses another person).

-- Allow others the freedom to choose and make mistakes, even if it seems like it takes forever for them to learn from them.

-- If something or someone STINKS, reject it and stay away from it (remember the prostitute?).

-- Keep your word.

-- Pray and have FAITH.

-- Keep a humble spirit no matter how successful or great you become.

We can also learn lessons from Jenny: Trying to attain fulfillment through loose sex and foreign substances is a LOST cause. Recognize and embrace those who have your best interests in mind (i.e. those who truly love you and are loyal to you); stay away from people who use and abuse you.

From Lt. Dan (Gary Sinise) we learn a potent lesson about struggling with God to find true peace, success and reconciliation. Dan's all-out fight with God on the shrimp boat in the storm is potent and REAL. The great men and women of the bible experienced intense struggles with God: Most of the book of Job shows Job arguing with the Almighty and wanting to put Him on trial for crimes against humanity (!!); When God finally answers him Job falls to his face in humility and reverence. Jacob fought with God all night; the next day the Lord changed his name to Israel, which means "struggles with God" (Genesis 32:22-30). Also, remember Jesus' struggle with God and His will in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Another thing we can learn from Lt. Dan is that he was able to recognize a "golden connection" in Forrest. No one makes it alone, no one. They had help. Despite Forrest's lack of academic smarts, Dan recognized his wisdom and greatness; it attracted him and he respected it. Because of his link to Gump he became hugely successful. Remember: "One day of favor is worth a lifetime of labor."

Late in the film you'll see Lt. Dan and his Asian fiance at Gump's wedding. Note how Dan LOOKS at Forrest when they greet each other. Dan shows the utmost love and respect for Gump and is in utter awe of his simple-minded greatness. (This is great acting on Sinise's part).

"Forrest Gump" is a film gem to be RELISHED on many levels. Not only will you be incredibly entertained, you may learn a thing or two.