Imagine revisiting highlights of American history through a fresh set of uncritical eyes, spanning three-plus decades ending in the early 1980s. Matter-of-factly, this is the view provided by title character Forrest Gump, born with physical disability, IQ 75. [1]
“You’re the same as everybody else. You’re no different,” his mother said to him. Taking that to heart, he went forth in his life accordingly.
The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks that speak as much to life philosophy and what it means to relate to others unconditionally. Although compared to Rain Man and I Am Sam, it feels more kindred to the somewhat earlier Being There. [2-8]
This year marks the twenty-five year anniversary of =Forrest Gump — which topped domestic box office receipts in 1994. To celebrate that, Fathom Events has arranged for its return to the big screen with four screenings on two separate dates at Emagine Theatres. [9-12]
- June 23 (Sunday), with showings at 3:00pm and 7:00pm
- June 25 (Tuesday), with showings at 3:00pm and 7:00pm
At the time of its release, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone summarized this film as a “heart-breaker of oddball wit and startling grace,” going on to credit lead Tom Hanks with “not overplaying his hand. [13-14]
He brings a touching gravity to the role of an idiot savant from the South who finds strength in God, country, his childhood pal, Jenny (Robin Wright), and his good mama (Sally Field) …. Her son has a gift. As Forrest makes his pilgrim’s progress from the ’50s to the ’80s, he becomes a college football star, a Vietnam war hero, a shrimp tycoon and even a father. [15,16]
Taking a cue from Zelig, director Robert Zemeckis places Forrest in a vivid historical context — he talks with JFK, LBJ and Nixon, among other luminaries. [17,18]
Tickets for Forrest Gump at Emagine Theatre can be purchased online or at the door. Before making final arrangements for any showing, check their website to confirm show dates and times. [19]
References
- “Forrest Gump (1994)” IMDb.
- “Rain Man (1988)” IMDb.
- “If You Like ‘Forrest Gump’ Here are Five More Movies to Watch” Nat Berman (2018) TV Over Mind.
- “I Am Sam (2001)” IMDb.
- “13 Movies You Must Watch if You Love ‘Forrest Gump’” Clarisse Tenreiro (January 18, 2018) The Cinemaholic.
- “Being There (1979)” IMDb.
- “Being There” Roger Ebert (May 25, 1997) Chicago Sun-Times.
- “Being There – (Original Trailer)” TCM: Turner Classic Movies.
- “1994 Domestic Grosses” (1994) Box Office Mojo.
- “Forrest Gump 25th Anniversary” Fathom Events.
- Fathom Events (home page).
- Emagine Entertainment (show times).
- “Forrest Gump” Peter Travers (July 6, 1994) Rolling Stone.
- “Tom Hanks” IMDb.
- “Robin Wright” IMDb.
- “Sally Field” IMDb.
- “Zelig (1983)” IMDb.
- “Robert Zemeckis” IMDb.
- “Forrest Gump (1994) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers” Movieclips Classic Trailers (March 16, 2018) YouTube.
