Forrest Gump

REVIEW
With the nugget of folk wisdom "Life is like a box of chocolates," Hanks launches into the epic telling of the life of Forrest Gump, a small-town simpleton who finds himself at the center of just about every significant cultural event in the latter half of the 20th century. It's a fine premise, and it leads to a host of entertaining moments. But it's all so shallow one wonders if it isn't merely the ideal contrivance to lure baby boomers to the box office -- which it did in droves. Hanks' Gump is more than just an "enlightened idiot" of the Chauncy Gardner variety; he's a pure-of-heart all-American boy who never questions authority and prospers as a result. And therein lies its fundamental message, which seems to offer absolution to boomers in a sweeping apology for the bad old days of the 1960s. In support, Sinise stands out as Gump's sergeant. Forget the Gump-isms and their residue, for though you may hate some of the contents you may appreciate the packaging.

FAVORITE LINE
"That's all I have to say about that." – Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump