Forrest is always physically running. Jenny is always mentally running.

Forrest: Is he smart....? My heart: *broken*

The part where Jenny climbs on that ledge with freebird playing is just so powerful. I can't explain it.

Tom Hanks did an interview with Good Morning America, and they pointed out that there was Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant across the street. And he told them that yeah, he had seen that, but what was even funnier was that the building used to be his bank while he was struggling young actor in New York. And he'd have to argue with them about cashing his unemployment checks all the time. Hanks said he wished he could go back in time during one those arguments and tell them "This building will one day be a restaurant based on a character I play in a movie I would win an Oscar for."

I think Robin Wright didn't get near enough credit for playing Jenny. I thought she was great in this film.

I never really realized it until now as an adult that Jenny's instinct to tell Forest to run was because of what was happening to her at home making her always want to runaway from danger. She's always running away and he's always running towards something almost with a childlike curiosity that she had lost so they can never actually be together.

"Throw some rocks, why arent you helping me" LMAO you hade me howling dude

The most important line in this movie is the one that you cannot hear. When the mic is off at the Lincoln memorial Forest says “Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing.”

"Sometime there just aren't enough rocks" hits so hard along with every other line. Most quotable movie ever. And the "is.. he.. smart?" line...

This movie has become an iconic part of our culture. Imagine back in the day when the movie first came out with no social media, memes, or even an inclining of what the movie was about. And you leave the theater almost as if you just had an existential experience from a glimpse of fate and destiny's hand in a life. The movie doesn't age, doesn't get old, doesn't lose any of the qualities of what made it great.

"Is he smart?, or is he like...." cry every time. The first and only time Forrest acknowledges he's 'different'.

Thank you so much for seeing Jenny through a lens of empathy rather than judgement... So many people hate her, but she was literally living with horrendous PTSD. Deep down, she thought she deserved to be treated horribly because the one man who should have protected her was her abuser. When she tells Forrest that he doesn't know what love is, she's really saying that SHE doesn't know what love is... It's so tragic and I appreciate that you were understanding. You're a good person, James.

Always good to see a reactor actually understand Jenny.

Forrest Gump blocked Pulp Fiction, Shawshank Redemption, and even Quiz Show from so many awards. This was an epic year for movies.

9:38 "you guys know how much I love running in films.." Oh boy do I have something to tell you about Forest Gump 😂🤣

I love the fact that Forest is the only character in the movie that doesn’t change or transform. Everyone around him grows and he is the same guy all the way through the story.

One of my favorite aspects of the film is Robert Zemeckis subtle criticisms of "Project 100,000" without taking the viewer out of the scenes. During the Vietnam War, the Department of Defense lowered standards so people who weren't mentally or physically fit were able to fight. It was sold to the public as allowing the poor and underachieving to gain skills, education, etc. but in reality, it was a way to get cannon fodder so the US didn't have to change deferment rules for the middle class and elites in society. Soldiers recruited for "Project 100,000" had a death rate at least three times higher than the average soldier along with untold Vietnamese civilians who died because of soldiers in the field who were mentally unfit to be there. On the long list of f'd up things the DoD has done, "Project 100,000" is one of the worst.

If there was one good thing that came out of this movie that affected the real world, it's this movie moved Gary Sinise to become an advocate for grievously injured veterans, and just veterans in general. He's actually trying to do good in this world.

I like how the director told Hanks he wanted to get an early start on teaching the child Forrest to talk how Hanks planned on having Forrest talk and instead Tom said maybe i should talk like he does because he certainly has a unique way of speaking so they taped a bunch of conversations with the kid and Tom learned HIS accent instead and i think it worked out perfect

“He seems like he’s about to teach him about dodgeball”. I laughed way too long at that.

You are too young to know a time when people weren't jogging all over the place. Essentially the movie has Forrest starting the whole jogging craze along with everything else he did.

Glad to see you finally getting to this one :) Really awesome tidbit about this movie: Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan) was so impacted by his role in this and the injured veterans who praised him for how he portrayed them that it fundamentally changed his life and is the core driver to why he created the Gary Sinise Foundation (a foundation dedicated to helping Veterans & First Responders).

I could've sworn you already watched this. Well, glad you did just now.

This movie has one of the best soundtracks in history. I was a teenager when this came out and my parents (who grew up in the 70’s) gave me my first guitar along with this songbook. 🎶❤️

This film and Pulp Fiction were both nominated for best picture, 1994, what a year.

Jenny was a victim and although she loved Forest she didn’t trust herself enough to love him properly.

Gary Senise (Lt Dan) was permanently changed by filming this movie. The Lt Dan band does multiple charity concerts every year for veterans and appear at USO shows overseas.

When Forrest Gump was about to be released in the theaters, I remember seeing a billboard showing Tom Hanks as Gump sitting on the park bench and the billboard said “Gump Happens” with the release date. I knew nothing about the film, but that billboard made me want to go see it. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) and I were backpacking across Canada around this time and decided to go check out the film on opening night in Montreal. I had no idea what to expect. I was completely blown away. I remember once the Viet Nam scenes started, I knew this film was going to continue to surprise me and that it was something special. The themes of the film really struck me. There’s a zen quality to it. Forrest is the perfect vessel for living in the now. Experiencing life, moment to moment, through Forrest’s eyes with curiosity as his catalyst and the love for family and friends as his guide is a great lesson on a different way to live, perhaps a better way to live.

My mom looked exactly like Sally Field when we were kids and were convinced she had a secret movie career, I sincerely cried when she died. And that's all I have to say about that...Tom Hanks is absolutely brilliant, even when playing a local idiot. When LT. Dan comes with his magic legs made from the same as the space shuttle...the next year they were in Apollo 13th together! One of the most clever, hilarious, heartfelt films ever. I love you watching this as a filmmaker. It's brilliant

Making this movie change get Sinise's life. After making this he developed a strong respect and appreciation for those who serve in the military. He and his band visit US troops all over the world and donates tons of money to help veterans, especially those who were wounded

You know what I noticed watching this again is that Jenny and Forest's mom never had a scene together. Which is wild because they were the two most important people in his life.

Bubba, momma, and jenny's death scenes all hit so hard

Gary Sinise still does a lot of stuff for veterans. My older brother is Navy Military Police. When my brother was stationed in Maryland at Bethesda, he would frequently work security at the gates, scanning identification and stuff. One day, 4 blacked out SUV’s rolled through the gates. My brother asked a driver who else was in the vehicle, and Lt. Dan himself rolled down the back window and nodded at him. My brother simply said (in a Forrest Gump voice, no less), “Sorry, Lt. Dan. You’re good to go.” They had a laugh, and my brother got to shake hands with him later on that day lol.

Whenever Jenny got in trouble, she did what she always told Forrest to do.....run.

This movie is special, to put it lightly. It’s actually iconic. I know people use that word constantly, but this movie truly is.

Classic for a reason.

The older I get the more I think this is the best film ever made. Is he smart or... kills me every time.

This whole movie is a giant ''memberberry' for Boomers. They capture such a vast picture of American culture through the 60s and 70s.

Dropped EVERYTHING to watch this immediately. Already know I'll cry at "i wanna go home..."

"He seems like he's about to teach him about dodgeball." lmao Rip Torn is smiling from the beyond.

According to Tom Hanks he said, "Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing. ✌️

What a classic movie, this film really encapsulates the ups and downs of life through a series of tall tales well.

I think my brother said it best about this movie. Its one of those movies everyone needs to see once.

James, it is interesting to hear that you love it when the characters run in movies because Tom Hanks is known for being a terrible runner. His brother did all of the running scenes in this movie. I am also glad that you picked up on the issues that Jenny has as a result of her abuse, her mind is full of traumatic relationships and will be for most of her life.

"Bro is this a comedy?!" Forrest Gump is hilarious and is near the end of Tom's evolution from young & funny to mature & dramatic. He delivers the humor with a combination of great physicality and innocently delivered narration jokes, and still crushes every heavy emotional beat. If you've never seen some of Tom's early stuff - Bachelor Party (great 80s soundtrack), Joe Vs The Volcano (Tom's first with Meg Ryan), and The Burbs (horror comedy) are all fantastic young Tom.

Finally, you’re watching my favorite movie

The music in this is really good as well, as it plays the hits of each year that the film passes through.

No way first time? This movie is super iconic. The end = tears 100%.

Only Forrest Gump can accidentally start a cult and have it be so pure lmao

Jenny is running away from life Lt. Dan is fighting life Forrest is going wherever life brings him, like the feather at the beginning and end of the movie

There's a Netflix documentary about the making of the movie. All the behind the scenes stuff... it's a really entertaining watch!

bro whaaaaaa just now?! haha glad you finally did!! it's so good

Finally someone understanding Jenny’s character. James and his media literacy ftw

When that guy slaps Jenny at that party and Forest charges him I always here the "shin nin nin nin" from the 6 million dollar man.

I was eating shrimp while I watched you watch this, and that's a new experience. Never thought to eat shrimp while watching this movie, and I have no idea why I never did that before. It was nice.

“He seems like he’s gonna teach him about dodgeball” 😂 that had me dying!

This was the first film to use CGI special effects while staying grounded in a reality setting. For the different skies, the adjusting and including Forest into historic media footage, and Lt. Dan’s missing legs.

Forrest Gump is high key probably the best super hero movie ever.

I like the VCR lines on the screen in the intro.

It's perfect, man. And it get's more perfect the older you get. I am in the when I was young I could not really appreciate a lot of the moments in it. And of course that means this movie is actually timeless because you age with it. Speaking before the incredible production and performances. I've been to a Bubba Gump that has the bench outside the dining room with his items on it. Laughlin I think. It's a trip.

"He seems like he's about to teach him about dodgeball" Omg, dude... 🤣

You know, because of watching this reaction, I feel like the feather is Forrest being touched by an angel.

"Momma always sa-id, life was like a box a chocolates, ya never know whatcha gonna get." "He kept telling us, get down, shutup, so we did." "Thought I'd come try out my sea legs." "But you ain't got no legs Lt. Dan." "Yes, I know that." I could quote this movie all day, so good! Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise really knocked it out of the park imo. Edit- Did you know the voice of Forrest Gump was largely due to how the child actor for Forrest talked? The kid was supposed to try and imitate Tom Hanks accent, but Hanks thought it would be easier for him to copy the kid, who was also from the same area Gump was so it turned out perfectly. Edit 2- There are many combat veterans that say that scene in the jungle is the most accurate representation of an ambush on film.

What?, man James I coulda swore you saw this! 😀

The instant battle transition was a starkly brutal contrast to the scene setting and Forrest's narration.

I feel like watching movie clips is so immensely different from watching the whole film! Like so often the clips make the movie seem like some lighthearted comedy when really the movie is extremely deep with heartbreaking, broken nuanced characters! I always end up crying watching this movie and I’m shocked every time because I think it’s just cute and fun and it bitch slaps my emotions every single time 😂

Great reaction! Thank you for sharing, I appreciate your perspective & reflections! Keep 'em coming! 🙏 🤟

My father RIP said the most interesting thing about this movie. He lived through all these events. He said Forrest represents everything good about his generation and their wishes and dreams. Jenny was their reality.

I never believed that Forest Gump was stupid in any way. A little slow on picking up on things at times, but by and large, he showed pretty consistent levels of normal intelligence. And there are a ton of things he did throughout life that you just would not be capable of doing if you were really stupid: playing a highly competitive sport at a high level, being in the military and surviving the vietnam war, operating a successful shrimp boating business, etc. Also, its funny that Jenny always tells him to run because he never backs down from a confrontation in the movie unless Jenny tells him to run. He even starts a fight in the middle of the BP party. And his first reaction after receiving contact from the enemy is to get down and return fire, and i genuinely believe that if she hadn’t have told him to run when the boys were throwing rocks at him, he would’ve stood there and tried to fight em all lol. So not only is he not dumb, but he’s also never balls down from anything. I love this movie.

Props to you man you are the first and only reactor that not only didn’t hate on poor Jenny hut you understood why Jenny behaved the way she did. Good on you!!

My favourite film! Thank you for this amazing reaction and making my Sunday morning here in Scotland bro ❤

Superb reaction! Appreciate your human perspective & your film expertise! Thank you. 😊

Really enjoyed watching my favorite movie with you. Thanks for the reaction

Thanks James, I'm not really into the TV shows very much, but this is a hell of a banger to drop on Saturday night. I can't wait for your insightful and joyful reaction

Top 5 FAVORITE RIGHT HERE! LOVE YOUR CHANNEL MAN! KEEP IT UP AND GOD BLESS

It took me so long - and so many watches to truly soak in the theme of "running" - the widest spread meme from this movie obviously being "run Forest, run" - but there are two different threads of running here with Forest running forward (and fast) toward his life, and Jenny continually running away from hers - running toward "destiny" and/or running in place until fate overtakes you. I love this movie more each time I see it. Thanks for the reaction...

“Is he smart or is he…” That line breaks me up every time no matter how many times I watch this movie. Because you realize at that point that Forrest knows he isn’t “normal”. Up until that point you just think he’s floating along through his life but he was always somewhat aware that he was different. Such an impactful moment.

This is my fav movie EVER and prolly aways will be. Its legit perfection imo. There are so many great lines, great shots, amazing acting, life lessons, different feelings and leaves allot to discuss about .

In a way, the movie is about the character arc of the world around him, not Forest. As a main character, Forest has no character arc, in that the story doesn't revolve around his character growth - he's pretty much the same person at the start that he is at the end, with things happening all around him that he observes. The only change to his character that I can think of is that when he gains that ability to run, he does it all the time, but that's more of a change in circumstances than character growth. The story has no real antagonist. Forest is a simple man with simple goals and needs that remain constant: he wants to be honest and love his friends and family.

You have no idea how excited I am that Robin Wright and Tom Hanks are going to reunite for Here, also directed by Zemeckis.

So happy you reacting to this Masterpiece!!

LOVED this reaction! ❤️

I had assumed you've already seen this. It's crazy to dive into this classic after 3+ years of reacting. I'm happy for it though. Thanks man

Fun Fact: When the Director heard how the child actor playing young Forest talked, he wanted to send the kid to a speech therapist. Tom Hanks said why don't I just talk like he does!

18:40 - Nice deep cut on that Dodgeball joke James! Loved that movie, R.I.P. Rip Torn.

This is going to be good! I hadn't seen it in many years, but just last week got to share it with the kiddo. It definitely brought back a lot... Also, it made for a great learning opportunity for the kiddo. He was complaining about going to an art camp, afraid he wasn't going to make any friends. I said, perhaps you will meet "a Bubba".

I’m so excited for the new Tom Hanks/Robyn Wright movie coming out later this year, directed by Robert zemekis as well!!!

Last thing I expected, I'm here for it though.

Not me watching Forest Gump after watching your reaction. I hadn’t seen it in years and now I'm crying - thanks for that! 😆

If I had to choose the quintessential “American” film, it’s this one. Not just because of the slew of historical and cultural references, but because of the themes of perseverance and self-determination that drive the plot.

The second time I gave you a thumbs up even before I saw your reaction. (First one was Robocop ´87. I KNOW it will become somesting extra. Really loved your input on this, camera movement, colors, your insightfulness of scenes and dialogue. Bravo! 🙏 An extra shoutout to Paul Thomas Anderson. 👍

The joke about the box of chocolates line is that as he says it, he's holding the box top up that shows what each flavor of chocolate is.

I never thought about the feather floating on the breeze representing Forest Gump moving through his life.

I lived in Savannah when the filmed this and every time I see it, it always takes me back to that time in my life.

Forrest Gump is actually Stan Lee, having cameos throughout history ^.~

I love the concept of a guy unintentionally being places in history without even trying. But seriously, this movie is the goat

Glad you finally got to see this masterpiece!

lol I love that most people’s response to Forest mooning the President is some version of ‘Ooooo NO’ LOL

Classic ❤❤

The “Industrial Light and Magic Documentary: Creating the Impossible” covers so many iconic movies behind the scenes development. It is the evolution of modern film making.👍🏾