Tom Hanks’

an innocent

Forrest Gump

FILM REVIEW

Forrest Gump kxx* (Para- mount) Rated Mature (at the Park, Esplanade, Vancouver Centre, Station Square, Scott 72, Richport, Eagle Ridge, Guildford and Willowbrook Cinemas)

tarting with the feather

that floats down magi-

cally at the beginning of the film, Forrest Gump effortlessly combines whim- sy and tragedy, somehow finding hope during the most painful time in America’s history.

The cornerstone of the film is Tom Hanks as the simple-minded Forrest Gump — a sort of inno- cent savant whose limited IQ of 75 poses no problem to succeed- ing. While he relates his life story to fellow bus-stop bench sitters, it’s clear he doesn’t understand all the the of the post-WWII years. But that doesn’t stop him from figuring in a number of recent critical events. He impresses presidents, fights bravely in battle and beats the Chinese at their own game — ping-pong.

“My momma always said that life's like a box of chocolates —

you never know what you're gain’ to get,” he drawls.

The warmth comes not only from the hontilies Gump learned from his devoted mother (Sally Field) but also from the charac- ters he meets and alters. Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise} wants to check out like his ancestors did, dying in battle, until Forrest inadvertently sends him down another path. His promise to fulfil! a buddy’s dream rockets him into the Fortune 500. And for several decades, all Forrest really wants is to marry Jenny (Robin Wright), his childhood sweetheart, but she has too many ghosts chasing her.

Based on Winston Groom's novel, this is one sweet movie. | don’t mean sticky sweet but the kind that’s gentle, moving and

- funny. Director Robert Zerneckis

has directed a complex film, weaving a fictional character into real events and actual news reels — huge in scope, but rooted in simple values. The results are astounding, if difficult to describe without blowing the surprises.

| can say that there is a great soundtrack of instant memories from the fifties, sixties and seven- ties. It sounds unbearably nostal- gic, but they did write better songs then: CCR, Jimi Hendrix and a few others that aren’t in perpetual! replay on golden oldies radio.

Charly *%&* (Fox Video)

Cliff Robertson won an Oscar as the surgically created genius with a former IQ of 68.

Adapted from Daniel Keyes’ novel Flowers for Algernon (everyone remember that from

CRITICS"

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combines whimsy and tragedy

6@ Based on Winston Groom's novel, this is one sweet movie. I don't mean Sticky sweet but

the kind that’s gentle, moving and funny. 99

Grade 102), the film works best in the early scenes, concentrating on Charly’s frustration at being beaten in simple tests by a mouse that received the same treatment just before he did.

More forced is his love affair with his therapist (Claire Bloom) as he rapidly peaks the IQ chart and his rants for social change get wearisome. Fortunately, a bit- tersweet finale that erases the soapbox dramatics gives the film its human dimension.

SHOWTIME HOTLINE Famous Players 681-4255 Cineplex Odeon 687-1515 Park Royal 926-6699

dnesday, July 20, 1994 - Nort

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