869. Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump
1994
Directed by Robert Zemeckis

This is one of those films that literally everyone is expected to adore.  Consequently, I have now seen it quite a few times.  I really hope I never have to watch it again, but I have a feeling that's an impossible dream.

Forrest is a slow-witted but kind Southern man,  who witnesses, and sometimes participates, the most significant events of the second half of the 20th century.  Through all his successes and misadventures, he remains thoroughly devoted to his childhood crush Jenny.  Jenny, however, is following her own path (i.e. free love and anti war movements).

So why do most people love this movie?  I suppose Forrest is lovable in a Prince Myshkin-esque way and there is no denying that Tom Hanks is a talented actor.  I still feel like Forrest is a politician's fantasy about what the typical American should have been during the 60s and 70s: loyal, naive, and kind of stupid.  Ultimately, these traits lead Forrest to triumph, garnering fame and fortune.  Meanwhile, Jenny, who chose a more offbeat track...well, no spoilers.  Suffice to say she doesn't do as well.  The whole thing felt like a misguided, patriotic parable.   Maybe I am reading into it too much, but the entire film just rubbed me the wrong way.

In any case, I also think it is too long and just plain cheesy at times.  I mean, the white feather?  Let's take it down a notch.  This isn't American Beauty.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Bill Murray, John Travolta, and Chevy Chase all turned down the role of Forrest.

The Vietnam scenes were shot in South Carolina.

792. Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Who Framed Roger Rabbit
1988
Directed by Robert Zemeckis

This a film that you have to appreciate, even if you didn't enjoy it.  It's a technological masterpiece and still holds up today, which I really wasn't expecting.  People might be turned off because it seems like a kids movie, but it is still worth a watch.  At the very least, you will walk away with confused sexual feelings for Jessica Rabbit.

In this film's universe, cartoon characters are real and live in the animated toon district of Hollywood.  Let's not pull any threads here and just not ask anymore questions (so the animators are basically gods?). Private detective Eddie Valiant has a deep seated hate for cartoon characters, as one killed his brother.  Eddie reluctantly gets pulled into a case involving Roger Rabbit, his ridiculously voluptuous wife, and the sinister Judge Doom.

I was hesitant going into this one, as I thought the filmmakers would be so impressed with themselves for meshing live action and animation that there wouldn't be much substance besides cool effects.  This actually managed to be really entertaining, with many in jokes about the industry and film noir.  I just read a fan theory online that this movie is an allegory for racial segregation, which does make a lot of sense.

Finally, I don't want to scare anyone but I discovered there is a ton of Who Framed Roger Rabbit fan fiction.  I don't think I can ever forget what I found there. Please save yourselves.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Most expensive film produced in the 1980s.

Bob Hoskins studied how his three old daughter played with her imaginary friends in order to get the feel of acting with cartoon characters.

727. Back to the Future

Back to the Future
1985
Directed by Robert Zemeckis

There is no denying that is a fun and entertaining film but I don't understand why people have become so obsessed with it.  Although I guess people say the same thing about the hype surrounding Star Wars movies.  I just ignore them and go back to sketching the Death Star.

Teenager Marty McFly is friends with Dr. Emmett Brown, who has recently built a time machine, using plutonium stolen from Libyan terrorists.  Naturally, the Libyans come after Brown and kill him.  Marty is able to escape at the last minute to 1955.  Upon arriving he inadvertently alters events, making it unlikely that his parents will meet and fall in love thereby conceiving him.  Marty must find the younger Brown to warn him about the future and make sure that his parents end up together.  And, of course, figure out how to go back to the future.  I don't know why people have such a problem with that title.  It makes sense to me.

There are obviously a ton of plot holes, but that is to be expected with a time travel story.  It's certainly a fun piece of escapism and its iconic nature means it deserves a spot on this List.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Eric Stoltz was originally set to play Marty.  He insisted on everybody calling him Marty on set and flirted with Lea Thompson in between takes.