FORREST GUMP (1994) // FIRST TIME WATCHING // Reaction & Commentary // IS this the best movie ever?

[@ShanelleRiccio]

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[@robertboender5816]

Wish they would go back making films like this. The Green Mile and The Shawshank redemption are also great movies.

[@goneetfierdeletre4032]

Hi from Lyon - France Shanelle ^^ i dont know if that the same in your country but In France we have an expression to say that nothing is ever finished, we say "Never two........without three". Did you say that you only cried twice on this channel? I have your third ( never two without three lol ) #THEGREENLINE with another great Tom Hanks

[@NATIVESUNSETS65]

Shanelle Riccio Your reactions to the films are great but your commentaries are even better . This really sets you apart and above the other reaction Channels . If you haven't already see it , I would love to see and hear your reactions and commentary about the Ridley Scott Movie " The Kingdom of Heaven " The Directors cut .

[@douglascampbell9809]

I'm so hoping that you will do a reaction to Dune (2021).

[@tropictom5996]

I was just joking about a VPN sponsor when I commented on your Fifth Element video. Now look at you lol. You go girl :).

[@hulkslayer626]

"Is he smart? Or is he... is he.. like me?" Will never NOT make me cry.

[@JohnCollins-mm5dq]

I'm a 40 year old man and that gets me EVERY TIME.. geeze lol

[@ErdTirdMans]

The whole weight of the movie comes down at once. All the times you thought "Maybe he doesn't fully understand the terribleness of that or this" comes crashing down. He understood. He fully understood how people view him. And for God's sake he doesn't want his son having to endure that

[@3Rayfire]

It's the first time in the whole movie that Forrest himself acknowledges that there's anything wrong with him, and it hits harder because it's at the end where we have seen Forrest Gump have a life a hundred times more amazing, remarkable, and successful then people three times his intelligence, where we've seen him positively affect almost everyone in his wake, but Forrest still feels like that little boy who can't walk, and doesn't understand things other people find easy.

[@fubar1217]

It's just crazy that EVERY time I watch this movie there's someone cutting onions right next to me!

[@porflepopnecker4376]

The thing is, it probably isn't even his kid. Jenny probably got knocked up by one of her sorry one-night-stand boyfriends, and when she found out she had AIDS she figured the best thing to do for her son was tell sweet, gullible Forrest that he was the father and thus guarantee her son would be brought up with lots of love and money.

[@BillTheScribe]

"I guess sometimes there just aren't enough rocks," is one of the most relatable lines in a movie ever, and it gets overlooked by nearly everyone.

[@binghamguevara6814]

what does this line mean to you?

[@BillTheScribe]

@@binghamguevara6814 if the house is a problem or situation, the rocks represent possible solutions to that problem or situation. "Not enough rocks" represents the feeling of being so overwhelmed that no more solutions are possible. What other options do you have?

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

It's one of the simple lines that Hanks manages to fill with so much emotion.

[@Nro52]

I agree. One of my favorites in movie history...

[@dogman6687]

Thats “I gotta pee” for me

[@Kestrel1971]

I have always thought that moment Forrest asks, "Is he smart or...", is one of the finest pieces of acting ever put on film.

[@Daniel-Strain]

YES. That and the scene at Jenny's grave. Absolutely the best acting I've ever seen.

[@TheTallHattedOne]

What I find most heartbreaking is that his army drill sergeant treated him with more respect than just about anyone else in the movie.

[@SmokeDogg11]

"Forrest Gump is like a feather in the wind" --Shanelle, nailing the symbolism of the movie

[@davidanthony1477]

Or he is like a whipped simp in family court who has been tricked and baby trapped. - Coach Greg Adams, nailing the reality of Paternity Fraud.

[@godmagnus]

He's like a candle in the wind who can paint with all the colors of the wind. And Windy has stormy eyes that flash at the sound of lies, and Windy has wings to fly above the clouds .

[@davidanthony1477]

@@godmagnus and men who think like that, while entering family court, prepare themselves to be raked across the coals.

[@chetstevens4583]

This film changed Gary Sinese's life. He took to the cause of raising funds for wounded veterans and his Lt Dan Band plays multiple concerts for charity and USO shows. Truly a great American. Nominated for this role and to this day I am split over if he should have beaten Martin Landau for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood.

[@peppyd]

Samuel L. Jackson was nominated for Pulp Fiction that year as well, so the Best Supporting Actor category was stacked with great performances. It must have been a tough call for the voters

[@marketsquareus]

Sinese is just a great human being

[@StinkyGreenBud]

@@peppyd Yup, I'm from Beaufort, SC where the shrimp boat/Vietnam parts were filmed. He still comes to town every few years and plays for us. After, he hangs with locals at the waterfront bars. Dude is great.

[@NostalgiNorden]

Sam Jackson should have won.

[@st0n3p0ny]

@@NostalgiNorden No, you GD cretin... Morgan Freeman should have won. Shawshank. Obviously.

[@bobroma]

In NO WAY is this movie overrated!! It is one of the best examples of a perfect movie. And a truly awesome soundtrack as well!

[@FreeTheGingers]

I certainly feel everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, I strongly disagree. While it is a good movie, it isn't even the best film of that year, imo. That honor goes to The Shawshank Redemption...a film that I feel if far closer to perfect than Forrest Gump.

[@kevinramsey417]

You're fully entitled to be wrong. Well-made pap is still pap.

[@stt5v2002]

I used to think that. The more I thought and read about it, the higher regard I had. As a character drama, which is the first way I saw it, i thought it was a bit over rated. Now I see it as a social commentary and I give it a 10/10.

[@calm713]

@@FreeTheGingers Shawshank Redemption is easily one of the most over-rated movies in history, it's NOTHING compared to the epic story that is Forrest Gump.

[@jongordon7914]

@@FreeTheGingers I agree with you about Forrest Gump, it's a really good movie, but a bit overrated. Shawshank Redemption however, is really overrated. It's another really good movie but no way should it be the #1 ranked movie on IMDB.

[@drayman101]

Of all the sad parts of this movie, watching Tom Hanks tear up when he asks about his son "Is he smart, or is he [like me] ... ?", is one of the most well acted moments in any of his movies in my opinion, cause you can tell Forrest has never really let his intelligence hold him back in his own life, but he doesn't want his son to have to deal with it; it's heartbreaking.

[@jamesroseii]

“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 what Forrest had to say about the war in Vietnam.

[@peterramsay4674]

I relate so much to Jenny in this movie. And just a word to those who dump on Jenny so much. This is exactly how this unfolded in my case. After my experience I ran away from home 3 times, got caught up in drugs and alcohol, just to drown out those terrible images and nightmares from my head. Broken relationships and a complete inability to get too close to anyone. This went on for decades. When I reached my 40’s and 50’s I finally started to come to terms with all my inner struggles. Still, to this day, I have periodic nightmares. So maybe cut her character some slack as she had her own journey to go through. Was it fair to Forest. No, but you see she said “ you don’t want to marry me.” When you don’t love yourself, it’s impossible to truly give yourself to someone else. She many times an abuse victim repeats this trauma over and over again in their own relationships. It is so difficult to break the chain. Sorry this was so long. It’s personal

[@ShanelleRiccio]

IM so happy you commented! Anyone who hates on Jenny doesn't understand this trauma response and it's honestly upsetting! She is so broken and doesn't love herself so she runs. I just love her, and she's not doing anything to deliberately hurt Forrest, she needs to learn to love herself and in this movie she does. It's breathtaking and I'm very happy you relate to her (though not happy you've suffered) Wishing you well :)

[@youtubinit]

I used to hate Jenny at first but on repeated viewings I began to not only feel sympathy but understand Jenny. Like Forrest she never really got a fair shot in life but luckily found peace in the end.

[@cctomcat321]

I sympathize with Jenny... I even empathize and understand Jenny. That still doesn't remove or excuse the fact she was a bad person in terms of what we saw depicted. Just because there is a Jenny, it doesn't mean people like Forrest deserve the blowback. As someone who's had to deal with personal stuff, still do, I also realize it is not an excuse to hurt others. That even if you have trauma, you're still responsible for doing your best to not let that spread to others through you. People hate on Jenny because she kept Forrest at arms length, but still close enough, randomly showed up, left without saying a word after their moment, and then kept his kid from him for at least 6-7 years? Until she _needs_ him again. Reverse the roles and it wouldn't even be contested. In a way, sure. It's kinda romantic. But it's also tragic. Her doing what she did is enough to throw any "normal abled" person into a spiral. Especially, when it's "the one".... Even in the movie he straight up runs across the country, coast to coast. A running bender, if you will. All because Jenny couldn't afford him a single word without dipping. "What did I do? Everything was perfect until I asked her to marry me... I shouldn't have done x... Or maybe it was y... Or did I do it wrong?" Etc, etc. It's like being caught in the wake while in a small boat. If you steer into it and the other person is conscientious enough to slow down in time, it just gets a little bumpy. No big. But just tearing through with no warning or regard? You tip the boat just sitting there over. A, "shouldn't have been in the way, I guess...", look on things. That isn't to take away identifying with Jenny's side of things, but just to say that hurt people... hurt people. So it's on some of us, more than others, to make sure we do as best we can not to pass that along. It _will_ happen, but we still have to try and keep things... "normal" in proportion. People are always going to get hurt, but we can still affect the damage we do. And if we go too far, we're just as responsible as anyone else.

[@marleinasmom]

​@Random Username For the majority of Little Forrest's life, Big Forrest was running across America. He was only 4 or 5 when he met his dad... 6 and 7 year olds don't watch much Bert and Ernie.

[@GaryRPeters]

I've known so many "Jennys" and have fallen in love with one or two. Being on the receiving end of things going so beautifully and then being ghosted when you get too close can hurt, absolutely. But trying to see their side, while it doesn't excuse bad behavior, helps you to see the person and not just label them as bad or cold-hearted. In fact, if you take the time to hear them out if they're willing to talk about it, or just observe how they really are with you, despite disappearing from time to time, you might notice how much they really do care for you, they just can't care for themselves, or think they don't deserve you, or that they're even trying to protect you. They love you so much, but their brains keep telling them to run. At least that's often been my observation, and I've even received confirmation in some cases. And in the end it's impossible to be mad when you see how heartbreaking their situation is. And the fact that I've experienced this more than once just tells me how many girls deal with this trauma, and I hate that so much.

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

My favorite bit of trivia: Tom Hanks was originally to play the role with his regular accent. After hearing the actor playing young Forrest speak, he studied him for hours and recorded their conversations so he could base his accent off the young actor.

[@windsorkid7069]

True story.

[@johnb2422]

@@windsorkid7069 Toy Story

[@10LinesTechnician]

Looked for this comment before I made one, amazing story to hear straight from Tom.

[@timmeyers6141]

Here is Tom Hanks telling the story kzbin.info/www/bejne/h56weYNsf92IatU

[@paulroland5053]

Yea I read that somewhere as well. Hanks attitude was, apparently, that it made far more sense for him, a renowned actor, to change his speech to fit the kid than to have the kid change his speech to sound like Hanks.

[@rickmoskal2458]

The “Is he smart” scene gets me every time…I think it’s the first (and maybe only) time in the movie where he acknowledges that he’s not as smart as a normal person 😢

[@justintime8]

Yup. Every single time.

[@blacktronlego]

Earlier he says 'I''m not a smart man, but I know what love is'.

[@TranzparentMethods]

"...Or is he... like me?" EVERY SINGLE TIME, goosebumps and tears.

[@rickmoskal2458]

@@blacktronlego this is true, I stand corrected!

[@jmhaces]

@@rickmoskal2458 I do think the "I'm not a smart man but I know what love is" line still doesn't reflect how aware Forrest really is of his situation. I mean, you can be a man who's not smart but still be "normal," so to speak, and he also mentions earlier in the movie that he can empathize with Lt. Dan not liking being called a cripple because he doesn't like being called stupid. But that scene you mention when he asks Jenny about little Forrest really makes it crystal clear that he is keenly aware that he's well below the norm and not just "not smart."

[@ramonalfaro3252]

The day after I saw Forrest Gump I was talking to a customer ( I managed a coffeehouse) about the movie . He served in the Infantry and later as helicopter pilot in Vietnam . This guy was an executive bank officer and not prone to hyperbole. He said the scene were the rain stopped and all hell broke loose was EXACTLY what it was like in Vietnam. Great reaction! You made me cry.

[@BrahmaDBA]

My grandfather served in the Military during our country National Revolution. Indonesia is a SE Asian country and have similar climate to that of Vietnam. He said that the Dutch colonials would walk deep inside the forest not knowing that they are already surrounded. They do not know what lies inside the jungle. The rain was blinding to the Dutch forces and it bogged down their progress, meanwhile the locals sees the rain as salvation as they are less likely to be spotted when planning an ambush.

[@jimmygreer6172]

I'm not even 8 minutes into this and I've already got tears because I know the wild ride Shanelle is in for.

[@quietdemon8138]

As awesome as how Forrest’s story is told the one I didn’t noticed also being told was Lieutenant Dan, he first appears as a gruff and ruthless soldier and after losing his legs is reduced to a ridiculed veteran and someone who felt cheated out of what he considered to be his family’s legacy, it isn’t until he joins the shrimping business with Gump that he finds a new purpose in life and climbs the societal ladder to be the co owner of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Corporation that he is essentially reborn as a new man, and finally with his appearance at Forrest and Jenny’s wedding that he has shaved his beard and cut his hair, he has steel legs allowing him to stand and metaphorically rise like a Phoenix and most importantly to me he overcame his bias and what he was instructed to believe about a specific demographic and he ends up marrying an Asian woman (most likely Vietnamese) which to me is such a cool and detailed story within Forrest’s own story it’s a genius way of developing a ‘side’ character

[@thomasbrown9402]

The actress who played Lt. Dan's fiancee is of Korean heritage.

[@summeronio9751]

@@thomasbrown9402 each but it's 1994 and they just picked someone Asian regardless of actual ethnicity

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

Definitely a movie that gets better with repeat viewing.

[@LlamaLlamaMamaJamaac]

@@summeronio9751 if the people who cast “Black Hawk Down” decided that a bunch of random people of West African heritage could play Somali people…. I’m unfortunately not surprised that THESE casting people think someone of Korean heritage could play a Vietnamese woman 😒

[@scipioafricanus5871]

@@thomasbrown9402 But it in movie is supposed to portray a Vietnamese.

[@RoseTintMyWorld-cr5zo]

It was refreshing to watch a reaction to this where the reactor doesn't hate on Jenny the entire time. She is a complex and troubled character and while it's sad and frustrating that she pushes Forrest away for so long, it has way more to do with her than it does him. At least we get the closure that she really does love him, and they do get married and start to raise a child together before she passes. The scene at her grave destroys me every time.

[@stevemccullagh36]

Some of the misogynistic poison I've seen directed towards the character of Jenny on other channels (in the comments, not generally in the reactions) is quite disgusting.

[@PhilipZeplinDK]

"it has way more to do with her than it does him" doesn't really change anything though. Being hurt doesn't give you a license to hurt others. I think Jenny is a very well done character, and you can certainly sympathize with her, but there's a reason people are generally so negative towards her and it's (for her character) well enough deserved. You can't even really say she redeems herself towards the end. She only contacts and marries Forrest after she becomes terminally ill, having had his child for many years without saying anything at that point.

[@nikkiesweet7939]

@@PhilipZeplinDK Jenny is a very complex character and many people ignore her issues and the fact that she's very clearly on drugs for much of the movie to demean her for simply staying in contact with Forrest. No one's excusing Jennys shitty actions, but ignoring the reasons behind those actions and dismissing her realizations simply because of when she came to them is plain ignorant.

[@Fraktacular]

Let's be real. She loved his success and baby trapped him but got aids from being a thot. Run Forrest Run!!!!

[@nikkiesweet7939]

@@Fraktacular Lets be real. She had Hep C, not aids. She loved him but had a LOT of issues to work through. She never talked down to him or physically abused him because of those problems. She simply distanced herself.

[@KingOrest]

When he asks, "Is he smart, or..." breaks my damn heart every single time!

[@BradSimsCPT]

Amen. EVERY. DAMN. TIME 😭

[@JamesASharp]

Great reaction! Tom Hanks' monologue over Jenny's grave is one of the greatest tearjerking moments in the history of cinema. It got me too.

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

Makes me weep like a baby...

[@davidanthony1477]

The tear jerking moment is how women like Jenny are able to baby trap men like Forrest with paternity fraud.

[@JamesASharp]

@@davidanthony1477 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bamachine]

It was the first time I ever cried when watching a movie for the first time. I was 22 when the movie came out. Of course, since then, I have shed tears during many other movies. The older I get, the more experiences I have had, the more emotional I get during certain types of scenes. Now as someone who has lost friends, one of my brothers and both parents, the Bubba death scene, the Mama death scene, the "is he smart" scene, all have been added to the eye leak category, along with the Jenny's tree scene.

[@SonnyTheCat00]

"Is he smart? Or is he like... me?" Is possibly the most emotional line in movie history.

[@mikewhiskey5455]

Because Shanelle Riccio is so young I thought half the elements in this movie would go unnoticed or not understood. I'm delighted how she picked up all the wonderful details of historical context, music selection, writing and movie making art. I'm feeling better to know there are young people like her out there. 2 cents. This movie is a treasure not to be missed.

[@ericjahoda2997]

I don't know how many times I've seen this movie, Shanelle, maybe 20, but I cried right along with you. Thank you for a great review!

[@AbeWiessman]

Ditto 😥

[@x3mslayer]

“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. That’s all I have to say about that.” - Forest Gump's speech at the peace rally So simple, so strong.

[@laurenjones1660]

I’ve been trying for YEARS to figure out what he said in that scene. Thank you!

[@x3mslayer]

@@laurenjones1660 Me too! Was so curious what he said, and it makes sense.

[@michaeldavidfigures9842]

"You said it all man."

[@LordVolkov]

Lt. Dan's 'magic legs' scene always makes me cry. 😭😭😭 He has the best arc in the film.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

People never mention that his fiance is Asian, most likely Vietnamese.

[@johnplaysgames3120]

@@dr.burtgummerfan439 Yeah, it's a pretty heavy-handed bit of symbolism, if I'm being honest, but I like that it shows he's made his peace with his past. It's a little extra bit of payoff that gives us information without anyone having to drop a bunch of exposition. A lesser filmmaker would've had Lt. Dan pull Forrest aside and tell him that he's made his peace with his time in Vietnam. Instead, we see it in his cleaner look, Susan, and his "magic legs," no exposition-drop needed.

[@robnsusan2000]

One of the messages I took from Hanks performance is how the external things people would admire him for (heroism, running, ping pong, etc) he gives no weight, but the “real” things that matter in life are the heaviest (momma’s and bubba’s deaths, everything Jenny, LT Dan, and his son).

[@ShanelleRiccio]

YES! When he just stops running one day just because it wasn't for him anymore... chills. None of the accolades meant a thing to him

[@danlayne9436]

This plays like a Greek tragedy. All these amazing things happens to him, but all he cares about is Jenny. When he finally gets her, she dies. So sad, but so good.

[@lethaldose2000]

Forrest makes me want to be a better human being to almost everyone I encounter. Forrest, in his SIMPLICITY, represents everything we COULD be if we just make the best of everything life gives us. Obviously, he's so good-natured that he's almost too good to be true.

[@alfredoprime5495]

And he also shows us the value of perseverance and single-minded focus.

[@tarbender1979]

I happily enjoyed crying with you for 48 minutes. Two of my high school buddies and I went to see this movie on opening night when we were like fifteen years old. I'll be honest, this movie changed me. Now looking back as I get older (I am at this time 42) and after suffering the losses that inevitably come with growing older I am pleasantly suprised how much more sense this story means to me now. Thank you for bringing me back. And those two high school buddies... still my best friends.

[@christopheratkins6640]

I have a very similar story with this movie. Only difference is that I’m 41 now instead of 42, and I haven’t seen those two high school buddies of mine in about 15 years. And that’s all I have to say about that.

[@ShanelleRiccio]

Oh totally, this movie has changed me forever as well!! Cant wait to revisit it in the coming years. Thanks for watching with me I’m so happy to take you back 🥲

[@speedhuntr]

It's so important to me to note that despite all of the insane accomplishments Forrest achieved, when faced with the possibility that Little Forrest is developmentally challenged, he gets scared and concerned. It's the only time we see him.....self-aware and....self-conscious. To me it really signifies just how little we can assume of the thoughts of other people. We'd look at Forrest and think he's some demigod who can do no wrong and yet he still has doubts and insecurities. Such a beautiful scene in a perfect movie.

[@mandisanders40]

I was almost offended when i saw that you did this in under an hour. But i was pleasantly surprised at the way you honored this epic film. Great reaction!

[@robertjohnson5796]

I have been spending much of my retirement so far watching Forest Gump Reaction videos. Now, here, finally, your reaction gives the movie the credit it is due.

[@ShanelleRiccio]

YES! Thanks for watching Robert, I cannot believe how good this movie is!!

[@nocrot1]

Two parts in this movie that are my favorite; One is when Forest asks Jenny if little Forest is smart. Which means he is fully aware of himself and who he is. Which is one of the smartest things a person can know. And second, is when Lt Dan asks Forest if he's found Jesus yet. And Forest answers "I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for him." Which shows how pure of heart Forest was. It shown that everything he did in the movie was for the purpose of doing it to no benefit to him.

[@speedhuntr]

Absolutely.....The scene with Little Forrest breaks my heart he's so happy

[@GeneralBuckNaked]

I like more when Lt. Dan tells the chick "Dont you ever call him stupid!".. And kicks the women out his apartment. It shows how much he really appreciates Forrest as a friend who looks out for him.. Hes a dude in a wheelchair who probably doesnt see much action, yet he throws the 😺 away immediately after she disrespected Forrest

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

the book is a little different than the movie. some of the differences between forrest gump the novel and the movie are; in the book forrest is a big scrapping "lil abner" type but blonde headed. but still dimwitted. among his many adventures he goes into space with an orangutan named "sue" who makes another appearence when gump is hired to play tarzan in a movie and sue appears on the set. gump's co-star in this film is raquel welch! gump and sue tear up the set and tear off welch's clothes and she runs down the street naked. never been a fan of movies with monkeys in them. so, for once, the changes actually improved the movie. but i wouldn't entirely object to a raquel welch nude scene.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

@@jaydouglas8845 ... ya, tell me about it. in this case at least, the "forrest gump" producers certainly improved upon the source material. but the book is still worth a read. its silly and fun.

[@Notsosweetstevia]

You nailed it from the beginning. This movie truly is “Magic.”

[@duckducklarry]

I've seen the movie countless times, and seen countless reactions, and I still bawl like a baby when Forrest is talking to Jenny's grave at the end.

[@carlalussini]

The way he puckers his lips is sob inducing

[@DanBailey-cz9fj]

Just saw your screenings of Forrest Gump loved it. Another fun fact when Tom was trying to decide on his accent he was first filming with young Forrest and that's his real speaking accent so Hank's said why don't i talk like him and everyone Loved it also little Forrest actually served in Dessert Storm and received the bronse star.

[@glennmartin1738]

One of the greatest movies ever made. Absolutely timeless

[@numbersandsports4206]

It's so refreshing when someone can really appreciate this movie from the intent to the product put on screen. Seen way too many reactors just react to the funny little moments and not appreciate the movie as a whole. Dope reaction Shanelle.. likeeee always.

[@Jskew]

Great reaction. As a victim of childhood trauma my own personal favorite line in this movie is "Sometimes there just aren't enough rocks". If you know you know. Much love and keep on keepin on J.

[@justhereforkicks8208]

“I don’t know how much more I can take.” I was like “Oh girl just wait..prepare to be emotionally wrecked!” Lol First time I saw this movie I was fine, right up until Forrest breaks down. There’s just something about when Tom Hanks cries, you kind of have to as well. This movie really showed how much talent he has before then he had done mostly comedies, but Forrest Gump totally put him on the map.

[@bamachine]

Yeah, I saw this in the theatre when it came out, I was 22, about to turn 23. I had never cried watching a movie but when Forrest broke down at Jenny's tree/grave, I finally broke my movie tears cherry. Now, as someone with more life experiences, there are many scenes in that movie and many others that start the waterworks.

[@NoCampDad]

I haven't been huge fan, but this wasn't just the best Forest Gump reaction, but the best reaction period. The Forest Gump of reactions. I shed tears with you on this incredible journey and you've won a major fan. Great job. Thank you.

[@frankmcqueen2984]

Ironically Dan told forest if he’s ever a shrimp boat captain he’ll be an astronaut & then he went & got legs made of the same metal that’s on a space shuttle & he also married a Vietnamese woman even tho Vietnam took soo much from him. He made his peace.

[@hbk314]

And played an astronaut the next year in Apollo 13.

[@st0n3p0ny]

"She looks like Princess Buttercup" haha... True. Your comment about Forrest being the feather on the wind was rather insightful too. Something else to consider is Jenny's motive for always telling Forest to run. That's always her solution. Just run.

[@TheAquaponic1]

So yeah, I never get tired of it and I can never make through a reaction with out sympathetically crying. I saw this in the theater, thank goodness I wasn't the only 25 year old dude with issues there at the time, lol. Everyone was crying. Great reaction, I was wondering if you were going to be all professional and not cry. Good to know you are an actual human. Thank you for all the content.

[@audiogarden21]

In my humble opinion, this movie is one of the greatest movies ever made. It tells a story through a completely unbiased lens as Gump himself was unconcerned with political matters or telling others how to live their lives. He merely focused on living his own life to the best of his ability. You have no choice but to love a man that harbored no hate or ill will toward anyone, ever. Doing so only serves to unearth one's own shortcomings and says far more about us than it does about him.

[@kjmorley]

And what it takes to live a successful life: possibly single mindedness and maybe an amazing mama.

[@ZackHamlin1]

Free Bird playing while she contemplates jumping is insane cinema in my opinion.. That solo unleashing what Jenny was feeling in her head, which is extremely hard to pin down

[@paulonius42]

"Is he smart or is he like me?" might just be the single greatest line delivery in the history of film acting. It rips my soul apart even after 27 years and literally hundreds of viewings. Thank you for sharing the heartbreak and magic with us, Shan!

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Hanks delivered so many simple lines that conveyed so much emotion. "Is he smart or...", "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is", "Mama caught the cancer and died on a Tuesday", he even makes "That's all I got to say about that" sound profound.

[@paulonius42]

@@dr.burtgummerfan439 Agreed! It's a phenomenal performance well deserving of the Oscar he won. Fine dialogue that could have sounded banal, but his delivery is so deep and nuanced, every word is beautiful. But I've never seen anyone get past "Is he smart or..." without at least catching their breath. Great film, eh? :)

[@ShanelleRiccio]

@@paulonius42 the greatest! Thanks for watching with me 🥰

[@jrobwoo688]

I wasn’t prepared to cry today, but here we are. This is my favorite movie from my early childhood. I wish that we were all a little more like Forrest.

[@philrob1978]

It's a classic. I won't apologise for it. It's cheesy, incredibly sentimental, and absolutely wonderful. Loved watching this with you this cold and rainy morning in the UK! Zemeckis is one of my favourite American directors, he's never afraid of pushing the boundaries to get the results he wants. Next stop for you, "Contact" (1997). A must watch if you enjoy his work.

[@FretlessMayhem]

15:49 “Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their Mamas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. That's a bad thing. That's all I have to say about that.”

[@natefuller4039]

"I feel personally victimized by Forest Gump" literally made me laugh out loud. Great reaction to a great movie.

[@davidchristie6676]

According to Tom Hanks this was what Forrest said at the Lincoln Monument “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. That’s all I have to say about that.”

[@inarar5334]

Jenny is the one who doesn't know what love is, but it's hard to really blame her (though people love to). She equates love with abuse and abandonment. She feels if she actually let's Forrest "in" he's gonna do what every other man in her life does. Unfortunately the only person that can show her she's wrong is Forrest, who she consistently pushes away the second she starts to let him in.

[@MovieVigilante]

Beautifully said.

[@kjmorley]

I’ve never understood why so many people have so much hate for Jenny, who is obviously scarred and broken from childhood abuse.

[@jimballard1186]

@@kjmorley Because they think a woman's not allowed to have her own shit to deal with if it makes a man sad.

[@hollyodell4012]

I never thought Jenny feared that Forrest would be like every other man. It was more the opposite. She had been taken advantage of as a little child, she lost her innocence so early on, but Forrest still had his. As a sexually jaded adult, for her to have gotten intimately involved with someone as innocent and childlike as Forrest, I imagine it may have felt like an unsettling parallel to her own innocence being taken, she felt so horribly dirty and used that she feared she'd be spoiling Forrest's purity. She really needed to get herself sorted out first. Maybe she got into some kind of program, it seems like her contacting him was her trying to make amends, and she'd finally recovered enough to not feel conflicted anymore about accepting his love.

[@markmac2206]

i used to have that negative opinion about her until i realized i have alot of the same damage she does. she probably didnt feel worthy of Forrest's love.

[@Drewit1]

Oh boy. This became my favorite movie this year. Especially after watching Just SUMM Reaction watching this. I heard that Mister Rogers had seen this movie 40 times after it came out, and that Tom Hanks was his favorite actor.

[@protojager]

The book author has stated that Jenny died of Hepatitis C, but there's conflicting material online that says the movie version died of Aids, despite aids being known and documented at that time whereas Hep C was still relatively unknown.

[@Rothbard_is_God8082]

The deep and interesting characters made the movie. Its the deepness of the characters that made the emotional impacts. Lieutenant Dan and Jenny being the prime examples. Forest was just being blown in their emotional storms. And people hate Jenny because they dont understand her. Running away from every relationship she had, was her defensive mechanism from her father. Its always deep. complex, and emotional characters that make movies great. See: Apocalypse Now, The Green Mile, The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption.

[@scottvivian9859]

The "is he smart" line broke me. Great movie with great characters.

[@gamesetmatt23]

Two of my all time favourite movies: Forrest Gump and Back To The Future. Both movies are absolutely perfect. I watch Forrest Gump when I'm feeling sad and it gives me hope. But this movie just hits ALL the emotions. I don't care that it's an obvious 'favourite movie'. There are other GREAT films, but this is one of the handful of movies that I come back to regularly and still love every single time. SO glad I got to watch this with you for the first time 😊

[@nachoman408]

Those are literally my top 4 movies ever.

[@TedwardsTube]

Watch Fried Green Tomatoes. I view that and Forrest Gump as spiritual sister movies. They’re both epic masterpieces in every way, hitting every emotional high and low. I’ve watched them both many, many times.

[@davidmoore1264]

I agree!

[@mena94x3]

I love both movies. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Agreed!!

[@Grantosterone]

YES! Came to the comments to say the same thing. Both decade-spanning coming-of-age emotional masterpieces. Shanelle would love it so much.

[@danracz6297]

Lt. Dan stood up for Forrest even when he had no legs!

[@D_o_r_a_n]

Robin Wright went from Princess Buttercup to General Antiope. Add messy, depressed, free-spirited Jenny and you have the evolution of female characters in film 🌟

[@davidanthony1477]

Jenny was real smooth how she tricked Forrest into believing that kid was his.

[@OgreProgrammer]

@@davidanthony1477 Ha! But it really was, and they telegraphed that when Forrest and Jr tilt their heads the same while watching the kids show.

[@davidanthony1477]

@@OgreProgrammer I used to impersonate Fonzo from Happy Days, however I’m not a white Italian. Jenny was Hoe smart tricking Forrest into marrying her and taking in her illegitimate child. The other men who ran thru her, like the Holland Tunnel, would’ve never bought her story of paternity ( fraud). A man, like Forrest, whose is a College All American, War Veteran, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, International Ping Pong champion, Millionaire business owner should never marry a raw dogged skank like Jenny. She only got him because Forrest has a simple mind and doesn’t know better. Forrest would run on a stage and slap a comedian for Jenny’s so called honor.

[@moviemaestro800]

You can thank the magic of digital editing to incorporate Tom Hanks into historical footage, making it look like he met these celebs. This film was groundbreaking in terms of such tech, at the time.

[@Jackson-jd1um]

In my opinion the only one that doesn’t look good is the John Lennon one, the rest of them hold up flawlessly

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

Watch the "making of" on KZbin. It explains all of that technical stuff.

[@BadBatchArmada99]

I love all of your reactions and insights into movies. You know a movie is good when it makes you speechless in the end. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your next video.

[@davidharris2430]

This movie Forest Gump is the reason that Pulp Fiction didn't take the academy awards that year.

[@Sir-Chancelot]

Imagine little Forrest going to school and learning his dad had the most amazing life ever

[@ChrisMaxfieldActs]

24:09 A really smart choice was recording all of the voiceover dialogue on the bench with the other actors, instead of the usual ADR. It meant Hanks was giving a full performance, while they recorded it.

[@Captainofkings333]

YESSSS Shanelle, keep it chatty and heavy on commentary, you hit it right on the head in your intro, your purpose is to grace our ears with your beautifully soft raspy voice, thats why we come back! you are definitely here to talk!

[@cebridges]

This is one of those movies that made me feel like Dorothy returning from Oz after it was over. A weird kind of cinema-induced culture shock. :) I remember feeling changed somehow when I emerged, as if I'd lived an entire life in another world and could hardly remember how to be myself again. The soundtrack is amazing, too.

[@3Rayfire]

I know how you feel. I experienced it with Jurassic Park and The Matrix too. It's a special kind of movie that can so completely immerse you like that.

[@jj_1edzep]

There are always movies coming and going into my top ten best movies, but Forrest Gump is always in there.

[@LukeSilverstar1000]

I was 11 when this came out and I thought it was overrated. I’m 39 now and I think age has made me appreciate it more. My dad who was a Vietnam vet passed away from COVID last year. Rewatching the attack scene just now hits different because my dad, who wrote an autobiography, almost never talked about the actual fighting. He’d tell you about friends and officers and camp life, but I struggle to remember a single mention of being in combat. He always enjoyed this film.

[@TedBrogan]

Great job Shanelle. Hope you keep doing these. That moment of Forrest's concern for his sons intelligence was 1 thing when I was a kid, but something ENTIRELY DIFFERENT since I've become a parent. I just can't

[@stephentully7883]

Loved this movie! I watched it in a theater with a date who told me on the way out that she hated it. I asked her why, and she said "because all the women, like Jenny and his Mom, get treated like shit while this idiot keeps bumbling into all these great experiences". I couldn't believe it and soon broke up with her. Lol.

[@JohnCollins-mm5dq]

I was gonna say I hope you didn't marry that heartless idiot.. lmaoooo 😂😂

[@DMichaelAtLarge]

Wise choice!

[@whiterabbit1824]

Dosnt matter how many times I watch this movie. It always makes me cry.

[@stevelahn1012]

Saying it's overrated is the "cool" thing to say. I love this movie and stop and watch it every time it is on. I absolutely love your reactions. Always interesting to hear your perspectives as a film aficionado. You are also amazingly observant of things that others might miss (except when you're writing things down 😂). Keep up the great work!

[@TheJeffRoadProject]

All these movies I've already seen before, but, watching them all over again with you is so satisfying. . . Thanks!

[@ShanelleRiccio]

woah happy to hear that!!

[@TheJeffRoadProject]

I kind of envy people seeing a good movie for the first time, there is an element of surprise that you loose after the first viewing. I think that's what I like the most when watching with someone who's never seen it before

[@Trapper50cal]

Full belly-jiggling chortle when I saw the thumbnail...no one is immune to the power of Gump. It's oddly fulfilling to know that this narrative is now part of your experience archive. Hanks' acting portraying fear and anxiety regarding his son's intelligence is the payoff because it clearly identifies his self-awareness. All through the movie it's implied that he benefits from a sort of blissful ignorance but that moment proves exactly the opposite...that his world view is chosen, not arbitrary or inherent.

[@MisterDarkfall]

Wow! Yeah, I never realized that in tons of viewings. Forest is self aware, but chooses to see the best in things. Well said!

[@heathern8043]

great comment 🙌🏻

[@jddelvec1870]

So glad you chose this movie. Please also watch “Good Will Hunting”

[@JohnCollins-mm5dq]

Absolutely 👍👍

[@salvadorslim3234]

It’s not your fault

[@carlalussini]

Great movie but GOD, NO! I'm tired of all reactors watching the same 2 god damned movies at the same time, it gets sooo repetitive.

[@mrgee4592]

"Forest Gump" reminds me of the film "Zelig" . In both movies we are introduced to a fantasy individual that leads us through a succession of actual historical events .

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Yep, Zelig and Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, where Steve Martin acts "alongside" film icons of the past.

[@rickfink1942]

It is so wonderfully adorable and refreshing how you become so emotionally invested in a film's character(s).

[@carenhelms8518]

Even though I watched this whole movie along with you on Patreon, Shanelle, I had to watch this recap again! It was such a great reaction from you the whole way through the movie!

[@ShanelleRiccio]

Oh yay! It’s really such a relief when the movie is amazing 😂

[@MrDarkwing78]

I HIGHLY recommend adding the soundtrack to your catalogue. I bought it almost as soon as I saw the movie for the first time, and it always has a place in the rotation.

[@Ivy94F]

I bought it too. Wasn’t it a 2disc set?

[@MrDarkwing78]

@@Ivy94F it is, I can’t remember if the second was an “inspired by” album or if the movie really had that many great songs, though.

[@kevinforever6898]

Great reaction, Shanelle! I saw this in the theater with my friends when I was 13 and even at that age, we were all completely floored by this film. (The mid-90’s were a great time to be a teenager going to the movies).

[@fabianenriquez2814]

Definitely one of my all time favorite movies! People who claim this movie to be overrated are missing the true meaning of living. More trivia for you: With every transition of Forrest's age, one thing remains the same. In the first scene of each transition, he wears a blue plaid shirt. Tom Hanks' younger brother, Jim Hanks, doubled for him in many of his numerous running sequences. The filming schedule wouldn’t allow for Tom Hanks to be flown to most of these locations.

[@notamberp]

favorite movie of all time, always.

[@robertbooth1395]

Saw Gump years ago, but could never bring myself to revisit it (too sad)... until today, with your help & a box of tissues. It meant everything that you were so touched by this film, as I can completely relate. Thanks so much!

[@surlechapeau]

I never laughed and cried so much during a movie. A true classic!!!

[@keyman6689]

Steel Magnolias comes close! Yeah it's great when a movie can take you to both extremes, genuinely.

[@martinm8991]

When I saw Shanelle teary-eyed right at the beginning of Forrest Gump, I was concerned for what was going to happen to her during and at the end of this wonderful movie 😭 After having seen this movie in a theater when it came out in '94, I went to see it in another theater few days later (each time with another female friend of mine). This movie is on my top-5 list of all time.

[@ShanelleRiccio]

😂😂😂

[@alib6615]

I love this movie. I saw it in the theater when I was 13 with a group of friends. I love re-watching it over the years and noticing things I didn't notice before and getting different perspectives on the characters as I get older. So, good - truly a classic and always a good watch to give you the feels. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JacobPMendoza]

I first watched this movie when I was 8. Never cried before. Now, I’m 27… for some reason, I watch Forrest Gump over & over again. Everytime I get more emotional when he meets his son and talks to Jenny’s grave.

[@tdrewman]

I still love this movie. I saw it the night it came out at a Drive-in on a date. We were so into it. My date's face was so swollen with tears throughout the who movie. She told me after it was over that she needed a moment. We all thought Jenny died of AIDs. It was the right time period and if you look carefully, it looks like she has sores on her face when she was in bed talking to Forest. LT Dan though it was his destiny to die in the battle field, but to see him happy, engaged and walking again with prosthetic legs shows that to marry Susan was his destiny. I like what you said about liking what you like. I was told that because I like the new Star Trek reboot movies, I was dumb. I have been a trekkie since I was 5 years old and how dare this fan tell me what Star Trek movies I am suppose to like. Same thing goes with Star Wars. You like what you like.

[@laurenjones1660]

I’m crying with you, Forrest Gump is one of my all time favourite movies. It’s was simply beautiful and was so deep without even trying. I cry every time. Your reaction was absolutely beautiful 🤍

[@ShanelleRiccio]

thanks Lauren!!

[@jimandnicki]

Your reaction was absolutely beautiful. I’ve seen this movie at least a dozen times and you made me cry all over again. Thank you!!!

[@ShanelleRiccio]

Wow, thank you!

[@jimandnicki]

@@ShanelleRiccio More than welcome. You make watching movies fun. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@thomasmcdonough6642]

Still brings tears after all these years

[@rickardroach9075]

35:40 I’ve seen this film, without exaggeration, a trillion times (well, maybe slight less than that) and I _still_ bawled right along with you. Thanks for not being another Jenny-hater like so many out there. This and _Philadelphia_ (for which he received the first of his two consecutive Academy Awards for best actor) are my two favourite Hanks-makes-me-cry films. As I always do with every Hanks film, I recommend _That Thing You Do!_ (1996), co-starring, written, and directed by Tom Hanks, in his directorial debut.

[@faygodrinker]

“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. That’s all I have to say about that.” Tom Hanks said that's what Forrest said about Vietnam

[@-Devy-]

She literally says it in the video.

[@benrast1755]

Definitely not overrated. One of my top 5 movies. And I've seen several other reactions where the reactors say it's their new favorite. And nobody makes it through with dry eyes.

[@johnplaysgames3120]

I think a lot of people just hate things that are popular. Anything that gets as big as "Forrest Gump" is going to cause a bunch of edgelords to come out of the woodwork to say it sucks. To be fair, everybody doesn't have to like everything but, instead of saying the movie's overrated, it would be more correct for those people to say, "I, personally, didn't like it." Taste is subjective but, by pretty much any measuring stick, "Forrest Gump" is an objectively good movie.

[@neighborlyfiend1484]

By far one of the best reaction videos are yours. I appeciate that you don't miss much, you catch a lot of little details that most other reaction channels do. Not only about the moving making but what's happening in the movies too. Also, you are beautiful. I said it, it may be weird, I stand by it.

[@hiramrosajr8231]

Hands down my fav movie of all time

[@Vulcanerd]

I’m a terrible person. I love watching adorable amazing people like you bawl their eyes out. Also, this movie is great. I think it went through a time when people wanted to be edgy or something and hated on it (then just stayed there), but I’ve always enjoyed it.

[@sammylane21]

Since this movie takes a trip from the 50's to early '80's, it isn't much of a leap to say Jenny died of AIDS because she said her doctors don't know why she's sick.

[@RTSOB1]

I tend to doubt that. Zemeckis was careful about detail and Jenny, while bedridden, showed no symptomatic evidence of AIDS.

[@MLawrence2008]

@@RTSOB1 She was an injecting drug addict and sleeping with men for hits during the 70's and early 80's, it would have almost certainly have been HIV AIDS or Hepatitis.

[@steveclevenger5826]

I cry every time, too. That scene where Forrest asks if his son is smart or dumb is one of the most heartbreaking moments in all of cinema history, IMHO.