‘Forrest Gump’ Movie Celebrates 20th Anniversary With IMAX Re-Release

Forrest Gump is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a re-release in IMAX to the delight of millions of fans who simply cannot get enough. Tom Hanks starred as the main character in the 1994 Hollywood sensation and the rest is history, as they say.

The movie went on to receive 13 Academy Award nominations, winning six for Best Picture, Best Actor (Tom Hanks), Best Director (Robert Zemeckis), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Visual Effects that year. Now, to celebrate the special anniversary, Forrest Gump comes to IMAX in all his glory. Hanks played one of his most memorable roles when he took on the kind-hearted, weak, and oh-so-slow Forrest.

Despite all his flaws, Forrest Gump goes on to be involved and meet some of the most influential figures of the 20th century, including President John F. Kennedy. He shows his bravery when, as an innocent, young man, he is sent to fight in Vietnam and saves his lieutenant (Gary Sinise) from certain death.

“Lieutenant Dan” became one of the most widely known Forrest Gump lines (read with the southern accent), as did many others such as “Run, Forrest, run.” The movie is full of memorable, touching moments.

One of the reasons why it was so well received, aside from the excellent performance by Tom Hanks is the unconventional way in which Zemeckis presents the story. Forrest Gump is a narration of his life story, by the man himself, as he sits at a bus stop on his way to visit his love, Jenny (Robin Wright), after she sends him an invitation. This movie was just different and it also had great music.

Forrest Gump is also a movie full of drama, humor (usually sparked by something coming out of Hanks’ mouth), and tragedy. His mother (Sally Filed) passes away, leaving him alone in the world, Lieutenant Dan wants to kill himself after losing his legs in combat, and Jenny leaves him with no explanation after making a man out of him.

While you certainly don’t have to watch Forrest Gump in IMAX, the distributors are hoping that the movie’s fan base will turn out in droves for this re-release. For the new generations who may have watched on TV or DVD, it will certainly be a treat. The giant screen will help admire the fabulous special effects and revisit the reasons why this film continues to be one of the most dominant in Hollywood history.

Will you go to see the re-release of the Forrest Gump movie at the IMAX nearest you?

[Images via Paramount Pictures]