Yes Forrest is inexplicably present at a few too many historical events. And he does get to meet a few Presidents (which is really well done from technological standpoint). That stuff is all well & good, and it makes the movie more amusing. Gary Sinise is amazing as Lieutenant Dan. But what puts this movie over the top is Tom Hanks. The scenes where he meets his son for the first time and where he says goodbye to his beloved Jenny are…well…wow. Great stuff.