In honor of the latest Ron Howard/Tom Hanks release “Angels and Demons”, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss some of my favorite Hanks characters and movies from years past.

It was difficult to decide who my absolute fave character was.  After much pondering and reminiscing of all the Hanks’ films (I have seen almost every single film he has done), I had to go with Forrest Gump.

I realized a long time ago that the really great actors are those that begin in comedy (maybe even TV sitcoms), then prove themselves with a dramatic role–winning an Oscar in the process.  Tom Hanks is one of those actors.

I think the reason why Gump is my favorite Hanks character is because Hanks combines both his comedic and dramatic skills in his performance.  Of course sometimes when Gump is serious he actually ends up being funny without really meaning to.

As for my favorite Hanks movie, that was a tougher choice.  I enjoy the dramas as well as the comedies, right down to “Toy Story”.  I have to go with “Philadelphia” as my overall fave.

Broken down into dramatic fave, “Castaway” is my pick.  The comedies were a harder choice but I narrowed it down to “The Money Pit”.  As for “Sleepless In Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail”, once I get past Meg Ryan, I can really enjoy those cute romantic comedies as well.

And I’ve finally been able to watch the infamous “Bosom Buddies”.  I was a kid when that show was first on and was not allowed to watch it (although I wanted to!).  Some of it is stupid but a lot of the episodes really get me laughing.  I just have a hard time beliving that none of those women ever figured out Buffy and Hildegard’s real identities.  Couldn’t they see the resemblance to Kip and Henry?  Uh…how about those Adams apples, ladies?