Director Robert Zemeckis always shines a light in his projects. He is strong at making connections that focus on what is import ant to the narrative in his projects.  Whether it is highlighting the accomplishments of a man with a low IQ in Forrest Gump or an alcoholic pilot who saves lives while also struggling with his own errors in Flight. Zemeckis has a unique way of finding links to the positive and does it successfully again in Here, a Forrest Gump reunion for the ages featuring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. The movie shifts and changes scenes from the present to other time periods. Here is wonderfully told in the pattern of a story.

The flow of this film is steady and poetic, and the characterizations have a meaningful presence. Here focuses on the dynamics of families and is all about human values. Richard (Hanks) and Margaret (Wright) play a couple and during their life face various hurdles. The film uses squares as indicators that transitions are coming as the story evolves. Zemeckis has a majestic way of following the storyline. Using visual cues for switching scenes prompts audiences to be curious about what emotions to feel.

In Here, the “whoa” moments build upon each other with the aid of these fascinating visual cues.  When there is a scene with furniture, the square outlines the furniture, and then the film transitions to a different era in the same or similar setting.  This gives audiences the sense that they are in a different time in the same setting.  Relationships shift and encounter human flaws which are a significant element of the film’s true brilliance.

Zemeckis has Paul Bettany play the character named Al, Richard’s father. Bettany is younger than Hanks. Zemeckis uses make-up to create patterns for different roles with unique attitudes in diverse settings. Sometimes these patterns are good and at other times they’re confusing or even frustrating. Zemeckis has a way of directing that resembles reality by linking the bonds which result in the film’s continuity.

Here is about Richard and Margaret going through obstacles.  It makes audiences wonder how generations would behave in previous decades. There is turmoil, sadness, happiness, disbelief, and many emotional entanglements. Zemeckis turns the light on regardless of the scenario in a particular moment of the film. Even when Richard fights with Margaret, there is a transition to feeling optimistic. The optimism in Here provides a source of empowerment that demonstrates how humans can find happiness.

With the generational shifts in this film, audiences may wonder if the previous films of Zemeckis are interconnected especially since both the lead roles are from Forrest Gump. He uses aunique approach and a different mode of storytelling that connects with things that have and are happening in the real world.  The many realistic and known events play an essential role in the continuity of Here. This film will be valued and deeply cherished by fans of Zemeckis. Four out of four stars for Here.