Happy Birthday Tom Hanks!

Tom Hanks turns 51 today. He has a couple of movies that are coming out this year. The Great Buck Howard that he stars in with his son Colin casts John Malkovich as an illusionist whose career is failing. Colin plays his apprentice and Tom plays Colin’s father who is against him taking the job. Charlie Wilson’s War is due out in December and casts Hanks in the role Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson and his undercover dealings with rebels in Afghanistan and their fight against Russia. Those films have yet to be released, but there are still many great Tom Hanks films on video to watch in honor of his birthday.

Big was released in 1988 and stars Hanks as the grownup version of a kid who makes a wish to be “big.” Big is a comedy that is timeless. Anyone who has ever wished they would just already be grown up will surely appreciate Big.

The ‘Burbs is another comedy starring Hanks and Carrie Fisher. Hanks takes a vacation but becomes paranoid about his new neighbors, so he stays home the week pulling off covert operations to see just what they are up to.

A League of their Own While there might not be any crying in baseball, thank goodness there is laughter. This heart-warming comedy based on the all-women’s baseball league will surely touch your heart.

Apollo 13 is based on the real mission of Apollo 13 and it’s attempt to land on the moon. Apollo 13 failed and faced many problems. This is the story of the men who helped ensure that the astronauts were brought home safely.

Forrest Gump is an enthralling story of a man who really captures the human spirit. Forrest Gump might not be a smart man, but he leaves a lasting impression on the lives that he touches in the movie.

There are plenty of other great Tom Hanks films like The Green Mile, Philadelphia, Cast Away, and Catch Me if You Can. Just head on over to the local rental movie store. They are bound to have one of these classic Tom Hanks movies on the shelf.