Ever wondered what it would be like if Forrest Gump traded his box of chocolates for a guitar and a country-rock beat? Well, Chet Hanks has answered that call, and he’s roped in his dad, Tom Hanks, for the ride. In the new music video for “You Better Run” by Something Out West—the duo of Chet and Drew Arthur—we get a Forrest Gump remix that’s equal parts tribute and reinvention. It’s 1994 meets 2024, with a side of family vibes that’s sweeter than a Bubba Gump shrimp cocktail.
Picture this: Chet Hanks, decked out in Forrest’s gray suit and blue gingham shirt, plopped on that iconic park bench from the ’94 classic. But instead of musing about life’s unpredictable sweetness, he’s rocking out to “You Better Run,” while Tom Hanks—America’s dad, two-time Oscar champ—sits next to him, shooting looks that hover somewhere between “What is happening?” and “I guess this is my life now.” Drew Arthur joins them on the bench, completing a trio that’s half nostalgia trip, half new frontier. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s pure Hanks family chaos.
Then there’s the running. Oh, the running. Chet recreates that unforgettable scene where young Forrest sheds his leg braces and bolts from bullies in a red pickup truck. Here, it’s Chet pounding the pavement, dodging trouble as the song’s chorus kicks in: “You better run.” It’s a visual that ties the video to its cinematic roots while giving it a fresh, kinetic spin. If Forrest Gump was about running toward something—destiny, love, whatever—this feels like Chet running his own race, with a beat you can’t help but tap along to.
Let’s talk about the song itself. “You Better Run” is a country-rock banger, the kind of track that could get Lieutenant Dan up on his new legs and two-stepping. Something Out West, formed by Chet and Drew during their sobriety journeys, brings a raw, lived-in energy to the tune. The chorus sticks in your head like a line from a movie you’ve seen a hundred times—simple, catchy, and just vague enough to feel universal. It’s not Springsteen, but it’s got enough twang and grit to make you believe these guys have stories to tell.
And Chet? He’s got plenty of those. Once a tabloid magnet—remember the “White Boy Summer” phase?—he’s been reshaping his narrative lately. Sober, focused, and popping up in projects like Netflix’s Running Point (where he plays a basketball star with a side hustle as a failed rapper—art imitating life much?), Chet’s on a mission to prove he’s more than just Tom Hanks’ wild-card son. This music video feels like a pit stop on that journey—a chance to nod at his dad’s legacy while staking out his own turf. Casting Tom in the video isn’t just a flex; it’s a full-circle moment. Forrest Gump was all about family, perseverance, and figuring out who you are. Sound familiar?
Tom’s cameo, by the way, is the cherry on top. The guy’s got Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away on his résumé, and here he is, playing bemused dad in his kid’s music video. That’s not just support—that’s love, the kind that says, “Go chase your weird dreams, I’ll be here.” It’s a quiet testament to their bond, and it elevates the whole thing from a gimmick to something oddly touching.
So what’s the takeaway? “You Better Run” isn’t just a Forrest Gump fan film with a soundtrack—it’s Chet Hanks running toward his own spotlight, with a little help from the guy who made running through history look cool. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it’s got a beat that’ll linger longer than Jenny’s feather in the wind. Check it out. You won’t get any shrimp boat wisdom, but you’ll see a father and son making something together—and that’s worth the watch.
