Chet Hanks, known for making waves on his own terms, has taken a heartwarming trip down memory lane with his latest project, a music video for his band Something Out West’s song “You Better Run.”
This music video isn’t just another video—it’s a creative homage to his father’s iconic role in Forrest Gump, blending family history with modern music.
A Creative Tribute to Forrest Gump
In the video, Chet reimagines the legendary scenes from Forrest Gump, and even brings a twist to the classic moments.
It begins with a whimsical touch—a feather drifting through the air, much like in the film—before landing near Chet, who is dressed in Forrest’s famous gray suit and blue gingham shirt.
Sitting on a park bench, he delivers a fresh take on the character.
But the nostalgia doesn’t stop there. Tom Hanks, Chet’s father, makes a surprise appearance in the video, sitting on the bench alongside his son.
The emotional moment adds a special layer to the video, reflecting the bond between father and son.
Full of Nostalgia and Iconic References
Fans of Forrest Gump will appreciate the numerous references throughout the video.
From a shrimping boat named Jenny to Chet running in Forrest’s signature Nike Cortez sneakers, the video pulls viewers right back into the world of the 1994 classic.
One of the most striking moments comes when Chet, channeling Forrest’s legendary cross-country run, dons a red jacket and a bushy beard—reminding fans of his father’s unforgettable portrayal of the character.
Something Out West’s New Sound
The video also features Chet’s musical partner, Drew Arthur. Together, they perform on the deck of the boat Jenny, blending heartfelt lyrics with an upbeat country-rock vibe.
The song’s chorus, “You better run / Like the devil’s on your tail,” ties the video’s themes of both Forrest Gump and life’s ups and downs, creating a perfect metaphor for the challenges we all face.
A Creative Journey and Personal Milestone
Chet Hanks shared his excitement about the project, calling it a major creative step in his career. “Ultimately, I consider myself an artist,” he told Esquire.
“Acting and music are just two different mediums for expressing myself.”
He also expressed his gratitude for having his father involved, noting that it felt surreal to have Tom Hanks part of the video.
“It felt like everything came full circle,” he said.
The Formation of Something Out West
The country-rock duo Something Out West was born from a shared journey of sobriety between Chet and Drew.
After meeting in California and bonding over late-night jam sessions, the duo moved to Nashville to further refine their sound.
Now signed to Big Machine Records, they are gearing up for their debut album.
While the music video has received praise for its emotional depth, reactions have been divided.
Some viewers have applauded its creativity, while others have criticized it as relying too heavily on Tom Hanks’ star power.
Tom Hanks’ Legacy and Family Impact
While some may see the video as a clever tribute to his father’s legacy, others feel that Chet is leveraging Tom Hanks’ fame to gain attention.
Despite the mixed reactions, there’s no denying that “You Better Run” has captured the attention of audiences around the world, especially for those who are fans of both Tom Hanks and country music.
For fans in South Africa, this collaboration between father and son provides a fresh twist on nostalgia, combining classic movie moments with modern music.
Whether you love it or find it over-the-top, Chet Hanks’ tribute to Forrest Gump has definitely stirred conversation.
It’s clear that Chet is carving out his own path in the entertainment industry, blending his own music with the rich cinematic legacy of his father.