Good Will Hunting (1997)


GOOD WILL HUNTING is a tidy, terrific therapy tear-jerker that's 
also equal parts romantic comedy and young-guy buddy-drama.  Old 
friends Matt Damon (JOHN GRISHAM'S THE RAINMAKER) and Ben Affleck 
(CHASING AMY) co-wrote, surprise, surprise, the South Boston-based 
story of a genius janitor (Damon) whose natural talents are discov- 
ered by an M.I.T. math professor (Stellan Skarsgard, from BREAKING 
THE WAVES) at the same time his ass is hauled in front of a judge.  
Again.  Seems the former orphan has a king-sized chip on his shoul-
der, but the prof knows potential-- world-changing, history-making 
potential-- when he sees it.  Enter Robin Williams' tough-lovin' 
shrink and you can take it from there.  (Well, not quite.  Also 
affecting the lad's emotional growth are Affleck and Minnie Driver, 
playing his straight-talkin' best bud and Harvard-attending love 
interest, respectively.)  Gus Van Sant (TO DIE FOR, DRUGSTORE COW-
BOY) tastefully directs, as you'd rightly expect.  The acting is 
great, the writing sharp, and, even though you can't believe a min-
ute of it, the story makes wonderfully perfect movie sense.  One 
question: do you like apples?  (Rated "R"/126 min.)

Grade: A-

Copyright 1997 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros


Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: In Brief (And Happy Birthday King)


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