Good Will Hunting (1997)

This is an amazing movie that spring boarded the careers of two actors into the upper stratosphere. While only one of them can still be seen as a credible actor, without Good Will Hunting the landscape of American cinema would be quite different. This is the story of a genius blue collar worker who is trying to figure his way through the world, struggling with the fact that he is too smart to be working minimum wage jobs, but with a background that keeps him out of higher society. The first hour of this movie, when Matt Damon's character uses his vast intelligence to make other people feel stupid or to do amazing things (like math). It is extremely riveting to watch as well as it is hilarious; the one-liners in Good Will Hunting are classic. Despite how horrible he is an almost every other movie, Ben Affleck is really good in this film. His accent is hilarious and spot on; he plays the part perfectly. The only thing that is embarrassing about Affleck's role is that he is kind of overshadowed by his little brother Casey, who is perfect in this film and on the rise in Hollywood. Matt Damon delivers one of the most believable performances in this film that I have ever seen. He is so perfect for this role that you would think this film is biographic. I should note that the film was written by Damon and Affleck, so they obviously played to their strengths, but that does not diminish the excellent job that they both do. Far and away, the best performance in this movie is delivered by Robin Williams; it is no surprise that it won him an Oscar. Williams is so good in this role that his comic history in no way damages the film; he was a perfect choice. The only problem that I have with this movie is the direction change it takes about halfway through. At this point, the movie becomes less about how amazingly smart Damon is, and more about his relationship with Minnie Driver. I understand why it was done, and it does no real damage to the movie, but the best parts of the film are when Damon uses his brain to make others feel hilariously insignificant. I highly suggest that you see this film, and when you do, watch it on DVD, because the gratuitous use of foul language that TBS cuts out makes it even better. My wife loves this movie, my dad loves this movie, my one year old loves this move; how could you not. I give Good Will Hunting 4 and a half stars.