Hype not justified, but not a bad movie

Rating: Null/10 (30 October 1998)

I just don't see why this movie was such a popular hit, not to mention an Oscar contender for best picture. Granted, the story was original and deserving of some credit, but not exactly the claimed "shot in the arm of originality" the industry needed. It is a joy to watch, filled with many humorous moments. The explicit swearing doesn't take away from the movie; rather, it adds to regional aura the audience is meant to feel from South Bostonites. That joke that Skylar tells about the old couple is the funniest I've heard in a long time. One of the movie's funniest jokes was also the "How about them apples?" line, so it's not as if the movie was one total raunch fest. However, the story was a tad predictable. The way the story jolts us is what is the foundation of its popularity. The characters also are an utter pleasure, but I think Ben Affleck's character Chucky was unnecessary and kind of stupid. It's a shame too, because Ben Affleck is a truly gifted actor -- he showed his true talent in Chasing Amy. Matt Damon was okay, but hardly a Best Actor contender. I think the real underrated talent was Minnie Driver. Her character was intriguing, and made believable by a winning performance. The fact that she lost to a talent-less Kim Basinger at the Academy Awards boggles the mind. Overall, not bad. I'll probably watch it again.