Typical Oscar Nominee

Rating: Null/10 (28 January 1999)

"Good Will Hunting" (1997:***). For awhile, I didn't think I was going to like this movie; there are too many clay-pigeon stupid jerks introduced simply to be demolished by the superhuman intelligence of Will Hunting (hated that bar scene, especially). It's a relief when Robin Williams finally shows up as his therapist, because you sense that this cocky but self-destructive kid has finally met his match. The heart of the picture is the prickly relationship between these two, even though it does lead to the inevitable (and still potent) breakdown scene in which the mixed-up young man cries on his therapist's shoulder (e.g., "Ordinary People," "Prince of Tides," etc.). There are almost as many scenes in this movie that don't work as do (the dreadful one in which Hunting substitutes Ben Affleck, as his best friend, for himself in a job interview should have been cut). But a good supporting cast and some tangy Boston atmosphere helps, and Matt Damon finally does win you over. This is also one of Robin Williams' best dramatic performances. He really anchors the film. I'd be interested to know how much input he (and others) had on the original screenplay written by Damon and Affleck. All-in-all pretty good.