Garbled Nonsense

Rating: 4/10 (28 August 2008)

Too much stilted dialogue and formulated diatribes, that you just can't accept as being spur of the moment conversation, totally deflate this film. The cast don't quite manage to say what you're pleading them to, then they come out with garbled nonsense.
The cast have delivered some great performances, especially Robin Williams, who had little to work with. Matt Damon is also strong, as the math genius struggling to break free from the ghost of his childhood. Minnie Driver is a true natural as the English student who desperately wants to win his heart. Such a shame the poorly written characters gave these talented thesps nothing to bite into. Each player too often behaves inexplicably, thus Gus Van Sant (or whoever was directing - it is rumoured screenwriters Matt Damon and Ben Affleck had more control over proceedings than the credited director) was unable to endear us to these people.
The script's noble intentions fall flat as "Good Will Hunting" turns up nothing in its search. With the exception of one or two funny scenes, the humour misses the mark too.
With this pic nominated for best film, along with three other rather under par selections - "As Good as it Gets", "The Full Monty" and "L.A. Confidential", "Titanic" should clean sweep this year's Oscars.
Sunday, March 14, 1998 - Knox District Centre