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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)