Good Will Hunting
Academy Award × 2·National Film Registry
Rent/Purchase
Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.
What critics thought
Critics were nearly unanimous in praising the performances and the script's wit, though several found the story too predictable and its emotional ambitions larger than its actual depth. The film lands harder in its individual scenes than in its overall arc — a distinction that separates the enthusiasts from the more measured admirers.
“Good Will Hunting is stuffed – indeed, overstuffed – with heart, soul, audacity, and blarney. You may not believe a minute of it, but you don't necessarily want to stop watching.”
Owen Gleiberman·Entertainment Weekly
“there isn't a whole lot of movie to take home with you ... many will wake the next morning wondering why, with all that talent on hand, it amounts to so little in the end.”
Andrew O'Hehir·Salon
“The acting is brilliant overall, with special praise to Matt Damon for his ragingly tender portrayal of the boy cursed with genius.”
Duane Byrge·The Hollywood Reporter
“the individual moments, not the payoff, that make it so effective”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
Genres
Drama, Romance
Cast & Crew
DirectorGus Van Sant
StarringMatt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver
ComposerDanny Elfman
Good Will Hunting
Academy Award × 2·National Film Registry
Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.
What critics thought
Critics were nearly unanimous in praising the performances and the script's wit, though several found the story too predictable and its emotional ambitions larger than its actual depth. The film lands harder in its individual scenes than in its overall arc — a distinction that separates the enthusiasts from the more measured admirers.
“Good Will Hunting is stuffed – indeed, overstuffed – with heart, soul, audacity, and blarney. You may not believe a minute of it, but you don't necessarily want to stop watching.”
Owen Gleiberman·Entertainment Weekly
“there isn't a whole lot of movie to take home with you ... many will wake the next morning wondering why, with all that talent on hand, it amounts to so little in the end.”
Andrew O'Hehir·Salon
“The acting is brilliant overall, with special praise to Matt Damon for his ragingly tender portrayal of the boy cursed with genius.”
Duane Byrge·The Hollywood Reporter
“the individual moments, not the payoff, that make it so effective”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
Genres
Drama, Romance
Cast & Crew
DirectorGus Van Sant
StarringMatt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver
ComposerDanny Elfman
Rent/Purchase