Will Hunting has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau, who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire.
Good Will Hunting narrowly avoids many sentimental pitfalls thanks to what doesn't happen...
– Matthew Kohut,
Film.com,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
While the charismatic performances of Damon and Affleck make "Good Will Hunting" a difficult entertainment to resist, doing just that is not as hard as the film would like to think.
– Kenneth Turan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb 2001
fresh:
It's acted and directed with care, and Damon is outstanding, his scenes with Driver being especially sparky.
– Derek Adams,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
The film works as a character-driven narrative because Mr. Van Sant and his co-screenwriters are not afraid to unlock the psychological mysteries of their five major characters with clear and concise dialogue.
– Andrew Sarris,
New York Observer,
27 Apr 2007
fresh:
Towering performance by Matt Damon as a troubled working class who needs to address his creative genius elevates this drama way above its therapeutic approach, resulting in a zeitgeist film that may touch chord with young viewers the way The Graduate did