Good Will Hunting (1997)

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) 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 (Stellan Skarsgard), 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 (Robin Williams).
Good Will Hunting 1997 Movie Poster

Good Will Hunting Quote: “You wasted $150,000 on an education you coulda got for $1.50 in late fees at the public library.” – Will Hunting

“Good Will Hunting” won the Best of Matt Damon category among Shat The Movies, and we can see why. Damon didn’t just star in the movie, he co-wrote it with Ben Affleck when the two were just a couple of fresh-faced actors.

This ode to Boston showed us Robin Williams‘ dramatic side, which we later realized was tragic foreshadowing, and it introduced us to a young Casey Affleck before his sexual harassment scandal.

To Kerri Gross, “Good Will Hunting” is a moving emotional journey. To Dick Ebert, it’s the greatest film Shat The Movies has ever reviewed. To Gene Lyons, it’s a brilliant collection of improvised scenes that he predictably wishes were darker.

Other topics covered in this episode of Shat The Movies:

  • Minnie Driver’s gigantic Lego head
  • Harvey Weinstein’s keen eye for gay scenes
  • Matt Damon’s idiot ex-girlfriend and her taste in metal drummers
  • Gene’s failure to ever love the way Kerri can
  • the best crying scenes in ’90s cinema
  • Elliot’s Smith’s crushing soundtrack
  • Big D’s belief in bootstraps
  • Kerri’s happy ending
  • and why Gene can’t get a job with the NSA.

Plot Summary: “Good Will Hunting” Will Hunting (Matt Damon) 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 (Stellan Skarsgard), 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 (Robin Williams).

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