Good Will for This Classic 90’s Movie

The National Hockey League season is now underway and for those who are fans of the sport, this is an exciting time of year. I was lucky enough to golf with Jesse Winchester this year, and though it was a somewhat rainy afternoon, it was still an excellent day. The Long Sault native is making his way back to our neck of the woods, as his team, the Colorado Avalanche, are playing in Ottawa on Thursday and in Montreal on Saturday – so I thought it would be a good time to visit this NHLer’s favourite movie – Good Will Hunting.

He was especially impressed by the picture’s solid story and unbelievable acting (especially Matt Damon and Robin Williams – who is one of his favourite actors; he sadly passed away this summer).

Directed by Gus Van Sant, the movie follows a troubled young M.I.T. janitor, Will Hunting (Damon), as he struggles to take control of his life and use his magnificent gift – he is a genius at math. When professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård) discovers that the young man has a talent that almost no one else in the world has, he tries to aid the young adult by getting him released from prison. He is successful in doing so, but Will must promise to visit a psychologist every week. After joking his way through several doctors, he finally clicks with Sean Maguire (Williams), who, over time, is able to give the fractured soul guidance by way of his own moving history.

One night, while getting into trouble with his friends – Chuckie (Ben Affleck), Morgan (Casey Affleck) and Billy (Cole Hauser), he meets the lovely Skylar (Minnie Driver) at a bar. Will Will be willing to open himself up to another human being, or will he let his painful past ruin the chances that are being offered to him?

Good Will Hunting is the motion picture that put Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on the map. The two not only act in it, but also co-wrote the script (in which they won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay). It is also the only Oscar the talented Robin Williams ever won, and it is very well deserved. It shows the comic man’s depth as an actor – people often forget how solid he was in serious roles. Along with the ever strong Matt Damon, the two add most of the heart and soul to the movie, which is why this is still such a memorable flick.

One of the best movies of 1997, Good Will Hunting is still as entertaining as it was almost twenty years ago. Likewise, the movie speaks volumes when you look at the cast – Damon and Affleck are bonafide box office superstars, Skarsgård has moved on to many memorable roles (including being a regular in several Marvel comic book movies), Casey Affleck has made many excellent films, and the heartfelt reaction to the recent passing of Williams proves how cherished he was as a talented actor and comedian. So grab an apple and watch this Oscar winner; it has the winning formula.