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Reviews
What Happened Was... (1994)
We've all been there
Tom Noonan's excellent play describes two lonely, damaged people trying to connect, and in the process dark secrets emerge. The only hope for these people is that however difficult, by confronting the demons their respective pasts hold for them, a chance of an honest relationship becomes possible. Kudos to Noonan for keeping the delicious tension new relationships have by his treatment of the ending.
Stay with it. It's worth the time.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Great script, acting, but diminished by "Hollywood Style"
GOOD WILL HUNTING is a very good movie. The writing, credited to Mssrs. Afleck and Damon, is among the best I can remember in a recent American film. Mr Afleck appears to have benefited from the script of CHASING AMY or vice-versa. Robin Williams' role as the burned out shrink ties everything together to make this a memorable story. I wish he would do more of this type of material and less clowning.
However, the credible story, realistic characters, and excellent script beautifully played by the cast are restrained by a glossy presentation. Anyone familiar with the coastal Northeast (story takes place in Boston) knows overcast skies, wind, rain. The relentless sunshine bathes the story in a California like light but with gritty old Boston as the backdrop. Doesn't work.
Nitpicking? Probably, but this film is very close to being as good as movies get and every little misstep becomes magnified as a result.