Why Good Will Hunting Works

Day 5:  A favorite drama movie

Before Ben Affleck directed “Argo” and before Matt Damon was Jason Bourne, they wrote and starred in “Good Will Hunting.”  Will Hunting was incredibly intelligent, but did not apply himself.  He worked as a janitor at MIT instead of going to college or finding a viable career.  After solving a difficult math problem at MIT that was meant for the students, Professor Gerald Lambeau took Hunting under his care and attempted to teach him and guide him towards an intellectual path.  Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams, is a counselor and community college professor that actually places Hunting onto the right path. 

What makes “Good Will Hunting” so great is the classic American dream story.  Will Hunting rises from having no money, no connections, to getting what he wants in life.  He does this, however, in a realistic way.  After being “discovered,” he does not let the attention go to his head.  His best friends have realistic expectations on what life would be for them – they know that they will not have the same opportunities as Will because they are not as smart as him.

Breaking free from a society that expected nothing from him, Will Hunting set himself free.  He realized his potential, not as a mathematician, but as a human being.

Great clip of Chuckie Sullivan (Will Hunting's best friend) telling Will why he's different from himself:

The Best Part of My Day

Stay tuned for Day 6: A favorite comedy!

Why "The Impossible" Works

“The Impossible” is about an impossible situation.  Imagine spending Christmas vacation in Thailand with your family (mom, dad, and three sons).  It’s the perfect place for relaxation with a beautiful hotel, the beach, ping-pong tables, and palm trees.  But in the matter of seconds your world changes – a tsunami hits and there is no way to escape it.  This film, based on a real family, shows the events leading up to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and what unfolds afterwards.

What Works

-          Excellent acting from all the actors – especially from Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Holland.

-          There is an ominous undertone from the very beginning.  You know a tsunami will hit, but you don’t know when.  The suspense is high.

-          Your heart will be pounding for the entire tsunami sequence.  It is incredibly realistic from the waves, water, sounds, makeup (the leg), and the power of the ocean.  It is crazy to watch

-          The stressful reality of being separated from your family and not knowing when (or if) you will be reunited.

-          The kindness of strangers.  Everyone in the same terrible situation coming together to help each other out.

-          The ending – I won’t spoil it, but it makes you think of all the other people caught in the tsunami.

An intense film, “The Impossible” will have you gripping the edge of your seat from start to finish.  The horrific situation, suspense, and action were backed up by director J.A. Bayona’s prior experience in horror filmmaking.

I recommend watching this on a full stomach.  But definitely see it.