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Good Will Hunting - 9/10
[Buy - Rent- Download - Avoid]
I know, I know... I shouldn't have just seen this movie. I should have seen it years ago. If you haven't seen this movie, and don't like Ben Affleck, you might find a new appreciation for him in this movie.
Robin Williams is incredible, as always, and Matt Damon's performance shows us what we already know: he's fucking great. This movie gets top marks (I've practically never given out a 10/10) for the full plot, rich characters, and wonderful story. Of course, I may be a little biased because the movie's set in the Boston area and I grew up a bit south of Boston, so the accents immediately make me happy. Speaking of making me happy, Minnie Driver is quite nice as well, and really delivers (in her natural English accent, which is also a soft spot for me).
All in all, it's very well written and played out by everyone involved. If you haven't seen it, go out and get it now.
American Gangster - 9/10 (coming next week to theaters)
[Buy - Rent- Download - Avoid]
It's a story about violence in high, but appropriate (not "just because"), amounts. It's a story about drugs. It's a story with raw language, and some nudity (where it belongs, and not where it doesn't).
Denzel Washington is both hardcore and a gentleman. Russell Crowe is intense and . You can get a story synopsis anywhere, so I'll just give you a snapshot of the experience. This movie is extremely well done. Cinematography, attention to detail for the time period, characters... all very good. It's not a "shoot everything that moves because hollywood loves gun play" movie. It's got a powerful storyline (based on the true story of the main character, Frank Lucas), and shows you the "gangster" world in gritty detail. Crowe is great as the no-bullshit honest cop working against illegal drugs and those who would allow (and even profit from) their presence.
Go out and see it. Don't wait to rent it, or catch it some time on a movie channel- go out and catch it in theaters when it comes out.
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