This movie is great. Might as well say it now and deal with the particulars later. The script deserved the Golden Globe, and Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Robin Williams have really amazing performances.
This movie has a lot of male bonding, and is the closest thing to a 'guy-flick' that I have seen that doesn't involve someone in a large amount of armour ripping the insides out of various demons and then going home to their scantily-clothed wives, and having rough, unappealing sex until it's time to hit the streets to rip out more guts.
But I digress.
I was surprised about how much the movie centred on Shawn, Robin Williams' character. Normally this would drive me insane, but in this movie it actually worked. It added to the plot instead of taking away from it.
the movie is heartfelt, deep and emotionally appealing. That sounds boring, but, well, it isn't.
Matt Damon plays a tortured genius, a character that some actors would either play down, or play up too much. However, I suppose having written the script with (amazingly handsome!) Ben Affleck, he knew exactly how to act the part. Ben Affleck plays the best friend, Chuckie, a role he plays opposite Matt Damon in real life.
This movie simply goes to prove that if you want a good part, you write it yourself. My advice: Go see it. It deserves the Oscars it was nominated for.