Armageddon, released in the 1998, mainly based Affleck because the a feasible leading man getting Hollywood facility movies. An effective Will Browse hadn’t yet appeared when you look at the casting process and you may, immediately after Affleck’s screen test, director Michael Bay disregarded him because “a geek”. He had been convinced from the producer Jerry Bruckheimer you to Affleck will be a celebrity, although actor was required to reduce, be tanned, and just have his teeth capped just before shooting began. The movie, in which the guy played opposite Bruce Willis because the a blue-collar driller tasked by the NASA that have ending an enthusiastic asteroid of colliding having World, are a box place of work victory. ” Later for the 1998, Affleck had a supportive role just like the a conceited English star within the that time close funny Shakespeare in love, featuring his then-wife Gwyneth Paltrow. Lael Loewenstein of Variety pointed out that Affleck “do the their absolute best really works, indicating you to definitely funny could be their genuine getting in touch with,” whenever you are Janet Maslin of the Nyc Times located him “very comedy”. Affleck upcoming appeared as the a tiny-area sheriff on the supernatural horror flick Phantoms. Stephen Holden of one’s Ny Moments wondered as to the reasons actors particularly Affleck and you will Peter O’Toole got provided to come in the brand new “junky” film: “Affleck’s thudding results suggests he or she is discovering their talk for the first-time, right from cue notes.”

Affleck up coming featured reverse Courtney Love regarding absolutely nothing-seen ensemble funny 2 hundred Cigarettes (1999)

Affleck and you will Damon had an in-display screen reunion during the Kevin Smith’s spiritual satire Dogma (just after having appeared in Smith’s early in the day video clips, Mallrats and Going after Amy), and this debuted on 1999 Cannes Motion picture Festival. Janet Maslin of Nyc Moments pointed out that the two, to tackle dropped angels, “provide higher, understandable passion in order to Mr. Smith’s smart speak and you may crazy imaginings”. Affleck played opposite Sandra Bullock throughout the intimate comedy Pushes off Characteristics (1999), playing a bridegroom whose tries to can their wedding try tricky because of the his 100 % free-spirited traveling mate. Owen Gleiberman out of Amusement Each week pointed out that Affleck “contains the timely-break charm you want within the good screwball hero,” whenever you are Joe Leydon out of Range applauded “their profitable capability to gamble against their good looks from inside the a beneficial self-effacing comic change”.

Shakespeare crazy obtained seven Academy Honors, along with Best Visualize, as throw acquired the brand new Monitor Stars Guild Award to possess A great Performance of the a tossed

Interested in an excellent directorial industry, Affleck shadowed John Frankenheimer through the pre-creation of the action thriller Reindeer Online game (2000). Frankenheimer, leading his last feature movie, explained Affleck while the that have “an incredibly profitable, hot By ethnicity dating likable top quality in the him. I have been doing this for a long period and you may he’s extremely one of several nicest.” He played contrary Charlize Theron because the a beneficial hardened unlawful, having Elvis Mitchell of one’s New york Times experiencing the unforeseen casting selection: “Affleck tend to implies among the Kennedys to tackle Clark Kent … He appear as if he has got never ever skipped a celebration or an effective night of bed. He’s games, regardless of if, and his moderate dislocation works to the main benefit of Reindeer Video game.” Then he got a supporting role because an excellent high-pressure stockbroker into the brand new offense crisis Boiler Area (2000). A good.O. Scott of New york Minutes considered Affleck had “tracked more” Alec Baldwin’s abilities inside the Glengarry Glen Ross, while you are Peter Rainer of new York Magazine told you the guy “really does a number of riffs into the Baldwin’s aria, and every you’re funnier and crueler compared to next”. Then considering the fresh sound of Jos. In his last flick role out of 2000, Affleck played opposite his partner Paltrow about intimate crisis Bounce. Stephen Holden of one’s Nyc Times recognized this new “slight power and exquisite outline” of his efficiency: “Their portrait regarding an early, sarcastically care about-outlined ‘anybody person’ who’s not half of as pretty sure when he want to seem is almost decisive.”