Review of As Good as It Gets (1997) by Russell G — 06 Jan 2013
Jack Nicholson plays a grumpy, obsessive compulsive, curmudgeon that slings a never ending barrage of insults at anyone he encounters. In some ways most of them are quite mean spirited but somehow Nicholson delivers them in such a way that disarms them and makes it seem like he really means it, but cannot communicate any other way.
The dialogue walks a fine line between humorous and harsh. Nicholson might be the only one who can make this role work by packaging all of this negativity behind facial expressions and sarcastic delivery that soften the blow and may make you smile some.
I liked Nicholson's character and his rocky transformation, but I was annoyed by Helen Hunt and her character, who is unreasonably determined to hate Nicholson's character to his core. Hunt's character is just so bitter, self defeating, and proud that I found her frustrating more than anything.
The unlikely romance of these two strong personalities is more awkward and head scratching than compelling. Greg Kinnear and his dog help the movie out considerably by take some of the focus off of the tense bickering between Hunt and Nicholson and adds some more warmth, sensibility and a little humor.
This review of As Good as It Gets (1997) was written by Russell G on 06 Jan 2013.
As Good as It Gets has generally received very positive reviews.
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