Review of As Good as It Gets (1997) by Matt P — 03 Mar 2011

Jack Nicholson stars in what is probably his best performance since "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." His sarcasm and dead pan sense of humor are what make this movie what it is. This was a very well done movie, one of the best of 1997.

It wouldn't have been as good though without the supporting performances of Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear. As a stressed housewife, a gay neighbor, and a reclusive writer, the three balance off each other's style and the result is hilarious.

There are however some sad and very emotionally dramatic parts in this movie. I guess that's why it's considered a 'dramedy.' For example, Kinnear's often subtle and sadistically funny breakdown scenes can tend to hit you emotionally, along with Hunt's.

One scene she storms out of a restaurant due to a sarcastic wise crack comment by Nicholson. Her character's life is hard enough, and overall quite compelling in the end when you find out what was keeping the two "love-birds" apart.

This was simply well-written so that we could see all sides of these delightful and fun characters. And again, the actors portraying them couldnâ(TM)t have been any better. The dialogue is fast, sharp and punchy, fresh and never tiring.

The direction may seem a little romanticized at times(such as 80's like slow pan ins of characters at the weirdest moments), but than again, so does the story. The story IS random though, so be prepared for anything.

Don't expect any initial synopsis to pick up within the first few minutes, it doesn't. It's simply now one of those films. Sit back and watch Nicholson take on the role of Melvin and laugh at his little idiosyncrasies such as bringing plastic silverware to a restaurant table.

The film is simply a great movie, a joy to watch. And easy watch at that, when you have such talented actors to bring an original screenplay to life.