Review of As Good as It Gets (1997) by Innita M — 24 May 2010
It took some time before I have completely connected with the film, the characters, and its message. But the last half of the film or so is one of the best displays of love, friendship and inspiration combined, highlighted by the road trip, one of the common staples of sentimental cinema that still does not fail to produce emotions from viewers(e.
G. Rain Man, Sideways). Jack Nicholson's Melvin Udall, more of his personality than a performance, succeeded in portraying an OC man with a penchant for compulsive insults, with great compassion and a kind heart locked-up beyond his vulgar exterior.
Helen Hunt was the devoted mother that puts the emotionally impenetrable Udall into a trance of love. But although Nicholson and Hunt won the Academy Awards, it was Greg Kinnear's brilliant turn as a homosexual artist that has stole the show for me.
His simple yet penetrating portrayal of sadness and frustration and hope and inspirations was very affecting with the slightest of gestures. Some people may say that all of Melvin Udall's wisecracking love quotes for the purpose of flattery and compliment can all just be summarized by a simple utterance of "I Love You", but "As Good as It Gets" begs to differ.
It is strongly opinionated that these touches the heart more.
This review of As Good as It Gets (1997) was written by Innita M on 24 May 2010.
As Good as It Gets has generally received very positive reviews.
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