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As Good As It Gets Customer Reviews (10 - 12 of 68 Reviews)

As Good as It Gets
A movie really couldn't have better casting and better acting. My only complaint is that the writer didn't know much about eating Maryland crabs. You don't dress and go to a dining room; you go to a crab house or a waterfront restaurant, and you order them by the size and by the dozen.

Feel Good Comedy with a Difference
This rather offbeat but "feel good" comedy is one I can watch over and over. It has so many wonderful scenes both moving and hilarious. The performances are immaculate, including those of the supporting cast (and the cute little 'four legged one' is undoubtably one of the stars). This would have to be my favourite Jack Nicholson role so far. The role of the obsessive, compulsive and offensive though humourously sardonic 'Melvin Udall', is taylor made for him and his "sell crazy someplace else" speech is a classic. Helen Hunt gives such a warm, convincing performance as 'Carole', a lonely, struggling waitress and single mum with a heart of gold, but toughened edge. She is just so natural in the role. The chemistry would not be complete without 'Greg Kinnear', who is gently lovable and worthy of empathy, as the Mr Udall's bullied gay neighbour 'Simon', a sensitive artist, coming to terms with life's cruel blows. His portrayal of a gay man is not stereotyped or caricatured as often is the case. And finally, Cuba Gooding -Junior, equally hilarious in his moments of confrontation with 'Mr Udall'. 'Frank', his 'art dealer' character, is such an amusing contradiction of street-smart tough controlled rage, caring new age sensitivity and snappily dressed black 'coolness'. Melvin also, has some very interesting contradictory aspects to his character, for all his aject racism, sexism, homophobia and general insensitivity, he makes a comfortable living as, of all things, a romance novelist! He is also clearly well educated and plays the piano beautifully. Along with the unusual blend of very contrasting characters, what adds to this movie's winning formula is the very original script and story line. In this age of smultzy, ever so predictable romantic comedies this film was a welcome breath of fresh air.
The most truthful aspect of the film which resonates with me, is that kindness is often found where you least expect it and from the most unlikely people. Even if the motivations aren't entirely pure, true goodness ultimately lies in our actions towards each other and the ability to help and make a difference in other peoples lives in a way which really counts. The line where Melvin askes Simon , who is at his lowest point recovering from his brutal attack, "What happened to your queer party friends?", may be cutting and offensive, but it speaks volumes in its bluntness. Those who are nicest and most charming to your face are not necessarily the ones who will assist you when the chips are down.
Melvin is a Psychiatrist's dream (or nightmare) which ever way you see it, though it's not hard to recognize from the outset that his bark is a lot worse than his bite; his tactless, rude behaviour obviously a defense measure to keep the world at a distance. Nicholson brings such a roundedness to this role, allowing the audience to both sympathize and warm to a character who otherwise may just appear creepy and mean. One of the most poignant moments of the film, where we really gain insight into Melvin's sad and islolated loneliness, is in his initial reaction to returning Simon's little dog 'Verdell'.A companion he has reluctantly grown fond of and attached to over the course, despite being forced into taking care of him. Mr Udall is clearly so afraid of letting anything or anyone into his controlled existence and obsessive organized pattern, for fear of getting hurt and disappointed, but we also see that his attachment to Verdell had become the only ray of light in a fairly dark existence.
Through the course of the film the unlikely characters are thrown together not so much by choice, as by their own pressing life circumstances and personal needs, and each in their own way acts as the catalyst in transforming the others life. There is no neatly packaged hollywood theme or preachy moral message here. The beauty of the story is the very real and often comical way the characters interact and gradually develop more understanding relationships and friendships with each other; indirectly also helping one another through their own frustrated dilemmas. The developing romance between the far younger and more attractive Carole and with Melvin, may be a bit uncomfortable and difficult for the audience to swallow, but it is handled realistically in the way Carole grapples uneasily with her attraction to him and wearily keeps the possibility of a future with him at a distance. Maybe they'll make a go of things maybe they won't. The ending, like real life, affords us no definate resolve. But there is an uplifting hopefullness in their coming together that they may at least find a fullfillment in their relationship, that was so previously lacking in their otherwise dull lives.
As 'Good As It Gets' is an extremely well acted, written and directed film. Every piece of this unlikely comedy romance, fits together beautifully like a well thought out piece of craftmanship. Its true strength lies in its originality and a cast of characters who are very memorable and touching in their own way ; as well in the way they are played by the actors with true and believable conviction.

Hey Jack, stick to your Laker games you overactor.....
One word, poopy. Boring, stupid, unreal, and totally hog wash. Hey Kinear, quit acting, and hang yourself you blow. The Love Boat had better actors.

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