Rating: 
Summary: An smart charming comedy.
Review: When a nasty obessive-compulsive writer (Jack Nicholson in a Oscar Winning Performance) and he lacks emotional, feeling and love until he meets an attractive Waitress (Helen Hunt in a Oscar Winning Performance) changes his life slowly with the help of his gay Neighbor (Greg Kinner in a Oscar Nominated Role) and also his adorably ugly dog.Directed by James L. Brooks (Co-Creator of The Simpsons) brings a smart entertaining comedy about Changing and Falling in Love for the first time. This is Nicholson's Third Winning Role. This was also One of the Biggest Box Office Hits of 1997. This film is a fine surprisngly well made dramatic comedy. Grade:A-.
Rating: 
Summary: Implausibility ruined it for me
Review: I'd heard lots of good things about this movie before I saw it, but I was disappointed because I never believed the romantic chemistry between the two leads. The whole idea that Helen Hunt's character, a tough-minded single mom and waitress, would fall for Jack Nicholson's vitriolic author thirty years her elder really stretches the bounds of believeability. Maybe hooking up with a wealthy but pathetic and lonely old man would be in the short-term interest of her sickly son, but there's no other visible reason for her to be interested in him. The movie tries to give her the motivation of redeeming him when he wows her with "You make me want to be a better man", but it seems contrived that she would even bother with this jerk who has been bitter and rude to people for longer than she has been alive.
I know the age difference is supposed to be secondary to the idea that these are two lost souls who might be able to lean on each other; maybe I would have believed the romance if Helen Hunt's character would have been developed more fully. On the other hand, Nicholson's obsessive-compulsive Archie-Bunker-esque character was the most entertaining part of the movie for me. Sure, you know he's going to get his comeuppance at some point, and show that he's got a heart of gold underneath, but he was so unlikeable, I had to like him. Some of these other reviewers are claiming that it's no big deal for Nicholson to play this part, since it's just like his real life persona, but even if this is true I still think it takes some guts to portray a racist, sexist, homophobic freakazoid, and talent to make the character waver between knee-jerk rudeness and lonely humanity.
Rating: 
Summary: Great movie
Review: The first time I saw this movie I had no idea what to expect. Jack Nicholson is one of the most hostile people you might ever have the displeasure of meeting. His ability to instantly insult everyone he meets is amazing! Yet, as the movie develops, and we get to find out what's behind all this, and the characters develop, and Jack Nicholson's character finds himself inexplicably being nice to people a great story develops. I've now seen the movie several times and enjoy it every single time.
Rating:
Summary: Why This Is My Favorite Movie As Of Late
Review: This really is as good as it gets when it comes to romantic comedy! While this movie may fall into the "sappy" category for true film aficionados, it manages to mix wry humor and legitimate drama with enough sentimentality to satisfy even the weepiest movie-goers. Unlike other films of its genre, As Good As It Gets has a point - a not-so-trite main idea that is simple yet profound. The fine characterization accomplished by the writers and a superb cast (Helen Hunt; Jack Nicholson, who admittedly does not stray far from his usual character; Greg Kinnear, whose work in a supporting role underscores the film's thematic content; and Cuba Gooding, Jr.)supports the theme that threads its way throughout the plot. Simon (Kinnear), the gay next-door-neighbor artist, articulates the idea in a considerably early portion of the film: "Have you ever looked at somebody who doesn't know they're being watched?...This flash comes over them...it's nothing external, because that hasn't changed. If you look at someone long enough, you discover their humanity."
This film is comforting to some because it glorifies the individual; it illuminates the humanity, and, ultimately, the beauty of everyday characters. (While the obssessive-compulsive romance writer may not be the most typical personality, many people can probably identify with individual crises, big and small, of Carol and Simon.) In the final scene, Melvin (Nicholson) gives a reminder of Simon's earlier reflections after singing the praises of Carol the waitress (Hunt): "I might be the only one who sees that you're the most wonderful woman in the world." It becomes clear that Melvin loves Carol for, above all, her humanity. The significant age gap between the two main characters seems to be bridged by this understanding.
Still wary of AGAIG because of its romanticomedy label? Fear not. Despite its pathos, it at least offers a few laughs and a generally pessimistic protagonist to amuse the cynics.
Rating:
Summary: Nicholson At His Best
Review: If you've never seen a Jack Nicholson film, or have been repulsed by some of his previous flicks, GO SEE THIS FILM!!! It is a cinema classic. Helen Hunt is so sincere, hard, and cute...in this film that reminds me of a Spielberg classic. It tugs at the strings of your heart.
Rating: 
Summary: Huh?
Review: Am I the only person who thought this movie (was terrible)???? Granted, Helen Hunt makes my teeth itch, so I'll admit to a bit of bias. But, really... a lot of hype over nothing. I couldn't believe when they gave her an Oscar for this (...). Jack Nicholson was good, of course - he always is. But overall I found this movie to be trite and overdone. Bleh.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best romantic comedies of the 90s!
Review: Not often is a romantic comedy so good that it attracts a huge audience of both women and men, but also walks away with a handful of academy awards. "As Good As It Gets," starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt in the roles that won them academy awards, is a bittersweet comedy that is both moving and very heartfelt. Nicholson plays Melvin Udall, an obsessive-compulsive novelist living in a richly furnished Manhattan apartment. His fellow neighbors know him most for having a mean mouth and really getting on their bad sides. Something must break Melvin of his obsessive-compulsive habits and his mean attitude toward others. That is where Helen Hunt's Carol Connelly comes in. Carol is a waitress living with her mom and sick son, Spencer. She also happens to be Melvin's favorite waitress. Melvin gets up every morning, goes to breakfast, and orders the same exact, cholesterol-filled meal from Carol. He even brings his own plastic silverware to eat with. One day, Carol doesn't show up to work, and Melvin throws a fit because something has changed in his everyday routine. He isn't going to be served by the SAME waitress. Melvin ends up getting thrown out for causing a scene. Desperate for Carol to return to work, Melvin decides to have his publisher's husband, who is a real, caring doctor, go over to Carol's apartment to help control her son's asthma problems. He even asks to be billed for all medical visits. Is Melvin, say, changing for the better? Anyone can guess what will happen throughout the rest of this film. Mark Andrus and James L. Brooks bring us a screenplay so rich, humorous, and touching in all aspects. Brooks, who also directed, is well known for portraying all aspects of life in his works including love, relationships of all kinds, sorrow, humor, joy, and happiness etc. Think back to "Terms of Endearment," which Brooks also wrote and directed. Both Nicholson and Hunt shine in their respective roles. Nicholson sure knows how to pick the not-so-nice characters to play in films. One thing that is remarkably true is that he plays these characters very well. Once again, think back to "Terms of Endearment" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," that won him a Best Supporting Oscar and Best Actor Oscar, respectively. This film has definitely propelled Helen Hunt into a full-fledged movie star. Her portrayal of Carol is excellent. Greg Kinnear also stars as Melvin's gay neighbor, Simon Bishop, which also earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Also starring is Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simon's good friend, and Shirley Knight as Carol's mother. This film will definitely be placed in the ranks with "Annie Hall" and "Sleepless in Seattle." When it comes to romantic comedies that appeal to all, perhaps, this is as good as it gets. Overall Grade: A
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant performances
Review: A great movie that's not afraid to show the dark side of people. Honest, daring, endearing. Jack Nicholson is wonderful! I even like Helen Hunt in this, though I'm generally not a fan of hers.
Rating:
Summary: TRULY AS GOOD AS IT GETS!
Review: I saw this movie initially in the theatre, then twice on TV. I'd be watching something else and casually switch over to As Good As It Gets and find myself getting hooked again. I finally gave in and bought it. This movie transcends the implausibility of a Helen Hunt/Jack Nicholson love match by way of a superb script and charismatic cast. Jack Nicholson is, well, Jack Nicholson - wry, humorous, so skillful that we forget he's acting, and oh, those legendary eyebrows! Helen Hunt turns in a touching, multi-layered performance as the waitress who's unlucky in love and, it seems, in many other areas as well.
Remember the restaurant scene?. He insults her dress, she insists on a compliment to repair the damage, he says 'my doctor says I can take a pill to help me (with my neurosis), only I hate pills. A few days ago I started taking the pills...' She says 'I don't get it, how is that a compliment for me?' He pauses and replies, 'You make me want to be a better man.' Many expressions play across Hunt's face during the entire sequence: from anger, disappointment and confusion to a romantic softness.Wow, what a scene! The rest of the cast is equally good, especially Cuba Gooding -is there any part this guy can't pull off convincingly - and the gifted Greg Kinnear. This movie is already considered a classic and is a must have for your film library.
Rating:
Summary: Everyones favourite!
Review: This film is the film that will unite everyone.I truly believe that whatever genre of film you prefer, this one, everyone will love.
I have to admit that jack Nicholson,is most certainly not on my top ten list of actors,however he succeeds here.
Playing a lonely man with ocd(obsessive compulsive disorder),Melvin Udall is,well basically he is a pain in the a**,he throws neighbours dogs down rubbish shoots,demands requirements to be met and is viscious to unsuspecting people.
Throughout the film,we see the metamorphosis of randall,he looks after his neighbours dog(neighbour played by greg kinnear,terrific perfomance as a gay artist whose life goes down the drain).he also realises his feelings for a waitress(played by helen hunt)and then proceeds forth in trying to pursue her.
This film falls into so many categorys,drama,comedy,and romance.
you owe it to yourself to watch this film.I promise you,you will love it.
|
