Actually quite good!

Rating: 7/10 (29 February 2012)

'AS GOOD AS IT GETS' focuses on Nicholson's character Melvin, telling the story of how he copes with having an obsessive compulsive disorder, which is evidently destructive on the lives of those who surround him. Exhausting ritualistic patterns such as washing his hands in boiling water, forbidding anyone to physically touch him, are among just a few of his alienating habits. Aside from apparent intimacy issues, he is also a confrontational homophobic--suffice it to say that he doesn't appreciate living next door to Simon (played by Greg Kinnear) who is a gay artist. Upon following events, Melvin aspires to win the affections of Carol (played by Helen Hunt) who is a compassionate yet lonely waitress. Hesitantly she opens up her heart to him and discovers that beyond his appalling behaviour, is a man who is capable of demonstrating huge acts of kindness, who has sincere feelings for her.
Despite having an emotional undercurrent the film should definitely be stamped as being in the comedy genre; there are many instances of notably hilarious material, in this positively shining script, especially in the classic scene, where Simon confronts Melvin, about throwing his beloved dog down a garbage shoot. Expect to be surprised by this film; the rarity of the magnificent script, combining with the multitude of talent in the cast, makes it magnetically engaging from start to finish.