Nicholson at his best; an all-around great movie

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2000)

The first time I saw this movie, I found it to be pretty entertaining, but nothing too great...a little over-hyped, but still worth the one watch.
When later I gave it a second watch on a boring day, I fell in love with this movie. Nicholson's character, Melvin Udall, is easily one of the best, most complex, and funniest characters in movie history. Jack has to be given a ton of credit for acting this part, because few actors could pull it off.
Helen Hunt was very deserving of her Oscar as well...as others have noted, she was so good that she didn't even seem like she was acting. The chemistry between Hunt and Nicholson was amazing, and without both of them in this movie, it wouldn't have been nearly as good.
Rounding out the main threesome of the movie is Greg Kinnear, who also does an excellent job in playing the gay neighbor. He is great in the role of Melvin's victim, and shows a lot of acting diversity throughout the movie.
As far as the story goes...the only complaint I see is that the romance is too unbelievable. It isn't particularly believable, but I think what saved that is the fact that...
***SPOILER ALERT*** Melvin and Carol didn't get married or anything like that in the end. The guy kisses the girl in the end, and that's as far as it goes. They didn't bring it to some unrealistic level that's beyond the realm of possibility. As it stands, I don't think the romance of the movie is any less realistic than the character of Melvin Udall himself. ***SPOILER END***
Overall, I wouldn't change this movie at all. Great characters, great acting, great story...don't take it too seriously, just enjoy it for the light-hearted script that it is, and you'll come out liking this movie.