title is suitable to this charmer

Rating: Null/10 (28 February 2002)

Heartwarming comedy-drama about a misanthropic, obsessive-compulsive writer and his dedication to his work as he's slowly drawn into the lives of the people he can't live with or without. An admirable affection for his favorite waitress (Hunt), his unorthodox, like-hate relationship with his gay neighbor (Kinnear), an unexpected and unlikely bond with his neighbor's little dog; all of these things and more accompany him on his tumultuous, funny, and emotional journey as he slowly but surely discovers his own humanity. The story is simple, but it's believable, well-performed by all those involved, and holds you from start to finish. A real treat. ***