What if this is as good as it gets?

Rating: 9/10 (12 May 2008)

'What if this is as good as it gets?' So asks Melvin Udall, a selfish, rude, and very OCD romance novel author. He spends his day doing exactly as he pleases, not caring in the least about others feelings or opinions. Except for maybe Carol Connelly, the waitress at the diner he attends every morning.
Wonderfully realized and perfectly acted characters are the basis of 'As Good as it Gets', a brilliant and heartwarming comedy. Jack Nicholson captures the character of Melvin both hilariously and heartbreakingly, often at the same time. Helen Hunt masterfully relates the many different layers of Carol, giving one of the most realistic performances I think I've ever seen on screen. And then there's Greg Kinnear, in one of his best roles, as Melvin's gay neighbor who becomes his friend. The only person I didn't care for was Cuba Gooding Jr. His overacting felt out of place and annoying amongst these other masters at work.
'As Good as it Gets' is all too often pushed aside as just a silly romantic comedy, but it's so much more. Melvin and Carol relate to each other in a moving and amazing way. He is selfish and rude, so much that she can scarcely stand to be around him for an entire evening. Yet in the same moments they are clearly soul mates intended only for one another. She is the only one who can put up with him, and he sees in her a beauty that words can't really describe. There are moments when you'll love Melvin and see the wonderful human being inside-yet seconds later he'll destroy that feeling by his stinging words. Yet Carol can put up with him. Carol can forgive him. Carol can love him.
Much like their relationship the movie is hard to describe in words. See the movie. You'll understand a little better then. All I can say is that if this IS as good as it gets, then I'm happy. An hilarious and heartwarming film. 8/10 stars!
Jay Addison