Pure dead brilliant!

Rating: Null/10 (1 August 2003)

As someone who always hated Jack Nicholson (despite my grudging admiration for his great talent), I refused to even acknowledge that this film existed, never mind watch it. How things have changed! I have now watched it five times in a row. In fact, I think you can't appreciate this movie until you have watched it over and over.
I cannot fault one scene, one actor, one line or one piece of photography. How sad am I???
Helen Hunt is a pure joy to look at, her facial expressions say much more than words can ever do. Jack Nicholson is his usual brilliant performing self in a role which I suspect gets near to his own character. Greg Kinnear as 'Simon the Fag' is wonderful and Cuba thingy shows all his talent in the little cameo appearances he gives in the film.
The dog of course (Fridell? Frodel?? whatever) which starts off being a strange unattractive being turns into a star - any creature who can make Jack Nicholson say "awww" in a mushy tone must deserve an Oscar.
All the stars deserve an Oscar. Watch it again all you people who disparage the film. You must catch every line, every nuance, every glance in order to appreciate this wonderful, feel good film. And if you think I must be one of those slushy sentimental women who love a good weep, then think again. Mr. Udal has nothing on me when it comes to sentimentality!