Humanity in New York

Rating: 7/10 (28 August 2008)

Humanity in New York. Who would have thought! Such is the focus however, of James L. Brooks' new feature "As Good as it Gets" (co-scripted with story writer Mark Andrus).
The plot involves three very ordinary people who are fighting the battle, against the world and themselves (mostly the latter), to get through a day at a time. Brooks and Andrus bring the three characters together, meticulously and lovingly moulding them into real people. It is this intricate, involved writing that makes the film so easy to relate to.
Breathing wonderful life into these players are Jack Nicholson, in a typically superb, larger than life characterisation that is sure to win him a swag of awards; Helen Hunt, who probably looked to this role as her big chance to be taken seriously (and on this strong showing I think it's high time we did); and Greg Kinnear, whose own emotionally charged performance is a strong point of the film. Excellent in support are Shirley Knight as Hunt's incredibly dedicated mom and Cuba Gooding Jr as Kinnear's equally committed art dealer, Frank. Look out too for a pint-sized scene-stealer named "Verdell".
Brooks ties it all up as only he can, presenting with characters that, though ranging from mildly irritating to severely annoying, you won't be able to resist.
Saturday, March 7, 1998 - Waverley Pinewood Cinema