Jack Nicholson steals the show

Rating: 7/10 (23 July 2005)

Brilliant comedy-drama with amazing performances by Jack Nicholson, Greg Kinnear and Helen Hunt. Jack Nicholson plays Melvin, a obsessive-compulsive writer who just can't stand his gay neighbour and all his "queer-friends" (as he likes to call them). Furthermore he hates his neighbour's little dog, who likes to p*ss all over the hallway. Then there's Carol, one of the waitress at the restaurant where Melvin is a regular customer. Due to his obsessive-compulsive condition, Melvin likes to be served by the same waitress. But because Carol's son is very ill, she quits her job at the restaurant (for a while). At least, that was the plan...
So far the story of "As Good As It Gets". The acting is without any doubt very subtle and wonderful. Jack Nicholson is brilliant. He's wonderful in every scene he's in, as well as Greg Kinnear. Helen Hunt was very good as well, but I'd rather liked Helena Bonham Carter to win the Academy Award. I'm a huge fan of her, but of course these are just some personal reasons. Hunt gave an outstanding performance. Although I was very surprised with Cuba Gooding Jr.'s performance in "Jerry Maguire", I had the impression that he was overacting a little at the beginning of "As Good As It Gets"...
Furthermore I can tell you that there are many beautiful and funny scenes in this movie. For example the scene where Melvin is playing the piano and singing "Always look at the bright sight of life"! You should just see his face when he's singing! Brilliant! There's also the scene where Helen Hunt forces Jack Nicholson to give her a compliment. After a while Melvin finally says that line that is one of the most touching lines I've ever heard in a movie: "You make me want to be a better man." Truly an amazing movie!
9/10