"As Good As It Gets" was for me, as good as a romantic comedy can get. I actually saw this film for the first time at a late show, soon after it opened at one forty five in the morning. I almost didn't go but in the end I was really glad I did go. Because "As Good As It Gets" is a finely crafted character piece that is fun, inviting and just a fine film to watch.

“As Good As It Gets” opens with a wonderful, light hearted theme music that creates a sense that this film is an inviting Broadway play. The music takes me back and reminds me of films like “West Side Story,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Singing in the Rain.” Happy, inviting and wonderful.

In English class, many are taught about how important the opening pages of a story can be. Many may have been taught that so much about what the novel is about and how its characters fit into the story can be easily found in the opening pages. And the same holds true for “As Good As It Gets.” Immediately we are introduced to Jack Nicholson’s character, Melvin Udall. But it is through how the world reacts to Udall that we learn the most about who he maybe.

It’s hilariously revealed through some nice but short character sketches, through the reactions of an old lady whose day is ruined by the very sight of Melvin. This scene with the old lady is very short at less than a minute, but her actions speak very loudly as to the kind of character Melvin maybe. A scene between Melvin and his neighbor, Greg Kinnear’s character Simon, a gay artist who is planning a reception with his agent, Cuba Gooding Jr. It’s interesting to see the argument between these three men, and how Cuba’s threat to Melvin foreshadows the events to come. It’s ironic that he says “I could beat you senseless,” as a beating will be exactly what brings them altogether. Don’t miss the beginning of “As Good As It Gets” or you’ll miss some wonderful character insights that create some wonderful exposition of things to come.

Melvin’s early scenes show just how sharp and cruel he can be. It sets up Melvin’s obsessive compulsive disorder, through his actions of how he locks the door, washes his hands and walks down the street. And within the first ten minutes we learn that he is a successful romance novelist. Somewhat contradictory is his personality and his profession, but writers James Brooks and Mark Andrus have created a very interesting character in Melvin Udall, one that develops a wonderful love-hate relationship between Melvin and the audience. It’s great.

Soon after we are introduced to Helen Hunt, in a character that seems right out of a Broadway play, as a wise-cracking but honest and caring waitress. But what is great about this film is we are shown these things, through their actions and how they speak and react to each other. We learn about the characters through what they do – it’s not forced or fake in anyway. Their actions and reactions invite the audience into the film. The characters and the story easily develops into giving the audience a solid emotional stake in the film that pays off.

The performances in “As Good As It Gets” are nicely textured. The chemistry between the actors is great and their situations are realistic. Hunt and Nicholson are wonderful opposites that eventually attract through random acts of kindness. In fact, Melvin Udall slowly goes from obsessive-compulsive grouch to a respectable and even lovable old guy by the end of the film. And it's an easy going transition that is thoroughly believable and enjoyable.

My one qualm about the movie is that Simon should have gotten money from the guy who drove the fancy car and had gotten him the models that ripped him off. The film was originally going to be called “Old Friends,” which would have suited me fine, for by the end of the film you really get the sense that these are a bunch of great, old friends. Overall, “As Good As It Gets” is endearing, romantic, funny and dramatic. It’s a great movie, one of 1997's best films.

Grade: A

(Originally reviewed on December 30, 1997)




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older