Is this as good as it gets? (As Good As It Gets (DVD))

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	As Good As It Gets (DVD)
Date:	13/11/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: funny

Disadvantages: long

There seem to be a whole bunch of films with an aging Jack Nicholson falling in love in them don't there? They can actually be pretty easy to confuse, but let me tell you which one this is.

As Good As It Gets is a comedy from 1997 about a single mother, an eccentric author and a gay artist who all make friends.

This is the first film I ever saw that showed me what it was like to be Obsessive Compulsive, and as a character study the movie is enthralling. Nicholson does a great job as Melvin, the grumpy OCD writer who is forced out of his comfort zone when he has to look after his neighbour's dog. It's a credit to Nicholson when you can credit a whole film to him - in many ways the rest of the cast aren't important, as you just enjoy this film watching the infuriating character of Melvin work his way around.

Not so successful is Helen Hunt, an actress I have never really been able to get into. There's something odd about her, and I never quite trust her in a film, as indeed I didn't in this.

The plot is funny, heart-warming and original, offering plenty of laughs along the way to enjoyment. It's actually one of those films that prety much anyone can enjoy, and doesn't limit itself to one single audience.

At 139 minutes this is a LONG film, and for a comedy it does feel like it overdoes it by 40 or 50 minutes, but fans of Nicholson will be able to forgive that I am sure.

All in all, a nice comedy with a great leading role, but boy is it long.

Summary: do it