Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: James L. Brooks, TriStar Pictures, PG 129 Minutes.
Legendary actor Jack Nicolson has done it again through his academy winning performance in the 1997 romantic comedy ‘As good as it gets’ directed by James Brooks (‘Broadcast News’) with his perfectly-pitched portrayal of Melvin Udall a manic-compulsive author.
Characteristically Melvin spends most of his time in his apartment writing books unless bothered by Verdell the small terrier dog belonging to gay artistic painter Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear – ‘The Gift’) living on the same floor.
Melvin’s normal routine is going out each morning to the nearby café for breakfast where he insists on sitting at a particular table-displeasing some customers-and being served by Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt – ‘Twister’) his customary waitress.
One day when Carol doesn’t show to serve him breakfast Melvin goes to considerable lengths to find the reason learning that she has taken her son Spencer (Jesse James-‘Blow’) to the hospital’s emergency department; she soon discovers that Melvin has arranged for Doctor Bettes (Harold Ramis – ‘Ghostbuster’) to treat him as well as paid his bill.
Although grateful to Melvin for his generosity Carol tells him in a surprising evening encounter that she will not be repaying him with any sexual favours which leaves him flabbergasted.
Sometime later Simon is attacked in his apartment and ends up in hospital leaving his friend Frank (Cuba Gooding – ‘Jerry Maguire’) to ask Melvin to mind Verdell only to find the dog taking an actual liking to him.
Following his discharge a depressed Simon finds his painting exhibition has failed and needing funds is obliged to seek help from his parents in Baltimore forcing Frank to persuade Melvin to drive Simon-once Melvin has convinced Carol to come.
On their arrival and after a disagreement with Melvin at a restaurant Carol returns to their hotel before catching-up with Simon prior to posing naked for him which completely shocks Melvin on entering the room.
Eventually when all three return to New York Simon has overcome his depression despite losing his apartment but is offered Melvin’s spare bedroom at the same time encouraging Melvin to continue to pursue Carol.
Much of Brooks’ entertaining movie is about human relationships revolving around the three main characters in particular the consequences arising from the mishaps that befall both Carol and Simon whose personal problems Melvin does his best to solve.
Of course the major highlights of Brooks’ motion picture are the enjoyable performances of the threesome particularly the personal chemistry between Nicolson and Hunt that results in Oscars being awarded to both for Best Actor and Best Actress
As Good As It Gets is televised on Channel 7flix 8.30PM on Friday 4 September.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
