As Good As It Gets (1997) [Movie Review]

Jack Nicholson stars as Melvin, a writer who suffers from both misanthropy and OCD. The two coupled together makes him an unlikable grouch, whom most people don't like. Our other two main characters are Carol, played by Helen Hunt, and Simon, played by Greg Kinnear. Carol is a single mother with a child who is very ill, and is the only waitress that can put up with Melvin's attitude at the only restaurant Melvin will eat at. Simon is a homosexual artist, and owns a dog that Melvin hates. One day, Simon is assaulted, and Melvin is forced to take the dog. This one event changes everything for Melvin, as he tries to better himself by helping Carol's son and helping Simon get back on his feet.

Throughout the film, one doesn't really know how to feel about Melvin. He is an ass, but does having a medical condition really make up for that? Anyway, having a main character that isn't exactly loved is a great change of pace. As Good As It Gets is one of the few romance films made that isn't super cheesy and predictable. Given that Melvin has the mental issues, you never can guess what he's going to do, or say, next! It just kind of happens, and the film flows perfectly with Nicholson taking charge. This is a highly recommended film.

Rating: 8/10

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Discussion topic: Does being diagnosed with mental issues, like Melvin has, make it acceptable to be rude to everyone?