One of those times when truth-in-advertisting works to the consumer's advantage, "As Good As It Gets" actually lives up to its title. It's probably the best-written, best-acted and funniest American film released this year.
The comedy is also a resounding return to form for writer/director James Brooks, who needed something to wipe out the bad taste left by 1994's "I'll Do Anything." In some ways, this one is as hilarious as "Broadcast News" and as touching as "Terms of Endearment."
Of course, it should also be noted that, despite its PG-13 rating, "As Good As It Gets" is very profane and vulgar in places — so much so, in fact, that it's a wonder it didn't receive an R.
And as funny as the whole thing is, it still wouldn't work without Nicholson, probably the only actor on the face of the planet who could make the prickly character of Melvin Udall seem remotely likable.
As played by Nicholson, Melvin is an acid-tongued, reclusive romance novelist who delights in tormenting his neighbors. He's also an obsessive-compulsive who avoids cracks in the sidewalks and sits down at his favorite diner every morning for the same artery-clogging breakfast.
But two things disrupt Melvin's customary routine — an attack on neighboring gay artist Simon Nye (Greg Kinnear) and the mysterious disappearance of his favorite waitress, Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), the only cafe employee who can handle his tantrums.
As a result of the former, Melvin gets a new roommate, Simon's tiny, hideous dog Verdell. To his surprise, he begins to enjoy the pooch's company, and misses it when he has to return Verdell to Simon. Melvin also strikes up an odd sort of friendship with the now down-on-his-luck painter, who had been his favorite target of derision.
At the same time, Melvin has also begun to have feelings for Carol, who's been at home with her sickly son. When he is asked to accompany Simon on a trip to reunite the artist with his estranged parents, Melvin asks Carol to come along.
It doesn't take a genius to guess where things go from there, but Brooks does a superb job of throwing in a few more twists and turns than you'd expect. And the situations and dialogue are hilarious, if mean-spirited at times.
Nearly all of the stars are as good as the material. Nicholson invests Melvin with so much depth and emotion that the character actually works. And Kinnear's co-starring work here is much more subtle than you might think. (He also does a fabulous Nicholson impression that has to be seen to to be believed.)
That leaves Hunt as the odd person out. Her character is supposed to be an unglamorous, blue-collar waitress, but she is too young and attractive for the role. However, her feistiness is almost a match for the Nicholson character's barbs.
"As Good As It Gets" is rated PG-13 for some very strong profanities, vulgar gags and references, nudity, violence and use of some racial epithets.