As Good as It Gets
1997, Lgbtq+/Comedy, 2h 18m
79 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
James L. Brooks and Jack Nicholson, doing what they do best, combine smart dialogue and flawless acting to squeeze fresh entertainment value out of the romantic-comedy genre. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is an obsessive-compulsive writer of romantic fiction who's rude to everyone he meets, including his gay neighbor Simon (Greg Kinnear), but when he has to look after Simon's dog, he begins to soften and, if still not completely over his problems, finds he can conduct a relationship with the only waitress (Helen Hunt) at the local diner who'll serve him.
Cast & Crew
Jack Nicholson
Melvin Udall
Melvin Udall
Helen Hunt
Carol Connelly
Carol Connelly
Greg Kinnear
Simon Bishop
Simon Bishop
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Frank Sachs
Frank Sachs
Skeet Ulrich
Vincent Lopiano
Vincent Lopiano
Shirley Knight
Beverly Connelly
Beverly Connelly
Critic Reviews for As Good as It Gets
Audience Reviews for As Good as It Gets
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Mar 26, 2016A funny, quotable and immensely entertaining film, As Good As it Gets brings one of Jack Nickelson's best performances and surrounds him with a stellar supporting cast. Not your standard romantic-comedy, that's for sure.Matthew M Super Reviewer
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Aug 02, 2013Anything with Jack Nicholson is destined to be enjoyable, but in "As Good As It Gets" he extends beyond simply embodying his character, Melvin, a short-tempered and socially inept author with zero filter, and takes the role to an entirely new, iconic level. Nicholson is always gruff and intimidating, but tossing on an OCD, anti-social demeanor to his character takes this romantic comedy to Oscar caliber territory. Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear both reach beyond their normal plateaued performances and give true, believable arcs to these characters, drawing you into the story and reflecting the changes that are happening within Melvin. Although too often delving into that sappy word of melodramatic, romantic blase, "As Good As It Gets" projects a veteran star in an impeccable role that proves he still has so much to offer regardless of age.Christopher H Super Reviewer
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Jul 10, 2013Forgive the pun, but "As Good As It Gets" is just about as good (and as unusual) as romantic comedies get. Jack Nicholson (who never seems to give a bad performance) is in his best shape as Melvin Udall, a rude but well-meaning sourpuss with an obssessive-compulsive disorder that takes some getting used to. Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear are also both excellent in their roles and the screenplay by Mark Andrus and James L. Brooks is smart, original and amiable. It's a special, lovable movie.Stephen E Super Reviewer
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Mar 10, 2013As Good as it Gets revolves around three individuals in Manhattan. Melvin (played by Jack Nicholson) a writer who suffers from OCD and puts on an ugly attitude in the morning. Carol (played by Helen Hunt) a Manhattan waitress who has an ill son and has her mother living with her. And Simon (played by Kinnear, who you might know from television) who is a gay painter who has recently been robbed and beaten. Evidently enough they all come together, in none other than a road trip. This is the main problem of this film, it's all so obvious. Just from the opening fifteen minutes and the poster I knew where this was heading. Nicholson and Hunt won Oscars for there performance, and as expected they do there jobs well. The screenplay has plenty of good quotes that are shot at you one after another. I still had many questions about Melvin after this was done though. Was he always like this, is Carol his first love, why does he have a need to act mean? None of these are answered, and while I understand why many find this touching, I didn't get enough out of it. I'm sure romance fans are on there knees when they watch this, but it felt predictable for me.Daniel D Super Reviewer
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