TriStar Pictures, Rated PG-13
Directed by James L. Brooks
Written by Mark Andrus and James L. Brooks

From all that I had heard, I really thought that I would enjoy "As Good as it Gets". The cast seemed excellent: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, and Cuba Gooding, Jr., who I really liked in "Jerry Maguire". The story had a lot of potential as well: Nicholson plays Melvin Udall, one of the many grouches from New York City, except that he supposedly can't help how he acts because he has obsessive-compulsive disorder. His only joy in life is going to the same diner every day being served by the same waitress, Carol (Hunt). He also hates his neighbor Simon (Kinnear). Later (for no apparent reason) he softens up and becomes "likable". He becomes a nice man to Carol and Simon. But this film seems to think that you can buy friendship. Thirdly, I love James L. Brooks' work. All the elements for a great film are here, but it never seems to get off the ground, despite excellent performances by almost of the actors, especially Hunt. The ending seems rushed and the only other redeeming quality is the smart dialogue. It's a real shame because this movie could have done so much, but came out with so little. ** 1/2