As Good As It Gets

As Good As It Gets [**** ]

This film constantly teeters on the brink of gross sentimentality, and
yet manages to not only come out unscathed but well and truly on top.
And the most amazing aspect of this achievement (to me at least) is
Jack Nicholson. I know a lot of people like Jack and think he does some
amazing work, but I don't think he's done anything new since THE
SHINING. I don't know what happened out there in the snow, but he's
been playing the same part ever since. Until now that is. I admit,
there's still an awful lot of Jack! still in there, but it's mixed with
this confused, almost childlike creature that doesn't understand
exactly why everyone dislikes him. There were even times that I
actually believed in his vulnerability (why are you laughing?). I
actually believed in his vulnerability!

Is Helen Hunt ill? She looked strange, too thin and slightly jaundiced.
And she looked worn, her soul stretched tight as though she was trying
to live through multiple lifetimes in a single second. It has occurred
to me that this could just be Very good acting, but if so, why didn't
she take the mask off for the Oscars?

Anyway, very good film despite big eyed dogs and sickly children.