As Good As It Gets: An Unforgettable Comedy

The ironic comedy As Good As It Gets really represents what a comedy should be; although it is not your stereotypical laugh out loud funny, it makes you smile. This show is a great example of how putting totally unrelated people together can create a great story. A sarcastic obsessive-compulsive writer making everyone’s life miserable, a single mother with a very sick child, and a homosexual artist and his dog are all thrown together to make a dysfunctional group that depend on each other.
This story is of a writer, Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson who is cynical of everyone. Being diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Melvin has some strange habits. Also his bitter nature toward everything and everyone makes him a great character to create humor. Simon, played by Greg Kinnear, is an artist and Melvin’s neighbor who owns a small dog. The dog, Verdell, is the object of much of Melvin’s hate. When circumstances arise that place Verdell in Melvin’s care, we see a softer side to Melvin. While all this is happening we see Melvin’s strange ritual of eating at a restaurant every morning, being waited on by Carol Connely (Helen Hunt). Carol, who is a single mother who is trying to make ends meet, is the only one who will put up with Melvin’s nonsense. Even though she is struggling with the health of her sick son, she stays optimistic despite Melvin. When all three crazy characters are thrown together only a great story can take place. The only downside to having such complex characters is that there may be too much going on for this short of a show. Although the intricacy adds depth to the characters.
The best feature of this movie is the actors. With the cast including Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear; how could you go wrong? These three strengthen the story of the movie, by playing their parts so powerfully. Even the minor actors really bring the show to life, such as Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simon’s very outspoken art dealer. Yeardley Smith, who plays Jackie, Simon’s assistant does a great job of not going too far with her character. All of the characters are executed to perfection, with the exception of the smallest of actors who may have ruined their character. One example was a receptionist (Julie Benz) who overacted her part as an almost insane fan of Melvin. Also Carol Connelly’s mother Beverley, played by Shirley Knight, was a little overpowering. For the most part the actors were perfect for their parts.
All in all this movie is a must see for anyone who enjoys a raw comedy with a twist of romance. The epitome of a good comedy, this show is what a story should really be. The growth of the characters throughout the movie is very astonishing and very nice to watch. The story line and actors make this movie unforgettable and surely a favorite for many.