AS GOOD AS IT GETS

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
AUGUST 3, 2013

Anything with Jack Nicholson is bound 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 no filter, and takes the role to an entirely new, iconic level. Nicholson is always fierce 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 regular plateaued performances and give real, believable arcs to these characters, drawing you into the story and reflecting the changes 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.