Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jack Nicholson | ... | Melvin Udall | |
Helen Hunt | ... | Carol Connelly | |
Greg Kinnear | ... | Simon Bishop | |
Cuba Gooding Jr. | ... | Frank Sachs | |
Skeet Ulrich | ... | Vincent | |
Shirley Knight | ... | Beverly | |
Yeardley Smith | ... | Jackie | |
Lupe Ontiveros | ... | Nora | |
Jill the Dog | ... | Verdell (as Jill) | |
![]() |
Timer the Dog | ... | Supporting Dog (as Timer) |
![]() |
Billy the Dog | ... | Supporting Dog (as Billy) |
Bibi Osterwald | ... | Neighbor Woman | |
![]() |
Ross Bleckner | ... | Carl |
Bernadette Balagtas | ... | Caterer | |
Jaffe Cohen | ... | Partygoer |
New York City. Melvin Udall, a cranky, bigoted, obsessive-compulsive writer, finds his life turned upside down when neighboring gay artist Simon is hospitalized and his dog is entrusted to Melvin. In addition, Carol, the only waitress who will tolerate him, must leave work to care for her sick son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast. Written by Jon Reeves <jreeves@imdb.com>
As Good As It Gets is one of those incredibly moving films that is also hugely entertaining. It's not just a comedy, you can't quite label it a drama piece, it just is what it is; simply great.
What works here so well are the actors and the script. Nicholson and Hunt both won Oscars and they're simply great but Kinnear is no less effective as Nicholson gay neighbour. Plus that dog is amazing as well. This film really relies on great performances and there's no shortage of that here.
As Good As It Gets is also remarkably well written. So well defined characters and completely involving, you quite simply grow to love them and sympathize with their plight. Nicholson's remarks are terrific, each one very quotable (personal fav; I think of a man and I take away reason and accountability).
Direction is first rate, Brooks made Terms of Endearment so it's well established that he's quite capable of making great films. As Good As It Gets is very nearly as good it gets.