As Good As It Gets

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

What a waste of 2 hours. Don't know how this is rated so high.

Do not pay attention to the part about the "sleazy writer" in the plot description (extremely minor point that he writes soft porn - blink and you miss it) this is a really, really great movie. Excellent music too.

Normally might have dodged a movie with a title like this, fearing it either a chick or feminist flick. Pleasingly this proved neither. As a debut feature directorial and writing effort it's quite a good entry. Joh Kasdan has created several interesting situations peopled by an above average cross section of characters. Many of whom seem like they might owe more than a passing nod to some family life experiences. There are times it seems that at any given moment it could all fall apart but then manages to continue maintaining a strong sense of integrity. Thankfully this isn't just another grotty entry into those trashy youth oriented shows like Porky's or American Pie. The fact that Olympia Dukakis (they don't make names like that anymore) featured high on the cast made me even more curious to see this one.Director Joh may have received some strong guidance from his famous dad (and in this case, exec producer) or else he's a natural. He certainly gets strong assistance from his excellent cast. Adam Brody as Carter, a soft porn script writer who's now looking to redeem many of his worthless life choices, turns in an extraordinarily mature performance and maintains the quality throughout. Meg Ryan manages to be his equal in a difficult role as a neighboring mother with family problems whose just been stricken with a tragic health situation. Kristen Stewart convinces as her self absorbed daughter. The casting in this feature is spot-on. Olympia as Grandma is marvelous. Stephen Trask contributes a thoughtful score, although he has to overcome yet another (now boring) soundtrack filled with pop chart toppers added to pad out several scenes - thus making up the obligatory promo CD. Director of Photography Paul Cameron must have been disappointed with the treatment his lovely film imagery received at the hands of an over-the-top digital colorist - turning what should have been his 'natural' images into near 'fluro' fantasy shots. Why do they do this?. Bring back some natural color grading PLEASE!.Some younger viewers may not be mature enough to appreciate the thoughtful themes within this work and anyone who has been drawn to it by the misleading promo advertising material (IE: the trailer and posters) will be disappointed. Worth staying with for the genuine rewards that add up to a satisfying ending.

at first sight, a romantic film. part of long series about feelings, meetings, root of past and drops of confessions. in fact, a beautiful analysis of desires, expectations, fruits of profound search of happiness. the cast is perfect - fragile Adam Brody , delicate performance , rich in nuances ,of Meg Ryan, Kristen Steward in a nice role and admirable Olympia Dukakis as grandmother, key - character for a movie about vanitas vanitatum.about real things as result of self definition. it is a very special film. nothing new - many dramas are made with same ingredients - but with real touching flavor. subject for reflection , it is image of good, profound work. so, see it !