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As Good as it Gets DVD Review by Yanman |
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In the opening scene when Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) throws his helpless (and cute) co-star dog down the garbage chute you think that he is just a mean, rude, unlikable and just plain nasty recluse New York author. After his homosexual artist neighbor Simon (Greg Kinnear) confronts Melvin for accosting his precious dog Verdell, we realize that Melvin may have a mental problem or two. Later in the film we find out, from Melvin's psychiatrist, that he suffers from an obsessive-compulsive disorder. This disorder is the centerpiece of the film and is used to elicit many emotions from the viewers, from anger to humor, from hating him or feeling sorry for him to just plain loving him. Nowhere does this mix of emotions show more than when Melvin goes to eat at his favorite Manhattan café, this is the location where we are introduced to the only person that can put up with his twisted personality "Carol the waitress". Carol (Helen Hunt) has a tuff life, not only does she have to put up with Melvin's perverse comments at work, but she get little to no sleep at night because of her son's asthma and other illnesses. When Simon has to go to the hospital for a few weeks due to a serious beating at the hands of some NY's lowest criminals, Melvin is reluctantly convinced to dog sit Verdell by Simon's manager/lover Frank (Cuba Gooding Jr.). At first the dog appears to be in a state of shock at who he was left with, and rightfully so based on past experience. Due partially to Melvin's choice of the dog's diet (bacon and roast beef), and more because he actually begins to love this dog (how could you not?), the two become the closest of friends. The scene where the dog starts to pick up on his new master's strange habit of walking on the sidewalk without stepping on the cracks is classic. Our star hits an all time low when the dog returns to his rightful owner Simon. Melvin panics, and finds himself at his psychiatrist's office. The psychiatrist refuses to help him without an appointment though, leaving Melvin in depressed state and very much alone. So it's off to "his table", at "his café", so he can be served by "his waitress" Carol. Upon arriving at his favorite eating spot he is told that Carol was not at work that day. After getting in a fight with the substitute waitress (whom he wants nothing to do with) and the manger of the restaurant, he is promptly ejected. After tracking Carol to her Brooklyn apartment, and finding out that Carol's absence is due to Spencer's (her son) chronic sickness, Melvin is once again opens his mouth and is thrown out. While Melvin is attempting to get at cab back to the city, Carol realizes that Spencer has a high enough fever to warrant a visit to the emergency room. Sharing a cab with Carol and the boy, Melvin realizes that if he wants "his waitress" back (and a chance with a woman he's beginning to care for) he'll have to provide some relief for this distressed family. So with all the humanity he can muster, and the power of an author with 62 successful novels, Melvin solicits and pays for his publisher's husband / doctor to cure the ailing boy. Although Carol appreciates this unsolicited act of kindness, like most people would, she wonders what Udall expects in return. After laying down the ground rules in the middle of the night, Carol agrees to accompany Melvin and Simon on a road trip. This road leads to love and laughter in a romantic comedy that's a must see. This DVD is as good visually, as the story is the colors are bright and clean. This disc shows that DVD is not just a medium for action movies, but can lend its high quality video magic to all movies action, comedy and love story alike. The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound track won't wow you with its deep lows or with the way it fills the room with special effects sounds. What the sound track does do is portray the real world the way we really hear it, from all sides. Check out the sounds of the restaurant and the New York street scenes to hear what others may be missing. The real highlight of this disc is the on the commentary track. Here you'll get to watch the movie while listening to director James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News), and part of the cast including Oscar winners Jack Nicholson, and Helen Hunt. Of particular interest is the discussion between James and Jack during the credits. Although both men admit to having DVD players, it seems that Jack feels that our favorite format might be the death of cinema, as we know it. An interesting opinion, but not one that this reviewer shares. If you love a good romantic comedy, than lock the door five times, wash your hands twice, and don't step on any cracks as you put this one in the player. This movie is just, simply put, "as good as it gets".
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This movie is just, simply put, "as good as it gets"
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