As Good as It Gets (1997) - Full Reaction
Added 2023-07-24 19:26:18 +0000 UTC
Well this was so unexpected! I was speechless and it took me a while to process how I felt about it all. How could it be so cringe and charming at the same time?! Both of their acting was top notch, and Greg Kinnear!! I wanted to keep watching these characters as long as they would let me. Hope you enjoy!
Sorry this was delayed! Still in Canada and my parents have some pretty slow internet, so the upload/download times are super long!
Direct link in case the above player doesn't work.
Find your own copy to follow a long with.
Download this full reaction.
Another great Jack Nicholson is THE BUCKET LIST w Morgan Freeman!! Such a great movie!!! 🍿
Carol Rocha
2024-04-09 23:27:27 +0000 UTC
after watching a couple of your reactions of some other jack nicholson movies, I wanted you to watch this film to rehabilitate his image. I am so glad you watched it. I also wanted to see your reaction to this movie because it had themes that were in your wheel house, even thought it is not a straight forward rom-com. Great reaction. "about schmidt" is another good movie with jack playing "not a bad guy". X)
Giao
2023-08-03 04:56:12 +0000 UTC
My problem with this film is they do such a good job of making Nicholson such an unlikeable POS that I never quite forgive him when he becomes 'good'. It's bittersweet with too much bitter and not enough sweet (imo). I do like it but the tonal whiplash can be to its detriment.
Odd Thomas
2023-08-01 16:49:34 +0000 UTC
So true!! Gotta open your mind just like Cassie does with these movies she watches.
brooke atkins
2023-07-31 21:16:42 +0000 UTC
First, it was a fly in an earlier reaction. Now it was a moth. I hope a flying cockroach isn't on the horizon. lol Wonderful reaction, Cassie.
Damon
2023-07-30 12:10:23 +0000 UTC
First it was a fly in another reaction. Now a moth. I hope a flying cockroach isn't next! lol
Damon
2023-07-30 12:07:12 +0000 UTC
Love this Film, from the first time I saw it as a Kid. It certainly helped shape the way I feel about Movies. This and Steel Magnolias (1989) show how you can perfectly blend Comedy & Drama, and portray a world that seems More Realistic, than any straight drama. I don't think anyone does this better than James L. Brooks, Writer, Director & Producer of As Good as it Gets.
Cassie knows James L. Brooks from...
Big (1988)... Produced by
Say Anything (1989)... Executive Produced by
Jerry Maguire (1996)... Produced by
The Simpsons (34 Seasons)... Creator & Executive Producer (right?)
Recommendations:
Terms of Endearment (1983)... Writer, Director & Producer
Broadcast News (1987)... Writer, Director & Producer
Spanglish (2004)... Writer, Director & Producer (if Letterboxd is mistaken)
For Jack Nicholson of course:
The Last Detail (1973)
Goin' South (1978)
------------------------------
Writer, Director & Producer Cameo Alert from As Good as it Gets:
Lawrence Kasdan, who played Dr. Green, Melvin's psychiatrist...
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)... Written by
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)... Written by
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)... Written by
The Bodyguard (1992)... Writer & Producer
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)... Writer & Co-Producer
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)... Writer & Executive Producer
Recommendations:
Body Heat (1981)... Writer & Director
Continental Divide (1981)... Written by
The Big Chill (1983)... Writer, Director & Producer
Silverado (1985)... Writer, Director & Producer
Grand Canyon (1991)... Writer, Director & Producer
Wyatt Earp (1994)... Writer, Director & Producer
Harold Ramis, who played Dr. Bettes, Spencer's doctor...
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)... Directed by
Ghostbusters (1984)... Writer & Actor
Groundhog Day (1993)... Writer, Director & Producer
Bedazzled (2000)... Writer, Director & Producer
Year One (2009)... Writer, Director & Co-Producer
Recommendations:
National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)... Written by
Meatballs (1979)... Written by
Caddyshack (1980)... Writer & Director
Stripes (1981)... Writer & Actor
Back to School (1986)... Writer & Executive Producer
Shane Black, who played the Cafe manager, who finally kicked Melvin out....
Lethal Weapon (1987)... Written by
Predator (1987)... Actor (Hawkins)
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)... Story by
Iron Man 3 (2013)... Writer & Director
The Nice Guys (2016)... Writer & Director
Recommendations:
The Monster Squad (1987)... Written by
The Last Boy Scout (1991)... Writer & Executive Producer
Last Action Hero (1993)... Written by
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)... Writer & Producer
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)... Writer & Director
(-: Sorry for the Long Post. It happens sometimes. Here's Van Morrison to make up for it. :-)
Days Like This - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UUWkr4FUlo
Larry Darrell
2023-07-29 21:15:32 +0000 UTC
Wood Harris, who played Julius in Remember the Titans and “Little Duke” Burton in the Creed films, was the Bus Boy who gave Melvin Carol’s last name.
Larry Darrell
2023-07-29 19:15:55 +0000 UTC
Taub and Cuddy! I watched this a kid when my parents rented it and never knew it was them til I rewatched it!
LuMarq
2023-07-27 04:08:53 +0000 UTC
This is a perfect example of a movie that wouldn’t get made today. Melvin would be deemed to problematic by miles, which, of course, misses the point entirely.
Mr Trick
2023-07-27 02:12:00 +0000 UTC
It is a romantic comedy. It just comes from a time when filmmakers were able to take more chances on unconventional characters and story lines. It makes very little sense to be too restrictive on what can fit into the romantic comedy genre when virtually every other genre has a wide range of possibilities (drama, action, thriller, horror, comedy). Making one character extremely rude in any other genre would not force it in or out of those genres, so it shouldn't here.
Thoko
2023-07-26 07:37:38 +0000 UTC
One of my favorite movies. Quirky, funny, uniquely charming, and not PC by today’s standards. May I suggest as Cassie’s next popcorn pick of the month the movie called “The Age of Adaline”. It’s an underrated little gem of a movie. The best way I think I can describe it as a romance science-fiction drama. It doesn’t disappoint.
Anthony Oberhauser
2023-07-26 04:05:49 +0000 UTC
you're making me want to watch this... I am recalling the painfully hot water... and other scenes 🙂
Em McG
2023-07-26 03:18:10 +0000 UTC
Your pick of the month should be Valley Of The Dolls this a cult classic. A lot of people myself included think Sharon Tate would have won an Oscar if she had lived for her role as Jennifer.
Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)
2023-07-25 19:40:29 +0000 UTC
Ok less scared of Jack and his eyebrows now? Man that was so much fun I was lol'ing along with you so many times, I wish I kept notes lol. Like Carly has movie amnesia, I think I have watch along amnesia. So many moments that got you laughing I wanted to mention, but once the movie is over, blank. Some awesome lines in that movie. You were bang on with the Gran Torino comparison. I've come to love movies like that. It's like a magic trick. The film makers show you a character that is just horrible and somehow, someway get you to like them by the end of it. I have a few I would mention but then it would give the character arc away. Also "chap stick..." reminded me of The Mothman Prophecies. I think it would be good for a scary, but not too scary Halloween movie.
Erik Daniel
2023-07-25 19:13:25 +0000 UTC
I have a hard time describing this movie in any way other than "its a good movie." I don't think theres much chance on things working out between Carol and Melvin, he's getting better sure but he has a very long way to go. And with her son I don't think she has room in her life for all the crazy Melvin brings. I actually find Melvin and Simon's growing friendship to be the best part of the movie. Again- good movie.
My_Cousin_Mose
2023-07-25 18:22:30 +0000 UTC
I love this movie, and loved your reaction to it. My Spanish tutor made me watch it a few years ago (she has the same breed of dog, so it's on her list). For some reason I had it in my head that it had a bad ending (I expected a death)from the previous time I'd watched, so was pleasantly surprised.
AdrianF
2023-07-25 17:02:08 +0000 UTC
How do you know it's not your cup of tea, if you've not actually seen it? If I had a nickel for every movie that wasn't my cup of tea, that I ended up enjoying, well I'd have at least a couple more dollars in my pocket ;)
David Collins
2023-07-25 13:35:58 +0000 UTC
This would have been interesting concept for a show.
Ike
2023-07-25 11:34:48 +0000 UTC
It’s so brutal, lol
Ike
2023-07-25 11:31:04 +0000 UTC
Cassie, I love that you’re sort of pulling for Melvin to be better throughout the whole story. It says something about you and it’s great! Don’t ever change.
This is a favorite of mine - watching it with you, I realize it isn’t a romantic-comedy. No romance. It’s not quite a love story either because Carol and Melvin struggle to just “LIKE” each other. Seriously, what is it? Melvin needs Carol, that’s clear. Simon has gotten tougher knowing Melvin and Carol. Well, Carol… I don’t know - does she need anyone besides Spence and her mother? I’ll edit this if I figure it out, I’m going to watch it again. Loved this reaction, thanks!
Ike
2023-07-25 11:29:54 +0000 UTC
Mr. Ghostbuster himself Harold Ramis makes an appearance as the loveable Doctor who helps the little boy. I'm sure that breed of dog was in huge demand after this movie. I remembered halfway through watching this that Jack Nicholson and Cuba Gooding Jr also were in A Few Good Men together. I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but As Good as it Gets, I believe, was already in Cassie's Letterboxd as a movie she's already seen. Gives me hope after some speculation that she really hasn't seen Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby yet. That should be the next movie sports movie on Cassie's list if she hasn't.
Shawn Kildal
2023-07-25 07:12:32 +0000 UTC
There you go Cassie, just goes to show you that Jack Nicolson can do a charming roll and not spooky all the time lol🤣 I know of this movie, but I've never seen it, honestly and no offence, it's not my cup of tea, but I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it! I actually remember seeing the Oscars back in 1997 when this came out, I was only 9 at the time lol, and I remember seeing Helen Hunt winning her Oscar for best actress on TV, that was something lol! Personally, my favorite roll of Jack Nicolson's is the Joker in Batman '89, I just love how he can play a character so creepy that it gives you goosebumps, he does it so naturally, I love it, but that's just me lol! Glad to hear you liked this movie, can't wait for what else is next to come! Love and support, safe travels back home, hope the family reunion went well, you (and Carly) are the best, and as always [snaps fingers & winks] stay classy Cassie🥰😁😉👍🌹
Wesley White
2023-07-25 07:03:21 +0000 UTC
"As Good as it Gets" makes you realize just how good a movie can get
Kevin Kuma
2023-07-25 07:01:12 +0000 UTC
I find it delightful when our host is pondering where a movie or character is headed. There's far too many where that's somewhat predictable.
Bert Towle
2023-07-25 06:29:02 +0000 UTC
One aspect of OCD can sometimes be an inability to shut off your inner monologue. Those intrusive thoughts we all have from time to time, the ones we’d never admit to having. In some cases, people with OCD can’t help but share those thoughts out loud. They don’t do it out of meanness.
Brian Lowery
2023-07-25 06:00:11 +0000 UTC
I really hope you give Nobody’s Fool a view. It has Paul Newman, Bruce Willis, and Melanie Griffith. It’s such a sweet story. Also try The Straight Story with Richard Farnsworth.
Brian Lowery
2023-07-25 05:57:12 +0000 UTC
Very charming reaction Cassie!
I know your experience up to this point with Jack Nicholson has made it difficult for you to see him as the leading man in a romantic comedy. I think if someone else was playing Melvin, you would have probably been cheering for Melvin and Carol to get together. To be honest, I felt that a little myself.
But I also believe that no one could have played Melvin as well as Jack did. And he won me over ultimately. So much so, I was happy Melvin and Carol are gonna give it a go.
I almost forgot how great all three main actors were. All three of them were nominated for Academy Awards for their roles in this movie. With Helen and Jack winning Best Actor and Actress. Well deserved.
Great movie! Great reaction Cassie! Thanks for picking it! Looking forward to next month’s pick!
Robert da Spruce
2023-07-25 05:31:59 +0000 UTC
I kept getting distracted by the moth flying around. At first I I thought a fly was flying by in front of my screen. But after rewinding it was in her bedroom.
Mario Ramirez
2023-07-25 05:06:53 +0000 UTC
i dont think i ever laughed so hard listening to Cassie think Jack was going to be a sweet grandpa in this movie in her intro
Jason Dolan
2023-07-25 04:24:59 +0000 UTC
Love this movie, it was one of my mum's favourites. The first time I watched it was when she lent me her dvd. I love the arch of Jack Nicolson's character. Near the end when he says " I tell you, buddy... I'd be the luckiest guy alive if that did it for me" gets me every single time! It's like his heart grew three sizes. ❤️
Luke Godfrey
2023-07-25 02:33:14 +0000 UTC
Thanks for taking me back to this movie. I forgot how good this movie was. I had not seen this movie since it came out. Great, great reaction. I need to revisit this movie more often. Thank you for taking me back to a bunch of great movies from the 80s and 90s that I grew up on and pretty much forgot about them until you reminded me. Cassie you are the greatest.
Rick Williams
2023-07-25 02:03:13 +0000 UTC
I loved loved loved this movie and Cassie's reaction to it. I knew it would be a rollercoaster with the way his story arc goes. Great reaction Cassie and fantastic Pick of the month!
Andrew Rose
2023-07-25 01:54:20 +0000 UTC
One surprise while rewatching this movie for the first time since 1997 is all the actors in small roles whom I recognize now from other things, but wouldn't have recognized at all back then: the two doctors from House at the restaurant, and Darla from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (didn't see till the 2000s) as the publisher's receptionist. It's always interesting seeing familiar faces unexpectedly pop up in early roles.
Ghostwriter
2023-07-25 01:50:16 +0000 UTC
This movie reminds me of that Bill Burr joke, “In one week I went from “Forget this dog” to “OMG in about fifteen years this dog is going to die, and idk if I am going to be able to emotionally deal with it.”
Uncle Phoenix
2023-07-25 01:29:31 +0000 UTC
I think Cassie would like that one.
Uncle Phoenix
2023-07-25 01:26:33 +0000 UTC
That moth was so big, it looked like it had a saddle on it.
Uncle Phoenix
2023-07-25 01:24:51 +0000 UTC
Yeardley Smith is Lisa Simpson, not Marge.
Kevin Charley
2023-07-25 01:22:32 +0000 UTC
Popcorn Pick - and in the end Cassie said... "I don't know..."
Terry Yelmene
2023-07-25 01:09:01 +0000 UTC
James L. Brooks who directed it helped create The Simpsons. In fact "Jackie" is the voice of Lisa Simpson. This is one of my favorite movies. Your reaction to this was absolute gold Cassie. Absolutely what I expected so many cringe moments but some big heartwarming moments too. The dog in this movie was the greatest. I loved the dog. So unbelievably cute. Jack Nicholson's best movie although Chinatown is really close. Jack Nicholson was a big fan of Sharon Tate. They hung out a lot right before she died because he was hanging out with her husband.
Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)
2023-07-25 00:25:35 +0000 UTC
OK, let's stop blaming the slow internet on mom and dad. 😉 Also, loved your headress. Kind of a winged hussar vibe. Great movie,and a great reaction. Thanks Cassie. Next month's pick..... A Fish Called Wanda. Another comedy rom-com with a great cast.
Bill Hayden
2023-07-25 00:13:19 +0000 UTC
One of my all time favorites
rtt143
2023-07-24 23:50:29 +0000 UTC
They both won best actress and actor that year, can’t wait to watch along tonight ( Hawaii Time) 😬
rtt143
2023-07-24 23:49:01 +0000 UTC
Another great reaction Cassy & even though Jack Nicholson one of my favourite actors I was a little surprised just how much I liked it.
A few other Nicholson films I think you would like are The Bucket List, Something's Gotta Give, How Do You Know and Anger Management. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is also an incredible movie but it can be a bit heavy in places.
Also we have had some incredible battles in cinema history just like,
Rocky Vs Drago
Luke Vs Vader
McClane Vs Gruber
Shaun Vs The Zombies
Now we’ve had Cassy Vs The Moth. Sorry just joking but I hope you’re have a great time visiting your family.
Dean Holt
2023-07-24 23:10:35 +0000 UTC
This is one of the best character driven movies I know of. I love it very much. If you were to hold a gun to my head and told me to name another movie that feels that way... "Scent of a woman". A third? Maybe, but I cant remember right now.
Dioskur
2023-07-24 22:31:50 +0000 UTC
I think it was I was tired of Jack, I stopped liking his persona in real life and it trickled into his movies for me too.
zynjams
2023-07-24 22:18:03 +0000 UTC
I highly recommend something’s gotta give with jack Nicholson. Such a great and charming movie.
Michael Lynch
2023-07-24 22:17:03 +0000 UTC
I think everyone on Earth should watch Defending Your Life.
Kevin Charley
2023-07-24 22:15:42 +0000 UTC
What? This movie is great. So heartwarming and funny. Some great lines as well.
Michael Lynch
2023-07-24 22:15:13 +0000 UTC
I wouldn't go so far and say no more action movies. But I am greatly enjoying this week. Variety. An action sci-fi, a drama, and here a rom com (a rom dramedy?). Variety is what we need.
Mike LL
2023-07-24 22:15:12 +0000 UTC
I always thought that this would've been a great idea for TV show or sitcom. All the characters were just so fun and quirky in their own way.
Everyday situations with Melvin and Simon as roommates and Verdell. Throw in Carol, Frank, Jackie and everyone else here and there. I can see the potential. 😁
Zane From Canada
2023-07-24 22:14:50 +0000 UTC
Thank you. I agree. No more action movies.
Doug R
2023-07-24 22:11:43 +0000 UTC
If you want to see more Greg Kinner PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch Little Miss Sunshine. Guaranteed to be a Cassie favorite.
Doug R
2023-07-24 22:10:40 +0000 UTC
One of my favorite movies! I enjoyed that reaction. I enjoyed the moth. :)
Philip Alan
2023-07-24 22:08:58 +0000 UTC
I think that this is my new all time favorite reaction video. Such a great movie. So many wonderful little moments in it. It was so awesome seeing Cassie’s cascade of reactions just flowing around the main character. For instance at the beginning of the movie, I don’t know who was more afraid of Jack’s character Cassie or Verdell the dog. So many great performances in this movie. I really liked Harold Ramis and Lawrence Kasden as Dr Bettis and Dr Green. (BTW. Lawrence Kasden directed one of my favorite Kevin Costner and Danny Glover movies, “Silverado” (1985)).
Uncle Phoenix
2023-07-24 22:01:24 +0000 UTC
For me this is a much welcome respite from all the action movies. I want more like this!
Mike LL
2023-07-24 21:58:44 +0000 UTC
Wow, what a reaction. This movie puts the capital Q in Quirky.
Cassie you have gotten to be quite the sophisticated movie viewer. You are totally keyed into how they construct movies. You don't take characters on face value anymore, and you know it is all about the journey they take characters on and the character arc. How Tom Cruise changed in Rain Man, and how Jack Nicholson changed in this movie.
Mike LL
2023-07-24 21:56:06 +0000 UTC
I'd forgotten how much I love this movie.
Daryl
2023-07-24 21:52:33 +0000 UTC
Brace for Cukoo's
GomezAddams
2023-07-24 21:31:05 +0000 UTC
Laughing at the whiplash from Cassie's intro, where she's looking forward to seeing Jack playing a nice guy for a change, to her face as she watches him chuck a dog down a garbage chute!
Henry Graham
2023-07-24 21:30:52 +0000 UTC
Great movie. Also you and Sheeba will like Mr. Holland's Opus
GomezAddams
2023-07-24 21:30:19 +0000 UTC
"I think that people that talk in metaphors oughta shampoo my..."
Steve Mercier
2023-07-24 21:26:14 +0000 UTC
Wow, cringe is right, who is picking your movies lately.. pass
zynjams
2023-07-24 21:08:01 +0000 UTC
I'm going to watch the reaction right now, it's one of my favorite movies! I love this movie.
Grégory Gautier
2023-07-24 20:35:43 +0000 UTC
" You make me want to be a better man." Well deserved Oscars for Jack and Helen Hunt and you're right...Greg Kinnear was terrific as well.
Robin Craft
2023-07-24 20:34:11 +0000 UTC
With coaxing from someone else, went to see this in the theater back in 1997…and let’s just say I’ve never had a single reason to regret it; think I misunderstood though: was this not a rewatch? Had you really never seen it before? If not I guess that makes sense cause in a prior watch (think it was A Few Good Men) you asked: “Has Jack Nicholson ever played a likable character?” Though let’s get real, Melvin Udall isn’t exactly pleasant throughout the entire ordeal 😂 FYI: Nicholson and Hunt won Oscars for their roles, Kinnear was nominated but lost to Robin Williams who took it for Good Will Hunting
JL_83
2023-07-24 20:31:32 +0000 UTC
She has seen Cuckoo's Nest, but I will definitely advocate for Chinatown.
Bill Hayden
2023-07-24 20:28:58 +0000 UTC
I second DEFENDING YOUR LIFE. More Albert Brooks is always a good thing.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-07-24 19:48:53 +0000 UTC
Like a lot of James L. Brooks "dramedies" (BROADCAST NEWS, SPANGLISH, TERMS OF ENDEARMENT, etc), I always liked this movie. Thought it was smart, cute, funny, charming, poignant and sweet. Has a terrific cast, all giving great performances (Nicholson shines in a very different role than he normally plays, deservedly winning his third Oscar for it) and speaking as someone whose wife has OCD, I appreciate that this was one of the first major movies to raise awareness of it (this was before even the TV show MONK started). Glad to hear that you enjoyed this. I figured you would. Looking forward to watching this reaction.
Stick Figure Studios
2023-07-24 19:47:18 +0000 UTC
"How do you write women so well?"
"I think of a man and I take away reason and accountability."
That line always makes me laughs. 🤣 I believe it's a direct quote from writer John Updike.
Zane From Canada
2023-07-24 19:37:42 +0000 UTC
Pleasant surprise! There are a few rom com type movies I liked before I started watching these reactions (you honestly got me into more rom cons I probably wouldn't have watched otherwise), this is one of them, love this movie, another is a rare one, a personal favorite, "Defending Your Life", written, directed, and starring Albert Brooks, with Meryl Streep and Rip Torn. I think you'd like it.
Joe D. MacGuffinstuff
2023-07-24 19:31:05 +0000 UTC
I love this movie. Beautifully written, definite flawed characters, but the relationships that build are great. The chat between Carol and her mom when she’s writing the Thank You note breaks my heart.
Ricardo Alanis
2023-07-24 19:30:04 +0000 UTC
time for ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST and CHINATOWN
Matt Rose
2023-07-24 19:28:53 +0000 UTC
Next Jack Nicholson - Terms of Endearment?
Nathan Jasper, the Artist Formerly Known as Primary
2023-07-24 19:27:22 +0000 UTC