As Good as It Gets

A misanthropic author, a single mother and waitress, and a gay artist form an unlikely friendship after the artist is assaulted in a robbery.

Most critics responded warmly to Nicholson's performance and Brooks's sharp dialogue, but a notable minority felt the film ultimately retreats into sentimental formula rather than fully committing to its darker, pricklier material. The split was less about quality than about whether the romantic-comedy resolution felt earned or like a soft landing.