Truly Dreadful Film

As Good As It Gets

The acting in this movie is really good.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I should remember because I've seen it more than once. Own the DVD. Anyway, it's an exemplary indie/art film. Julianne's funny as a not-getting-any-younger rock star (who brought to my mind, at least, Chrissie H). Coogan remarkable in a dramatic role (Who knew he could even do that?) And that youngish Swedish former vampire in maybe his best role so far. I usually don't like movies that are from a child's point of view. But this is great because you can just tell everyone involved knew what they were doing and wanted it to be .... special. A smart movie about a girl.

Another title might have been "All Maisie Ever Knew". There is something wrong with this story, which is that although characters in other films are generally unreal, these people are even less real than usual. The good guys are unbelievably good. It is true that the girl does have a fit of self-pity at one point, but she soon says she's sorry, and the camera adores her, especially when she's walking away.The toy boy bartender does show a little bit of spirit when he stumbles upon his highly improbable temporary rock-queen wife in the street, but it's minimal and he's soon back to his bowed but lovable angelic self.Maisie's parents are definitely extremely irritating and annoying, but their obscenity-ridden slanging match early on seems somehow fake, and we never really know what it was about. Presumably that was because it was shown, like everything else, from Maisie's limited point of view. Hidden from Maisie and the rest of us is the wider picture. In the end this is aggravating. Who is paying for everything ? Whose is the seaside house the goodies decamp to, and where they have fun on the beach ? Were we told ? Did I miss something ?Then there's Maisie herself. She's incredibly sweet and charming, long- suffering and docile. She's often shown being put to bed, or asleep, and sometimes she's not well. Wasn't she ever naughty? Did she never have a tantrum ? I'm not denying the film isn't moving and affecting, but I understand why it didn't sell well. It must have lacked word-of-mouth recommendation. Now that I've seen it, it's saved struggling through Henry James's convoluted prose, but I can't help feeling there must have been more depth to his novel.

Excellent modernization of the Henry James novel of 1897 by the same title. Julianne Moore delivers her usual spot-on narcissist. Steve Coogan does same with equal aplomb. Alexander Skarsgard is excellent as Lincoln. He plays to Onata Aprile's remarkably authentic acting naturally. I was amazed. Joanna Vanderham as Margo is good, but less convincing as kid-loving governess and stepmother. The fact that James' work translates so well into the upper class of this time is stunning. Child as trophy, as projection screen, as puppet. The basic assertion of the story is simple. A child will recognize love and gravitate to it, despite the conventions of society or manipulation of dysfunctional birth parents. This story reflect James' insights into human nature, which were partially enlightened by his brilliant brother, William, who was one of the first scientific physician-psychologists in the U.S.. I highly recommend this film.

The film is not so much about a bitter custody battle, but more about parenting (and step-parenting). Does good parenting mean buying gifts, toys, various gadgets and fighting for custody no matter what? Many people struggle to find a balance between career and family. For some people careers are of utmost importance - that's their #1 passion. For most people their family is what it's all about. And there are also people who are still lost no matter the age- insecure and dysfunctional. The film is about how challenging it is to be around such people, especially if you have to depend on them. THE NEGATIVE of this film is unfortunate use of animal. Animals are not toys. They are living, breathing creatures who feel affection, pain and fear just like we do. It simply does not make any sense to use and promote use of baby animals in a film about responsibility towards kids.