As Good As It Gets (James L. Brooks, 1997)

Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt bagged the Best Actor & Actress Oscars for this romcom, in which Jack gets to essay an OCD variant of his lovable misanthrope staple. He comes into the same restaurant to sit in the same seat every day, to be waited on by her only, and you know that her irritation with his foibles will be worn down by the end. This is either gratingly formulaic or like a cosy pair of slippers, depending on your personal tastes, and the addition of Greg Kinnear's gay artist neighbour as a third wheel doesn't change the quirky-but-sweet pattern. Still, there are some cute moments to be had along the way, and Nicholson is always good value, even if he is just very much in his comfort zone.

6/10