Too many fans seem to be blown away

As Good As It Gets

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

This is a film that is very easy to relate to for somebody who grew up living in a small Australian town. Overall, the film is quite a clever play on a simple story line, and it makes you wonder why this theme wasn't explored or performed years ago. The only character in the film who seems oddly out of place is "Pat" (Ewan Stewart). You have to ask why a former Scottish Football Star would end up running a pub in an out of the way Irish fishing village? Again the character "Pat" provides the only sad note in the film as he splits from his screen wife as a result of his filandering ways. His wife played by Niamh Cussack, plays a lead in the film, but is not without some blame for the split in the marriage. Through the film there is the suggestion of romantic interest in another of the lead characters. Other notable moments in the film that tickled my funny bone are when "Ollie" describes his desire to local Post Mistress to, "take a woman to the celestial heavens and worship her", and those "Church Bells". Overall, I had a really good kack when I saw this film in the cinema. Comedy films aren't generally meant to make you think, they are more meant to entertain. "American Women" or "The Closer You Get" definately entertains. I've certainly seen a lot worse low budget comedies, and for that matter, I've certainly seen some real shockers that have been made on a high budget. The "Closer You Get" is definately good value for money.

It's an interesting premise but the execution is poor. This is a well-made bad film, which is quite frustrating. If I had to single out anything it's the story. Sometimes a very poor predictable plot will be successful (witness the Full Monty from the same producer) but this time it is devoid of charm and flops badly. I don't need formulaic traditional three-act structures but the characters need to be solid and true. The three main relationships at the centre of the film offer conflict but no drama because the characters are under-developed and so their actions are unconvincing.Ideally the accents would be more accessible for an international audience while still being authentic. I say accents but it's really only one actor I had a problem with.There were a couple of laugh out loud moments in the film and it generated a few smiles but I was surprised to see it described as a comedy on IMDB. I honestly don't think it was written as one.I'm afraid I can't think of a single reason to see this film and I've really tried to, honestly.

I liked it...kind of Waking Ned Devine part two..not heavy but worth while if you're into Irish films. The accents are sometimes hard for Americans to understand but not a big problem. Maybe a little predictable but good character developement, and there are some characters!!

I think that this film achieved what it meant to do. It isn't a blockbuster - simply a great laugh, with a slightly far fetched story line and engaging characters.The story is a simple one; the lack of available female companionship for the local lads of a rural Irish village and the twist comes when the ladies in the village add their own "twist" to the tale. The lesson isn't mindblowing ... but its obvious that the love interest both sexes search for is right under their own noses.The comedy is rapid and continuous, not too taxing on the brain. I laughed from soon after the opening sequences finished. Some funny performances to watch out for. Niamh Cusacks performance and her interaction with her daughter, played by Deborah Barnett is touching and both performances are excellent. I think the latter is a local girl and I'm sure she has a future in the business, in fact both children in the film have natural talent.I laughed, I enjoyed myself and I didnt take it seriously. Go see.