James Brooks, 1997 (9*)
Superb acting makes this romantic comedy one of the best of the genre. Oscar-winner Jack Nicholson plays a near-psycho eccentric romance novelist, who avoids cracks religiously with his feet but apparently not in his head. He’ll only eat at one restaurant, and patient waitress Helen Hunt is the only one who will wait on him, so they sorta have an oddball connection. Meanwhile, Jack’s gay neighbor, Greg Kennear in a terrific Oscar-nominated performance, is beaten by robbers and Jack has to take care of Kennear’s dog (great dog acting too!), forming an instant bond, which leads to a friendship with Kennear in return. The best thing about this film is the script, which shows character growth, a willingness to change, and unusual bonds formed by those in need. Director James Brooks (creator of tv's Taxi, The Simpsons) always makes good films (such as Terms of Endearment, this could be his best. Should have won Best Picture but came out the year of Titanic. Three Oscars