Incredibly funny and sad.

Nicholson and Bates deliver with excellent performances. Nicholson's facial control and steadfast delivery reign supreme. Bates' outrageous but deeply suburban character is almost flawless.

Stanley Kauffmann's positive review is permissable, as he is a big Nicholson fan. Me too. But this movie ultimately fails. I have no idea what it is trying to say: Live for today!? No, there's not much indication of that message. Believe in love? Since potential relationships do not blossom for Nicholson, and since his family appears to be permanently distant, I don't find this message ringing true. This film clearly inhabits spaces of some distance apart, but alas, it goes nowhere. The best thing I can say about the film--other than praising fine performances by Nicholson and the underused Kathy Bates--is that it revolves around a boring road trip with a few fleeting thrills, appropriate for the life of the main character.… Expand

Brilliant performance by Nicholson, brilliant writing and direction by Payne. A masterpiece in its portrayal of American life.

Anyone who thinks the movie was "too slow" must have a short attention span. The opening scene should have been a warning to you that this was not going to be a "quick fire" comedy. If you want cheap, quick laughs, go rent an Adam Sandler movie. If you want a genuinely funny laugh-a-minute movie, go rent Airplane! About Schmidt is so far above and beyond either of those. It's both sincere and sarcastic, both funny and serious, but utlimately, it is intelligent and honest. It is as original and compelling as any film I have ever seen. The direction is masterful. Jack Nicholson shines, and none of the others let the film down even one bit.… Expand

This is a movie that failed to mix the funny scenes and the serious scenes well. The funny scenes were certainly funny, and Nichollson's delivery is certainly dead on. But the supposedly poignant scenes are greatly blunted by the way this movie is paced. Is Payne making fun of these characters or does he want you to embrace them? It's unclear, and the result is a film that left me feeling dissatisfied with the results, unconcerned about what would happen to any of the characters, and not invested in the performances. The movie also really doesn't have an ending for Schmidt - he's just kind of an afterthought that gets lost in the Davis/Mulroney storyline.… Expand

Out of the despair of a life of disposable accomplishments and artificial emotion, in the end all that remains is faith, hope and love.

This movie reaked of excellence. The way this film was written the directing the acting the story. However it may not appeal to everyone because it has the tendancy to lag at points,however for me i found it very entertaining, well written, and very sad.

This movie is so special becuase it does not insult your intelligence. Please be careful- it's not Ricky Bobby or Adam Sandler. Don't see it if you are looking for mindless entertainment. You won't like it. As far as the point of the movie, I'd say it is summed up by Thoreau "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation."

Way to go, Jack! Such realism, plus an expose of the trailer-park-trash pretensions common in American society. Underneath our pathetic veneers are genuine noble traits struggling to get out.

What can I say? The film is wonderful. The writing is good, the directing is good, and the acting is top-notch! Jack Nicholson gives his best performance to date as a sad widower living alone for the first time in his life, and visiting around the U.S. in his top-of-the-line R.V. Another great performance is given by Oscar winner Kathy Bates. She plays the mother of a sleazy, Joe Dirt-like waterbed salesman who is marrying Jack Nicholson's daughter. I think Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates should win Academy Awards for their roles. (1/23/03)… Expand

Jack Nicholson is god.

I cannot understand why this film got such good reviews? Because it is slow? Because of Jack's performance? I found it decidedly average, with but a glimmer of spark in Kathy Bate's wonderful performance. A real damp squib, with the sentimental letters hardly proving the uplifting ingrediant it so wanted to be.

Although Emma Kenny Dislikes this Film, I find that this movie is both painfully poignent while allowing for comic genuis. The film is beautifully shot which enhances the emotional explosion that is occuring in the main character. There is a feeling of impending doom that actually adds to the comedic value. However, as most great films do, About Schmitd leaves you feeling complete. This Film develops a story and follows through, which is so rare nowadays.… Expand

No plot, no point, and not all that funny, but for some reason i watched with relative ease and ultimately enjoyment.

Not quite on the scale of Chinatown, Ironweed and Cuckoo's Nest, but still strong stuff. Nicholson continues to impress.

Jack Nicholson is marvelous. As for the movie this was not entertainment in any way. Horribly dull. I had all that I could do to stay awake. Life in middle America cannot be this mundane?

One of the best films of last year. The most truthful movie to come out in a while, probably a good reason why people don't like it so much. Sorry, no escapism here.

Elliot, phone home. You have watched moss grow on a rock one too many times. Without a doubt the most boring movie ever made. I would rather have bamboo shoots placed under my nails then watch that crap again.

If I never see or hear another professional opinion again that would be fine by me. Schmidt is a horribly overrated film that is so slow in developing that I actually had trouble keeping my eyes open. It is as boring as the character's life Nicholson portrays. Rent it if you must watch this garbage.

Adam, Jack might still have it, but the rest of this movie passed away while it was being made. Watching Jack pee and seeing Kathy Bates nude is more than I need to know. In one word...Booooring!

A real sleeper definitely not a keeper.

Kathy Bates nude is all I could take. I walked out at that point. This is dull boring movie about nothing that is so slooooow.

So uninteresting, so boring, and so slow that I fell asleep in the theater. You have been warned.

Great movie!!!! Must see!!!! Great performances.

Possibly one of the most overrated movies I have ever seen. Painfully slow, boring and dreadful.

This movie is so great because it tries to steer clear of the glitz and glamour of hollywood and just sticks to being itself. this movie is fantastic.

A chillingly and brilliantly convincing portrait of an aging man's confrontation with his life. Genius performance by Nicholson, but the movie is bolstered by the shockingly real characters that surround him. Simultaneously hilarious, profound, ironic and sincere, light and serious, like life itself. Too much has been made of Nicholson's great performance, and of the movie's Midwestern setting. This is not just a showcase for the star or a regional portrait. It is a masterful movie about life with characters so real it is mesmerizing. Strikes true notes from beginning to end. Never has to abandon its realistic tone in order to grip you, reminding you that the small dramas of real people are more poignant than the unusual. An unusual work of genius that inspires faith in the movies.… Expand

I'm all for realism and I don't mind slow moving films, but this went no where. My wife fell asleep and I couldn't even finish the film.

Horrible horrible horrible.

Very good movie. Much more than the sum of its parts. This movie has a lot to say, it just doesnt slap it across your face. Too bad it didnt have explosions or young attractive people. Who wants to see a movie based on reality? I'd rather see From Justin to Kelly. Now theres a real movie.

About Shmidt is an eerily acurate depiction of a retirement age widower living alone in the midwest. Being originally from the area I have known people just like Warren and found many of the small scenes such as the retirement party the most amusing because of the smallest details right down to the Drake University degree of Schmidt's replacement. This is one of Nicholson's best performanes ever. The fact that he is able to hold himself back from the frequent bouts of overacting that have hit his career is just a tribute to how great he can be, given the right script.… Expand

After watching AS I think that Chinese Water Torture dripping on my head might be more fun? I would rather go to the dentist then be subjected to watching this tedious dull film again. Who writes this crap?

Let me preface my score by stating that I am big fan of both Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates. They are among the elite actors of our generation! Having said that, "About Schmidt" is a pretentious, boring, tedious, slow developing saga of a midwestener who wakes up at age 67 and discovers that he has no purpose in life. Even the county scenery as he drives through middle America is flat and uninspiring. As a moviegoer, I go to the movies to be entertained. There is none here! Just a overrated film by the professional critics that is not worthy of your time or money. … Expand

This was the worst most boring movie I have ever seen. I want a refund.

How can you trust professional critics after watching this boring turkey? Simply awful!

I am a big fan of Alexander Payne. Election, in my opinion, is one of the best movies I've seen. Nevertheless, I think Charles Taylor from Salon.com wrote an exemplary piece of movie criticism on this movie. I agree with every word he wrote and especially regarding the performance of Nicholson and the inability of many critics to notice how condescending and even hateful Payne is to his characters in this movie.… Expand

One of the most boring films ever made. Way overrated. So Jack Nicholson can act, you think? We already know that. I'm sorry but watching Jack tinkle in the toilet is not my cup of tea and Kathy Bates nude, please! Don't waste your money.

Absolutely dull boring movie that paints middle America in a very bad light. So Jack can act? It still doesn't make up for a trailer trash movie.

I went to see About Schmidt because it would appear that the Metacritic reviewers either loved or hated it. Jack is fantastic but the subject matter is too slow moving and uninteresting. I had all that I could do to stay awake and watch. Just not my cup of tea.

The answer to insomnia? About Schmidt. Absolutely lame.

Condescending and awful. the characters are all caricatures of "midwestern types" played for laughs to self-satisfied, superior, smug urban audiences. not one thing here is real and the entire experience, especially the audiences snarky laughter was just plain depressing.

This is the movie that keeps you watching because you are sure it will become very interesting during the next scene. Trouble is it never does. Nicholson is once again the same character, with the same expressions, as always (with the exception of The Shining, only after he turns). Boring and barely watchable, don't become stuck waiting for the movie to turn into a great comment on life - it doesn't.… Expand

Not awful, but not Oscar worthy either. Nicholson was just okay. The characters were rich and the cynicism at times hilarious, but overall, the pace of the film is its fatal flaw. Isn't this just one long commercial for the Sally Struthers-like philanthropical organizations? Plus, this film is indeed truthful (read: depressing as hell). Anyone of the cusp of a mid-life crisis should think twice about watching this one or at least remove all sharp objects before viewing. Funniest part of this one ... Nicholson doing errands in the RV. That killed me!… Expand

What a long, boring tedious film. Unattractive people in a totally uninteresting story. l always stay until the end....this time it was too painful.I walked out! Don't say i didn't warn you.

Excellent, touching and hilarious. Jack still has it!

We've all seen Nicholson do as well or better in other roles, and there have been far superior examples of the "what's it all about" theme. In the end, I couldn't think of any compelling reason to recommend this movie to anyone. I think Charles Taylor at Salon hit the movie dead-on, and was pleased to see his comments about some of cinema's other leading lights. Why do so many artists--in all genres--think that being exceedingly clever and smug is what makes good art? More importantly, perhaps, why are there so many immature minds ready to accept that bogus notion? … Expand

What the hell was About Schmidt about. Can you spell dull and boring?

Honest to God Nickolson, honest to God American, honest to God universal.

Jack does a pretty amazing job with his role. The story felt incredibly real, more than anything else. Don't go in expecting a bunch of "fun" Jack antics, though. Simply excellent acting.

After watching this simplistic boring movie, I believe that Elliot is in need of Anger Management. Without a doubt About Schmidt is a movie about nothing without any redeeming feature. Kathy Bates nude in a hot tub? I will have nightmares for a long time. Pleeeezzzze?

A movie that can deal with itself without covering up, it doesn't try to say "This isn't us--we're just making a movie about it". This idea is put in your face to relate to, and you do.

This is an incredible film. The performances are excellent and memorable. This kind of film doesn't come along very often. It is a pity that so much quality is wasted on the "critiques" below.

I really don't know what the people who said it was "smug" and "made for urban audiences" were talking about. The film is directed by Alexander Payne - who happens to be FROM Nebraska and sets all his films there. But, that aside, this film is utter astounding. From the acting - Nicholson's best work EVER - to the writing - one of the most bitingly hilarious and heartbreaking scripts I've ever seen put to film - this film is utterly brilliant. I've very rarely cared about the characters in a film as much as I did for Warren Schmidt and his family. There's never a false step here and it's wonderful to see that critics and audiences are taking notice. … Expand

If you like bathroom humor about Jack tinkling, or Kathy Bates walking into a hot tub bearing it all (a horrible sight), then About Schmidt is for you. Otherwise is it just a boring film about nothing.

One word: MASTERPIECE!

I fail to understand the raves that Nicholson is getting for his understated performance. Perhaps this is a film for people who dislike Nicholson in his other, more expressive roles. Ditto Kathy Bates' performance, which is being lauded for an Oscar, and I just don't see it at all. In terms of the movie, the first 2/3 to 3/4 of the picture is slow and pointless. It all gets wrapped together at the end, but does that make it a "must-see" film? I think not. … Expand

Nicholson has never been better, with Kathy Bates a close second for a pitch-perfect performance. It makes you laugh, it makes you sad about the all to true human condition.

Aboout Schmidt = Tedius boredom.

Until I saw "Adaptation," I thought this was the most overrated movie of the year. Nichelson's facial expressions were not enough to hide the blandness, boredom, and disappointment that he must have felt for being involved in this rv trip to nowhere. Tragic is correct in that it is tragic that the critics sell us on this movie!

Overall, I enjoyed this. There were times when the film lagged a bit, but the writing more than made up for it. Kathy Bates naked was a bit disconcerting, but her performance overall was one of the best of her career. Comic? Yes. Tragic? Definitely. Drek? I don't see it.

One of the most boring movies I have ever seen? It is similar to Seinfeld in that it is a flick about nothing, but at least Seinfeld was funny. About Schmidt is absolutely terrible.

Possibly one of the most boring unflattering movies ever made. It depicts life in the midwest as dull, prosaic and not worth living. Having come from the midwest nothing could be further from the truth. This movie is a lie and absolute bore.

This is pure trailer trash without any redeeming characters. If this represents life in the midwest, I hope that I am never transferred there as I would seriously consider suicide. The only thing that could have saved this movie is if someone had called Dr. Kerovkian before this movie was released. Boooorrrrrring!

Jack Nicholson in a trailer park alone is worth the price of admission. Armed with a six-pack, he crosses the vicinity to reach another winnebago where a pot of beef stew awaits him, and for the first time since "Chinatown" perhaps, the actor disappears behind his character. Midwesteners may feel they're being made fun of, but what's worse, I think, is how the crowd laughed each time Nicholson says the African boy's name. In "Election", the voices in Reese Witherspoon's head when she gets mad sound like African tribesman at war, so perhaps, this is a Payne motif. … Expand

We all know that JN and KB are very likeable and can act. That does not make for an automatic great movie. DULL is the best word to describe this drek. Avoid at all costs.

Truly captured all of the humor, frustration, triump, and sadness of human existance.

One of Jack Nicholson's very best performances, as he is able to succesfully grace the line between comedy and sadness.

The film is astounding. From the stark Nebraska landscape to the reality of growing old in the American culture; it gives us a look at the dream or the reality. It is rich and thought provoking and it speaks to the classic dysfunctional family.

Remarkable in every aspect. Superbly acted, cleverly realized, and brilliantly written. I loved, loved, loved it. One of the very best films of the year - I promise you. I don't know what a lot of these other viewers saw, but I swear it must be another movie. I thought it flew by and I have seen it several times. About Schmidt is truly a wonderful film.

It's a thinky. You have to credit it at least a 5 for that, if you've rated lower then you've missed all the subtext and the meaning of the film. It's supposed to make you think, and out of all the films i've seen this year this is one of the only ones that stuck with me. The soundtrack was excellent, by Rolfe Kent.

This is probably the worst film I have ever watched. Its too long, its crap, the acting's crap, the story has no meaning, and its crap. It too slow and I cannot see anyone enjoying it. I bought it because of the reviews and stuff and it was cheap it was 2 for a 10er but I really regret it. Whoever made it should get a life because it was appauling, he should give up his job cause hes going no where. I cant see how this movie was commedy it was just a movie about some sad guy witha miserable life. I felt sorry for him, didnt think it was funny at all. yeah thats about it thats why i give it a 0. … Expand

I cannot believe some of these rave reviews. Absolutely very slow uninteresting story. Yes Jack Nicholson can act, but is this a new revelation so as to make a movie entertaining? There aren't any redeeming qualities about this tedious boring film. Go if you must but you have been advised.

Good story, but the film stays superficial as the life of his character does.

Roger Ebert said in his review that teenagers wouldn't really be drawn to this movie, me being 15 I wasn't. But when i started watching it i couldn't stop, definitely got me thinking about life. To bad my grades still suck though.

Anyone who watches this looking for a typical Jack Nicholson vehicle will be disappointed, so I'm not surprised by the varied opinions. Personally, I was blown away by Jack's performance. It's like he decided with this movie to show us what made him famous in the first place. He carries the movie with that and as a result the whole thing is brilliant. The final scene -- absolute genius.… Expand

Nicolson is a great actor, and as an OCD sufferer myself, I have to say his acting was accurate as well. A fun movie besides.