Something's Gotta Give
(2003)
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In the sparkling comedy SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE directed by Nancy Meyers (WHAT WOMEN WANT), divorced, successful playwright Erica Barry (Diane Keaton) has given up on finding a fulfilling romantic relationship. When her beautiful young daughter Marin (Amanda Peet) visits the family's Hamptons home with her ageing, lothario boyfriend Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson), Erica's plight as a mature, single woman comes into stark focus. Harry exclusively dates young women, which infuriates Erica. Though initially they repel each other, things change when Harry has a heart attack and Erica comes to his aid. The two make peace and discover a smoldering attraction to one another. However, love never comes without complications. Harry still has a romantic obligation to Marin, and Erica gets a taste of Harry's lifestyle when the sexy young doctor Julian (Keanu Reeves) hits on her. Whether Erica and Harry can reconcile their differences provides the premise for an elegant, touching, and amusing tale. In their first movie together since REDS, Keaton and Nicholson share natural chemistry, each giving powerful and moving performances under Meyers' expert direction. |
Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton show the young 'uns how it's done in this feel-good romantic comedy. Reuniting the stars for the first time since 1981's Reds, the film is a frothy portrayal of post-menopausal love from What Women Want director Nancy Meyers. In a role that combines sassy sophistication and emotionally flummoxed charm, Keaton shines as a divorced playwright who thinks affairs of the heart are a folly of youth, until she reluctantly nurses her daughter's ageing lover (Nicholson). Drawn to the arrogant bachelor, she's surprised to find a mutual attraction, despite his assertion he only dates women under 30. While wolfish Nicholson plays to type, it's still thoroughly enjoyable watching the duo interact. There's a life-affirming energy whenever they're on screen together, making the subplots — including Keaton's pursuit by young doctor Keanu Reeves — intrusive distractions. Though the feature drifts into sentimentality and there's scant substance beneath the heart-warming veneer, it's pleasing to see Hollywood fluff where passion has no age restriction.
Halliwell's Film Guide
Overlong romantic comedy that begins well, but soon goes sitcom soggy; Nicholson resorts to his most familiar mannerisms, while Keaton's over-emotional performance makes one wish that she'd act her age.