Tonight's Movie: Something's Gotta Give (2003)

One of my "viewing projects" over the past year has been to revisit films of relatively recent vintage which I've not seen since around the time of initial release.

The latest film seen from that list is SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE (2003), in which playboy business owner Jack Nicholson and divorced playwright Diane Keaton find unexpected romance.

It all begins when young Marin (Amanda Peet) brings her much older boyfriend Harry (Nicholson) to her mother's Hamptons home for a weekend fling.

Marin's mother Erica (Diane Keaton) and aunt Zoe (Frances McDormand) show up unexpectedly, killing Harry and Marin's romantic plans, but Harry's early departure for home is stymied when he has a heart attack.

Harry ends up staying at Erica's for a few days while recovering, and he's shocked to find himself attracted to her, as his "type" is younger women. 

Meanwhile Erica is likewise surprised to find herself not only liking Harry much more than she expected, but she also finds herself courted by Harry's much younger doctor (Keanu Reeves). It's all quite a shock for a woman who has left thoughts of romance in the past.

This is a very enjoyable 128 minutes, written and directed by Nancy Meyers (BABY BOOM, THE HOLIDAY). While at times it veers in the direction of being a little more frank and "adult" than I typically care for, most of it is so engaging -- and at times laugh at loud funny -- that I can't help liking it despite a few uncomfortable moments.

Is anyone more charming than Diane Keaton in a comedy? She's simply delightful. And though I'm prepared to thoroughly hate Nicholson's "love 'em and leave 'em" Harry, the vulnerability he reveals really turns his character around and makes him sympathetic. I love the final scene where he's finally "acting his age" -- and couldn't be happier.

The supporting cast is tops, including Paul Michael Glaser (STARSKY AND HUTCH) in a brief but effective role as Erica's director ex-husband and Jon Favreau (Happy of the Marvel films) as Nicholson's assistant. Curiously, Favreau's character pretty much disappears after his first appearance, save for a later party scene.

Props also go to Rachel Ticotin as an ER doctor who treats Harry late in the film. Her scenes with Nicholson are hilarious.

I also love Peter Spears, seen briefly as the man in Marin's life late in the film. When we first meet him, he's not at all what the viewer expects. Another "feel good" moment in a film which has many.

Reeves works as the "other man" of the piece, although I confess I'm never really comfortable with him courting a woman a couple decades his senior. It's as awkward in its own way as Harry still chasing women young enough to be his daughter...or granddaughter.  

As usual for a Meyers film, the sets are amazing and add a great deal to the film's visual pleasure, as photographed by Michael Ballhaus.

The musical score is by Hans Zimmer.

Parental Advisory: This film is rated PG-13. To my mind it's much closer to an R rating.

This film is available on DVD.

Tweet