Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is well into his sixties but is still dating much younger women. His latest girlfriend is a young woman named Marin (Amanda Peet) who plans a romantic getaway in the Hamptons. The problem is, the house is her mother’s- successful playwright Erica’s (Diane Keaton), who has just arrived with her sister Zoe (Frances McDormand). Erica is shocked to see a half-dressed old man at her house and is even more shocked to find out he is not an intruder, but her daughter’s boyfriend. At Zoe’s suggestion, they all decide to stay at the house. As she puts it, they are sophisticated adults.
Erica is definitely not impressed with Harry’s track record of dating. She is even less impressed with his attitude towards older women. Later that night Harry has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. The doctor in charge is Julian Mercer (Keanu Reeves), a very handsome 30-something who turns out to be a fan of Erica’s work. To everyone’s surprise, he is flirting with Erica. A bigger, and a much less pleasant surprise comes , however, when Harry doesn’t seem well enough to travel and she ends up having to “babysit” him at her house, alone.
Harry is more than anxious to go back to his life-sex life in particular. But Julian tells him to stay put until he can climb stairs without feeling exhausted. So as Harry and Erica inevitably spend time with each other and realize –to both their horror- that they may be enjoying each other’s company a little too much. Can Harry handle a mature relationship with a woman his age? Will he realize that Erica is actually the one for him? And if he does, does he have a chance against his competitor- the gorgeous, sweet and passionate Julian who is crazy about Erica?
Something’s Gotta Give is a very funny romantic comedy from writer/director Nancy Meyers (The Holiday, What Women Want, It’s Complicated). The storyline is original, the actors are marvelous and the jokes are funny. It is one of those rare romantic comedies where guys will enjoys as much as girls, because the movie balances the two genres very well. In fact, I’d rather say the comedy is much more dominant than the romance. Even when Erica and Harry fall for each other, the reactions entertain you immensely. It is also a breath of fresh air to the couples with age difference theme, as the younger girls want Harry, younger Julian wants Erica and Erica and Harry seem to be more right for each other than both of them will realize.
I don’t need to rave about how brilliant and hilarious Jack Nicholson is. I am a huge fan but I suspect that so are you. Diane Keaton is sweet and just as funny. Frances McDormand’s role is important as she tries to make sure her relationship-wary, divorced sister doesn’t give up an opportunity as hot as Julian. And Keanu Reeves is as charming as ever.
The movie is rated 6.8 on IMDB. As for as romantic comedies go, this deserves a 9, if not a 10. I watched thousands of movies and Nancy Meyers has written/directed the romcoms that top my list. Sure if I have to compare it to all other movies I’ve ever seen, it is probably a fair 7 or 8. But, it is no way justly rated at 6.8. See it and have a great laugh. Of course some people with issues won’t like the film- I read a funny user comment on how it was impossible for Jack Nicholson to pull Amanda Peet, how it was disgusting it was two watch Diane and Jack have sex (right, because only young people with perfect bodies have sex!) and how a guy that looked like Keanu would no way go for Diane…Right, because young men never fell in love with older women…And Jack has never charmed the pants out of every woman with his acting…
You don’t have to suspend your beliefs to like this film. Just see it. Fun is guaranteed.
Favorite Lines:
*Julian hasn’t met the family yet, he is updating them about Harry’s condition:
Julian (Keanu Reeves): Your dad is going to be OK.
Marin (Amanda Peet): He is not my dad.
Julian: Oh, I’m sorry. Your granddad is gonna be okay.
*Harry (Jack Nicholson) to Erica (Diane Keaton) on his seeing her naked by accident and her freaking out:
Harry: Hey! You saw my ass, you don’t see me acting nuts!
* Harry is complaining to Julian about how uptight Erica is.
Harry: I actually saw her naked last night.
Julian: That doesn’t sound so uptight.
Harry: It was an accident. She thought I was asleep, I thought her bedroom was the kitchen.
Julian: You know what Freud said? There are no accidents.
Harry: Trust me. This was an accident. Although why would she be walking around naked when she knows I am 20 feet away?
Julian: Why would you think her bedroom was the kitchen?
Buy Something’s Gotta Give from Amazon
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