Romantic comedies are not
usually my 'cup of tea'. Sure, sometimes I am in the
mood for love, which is why I am grateful for films like
"IQ" and "My Best Friend's Wedding".
Yet, I also have to remember films like "How to Lose
A Guy in 10 Days" and "Maid in Manhattan",
films that test reality and my stomach muscles. And,
don't forget - a little cinematic turd called "Gigli"
was also a romantic comedy. Anyways, now to the
point -- "Something's Gotta Give" is a romantic
comedy for older people -- actually, for older people who
enjoy charming performances and impressive dialogue.
Does that mean younger audiences will not enjoy it?
No, certainly not. It just means they will not enjoy
it as much as, say, their parents will.
Jack Nicholson stars as Harry Sanborn, a wealthy executive
in the music business, who has spent his entire life
dating women years and years his junior. His latest
conquest is Marin Barry (Amanda Peet), a beautiful young
woman who invites Harry to her mother's home in The
Hamptons. Once there, by accident, Harry meets Erica
(Diane Keaton), Marin's mother, who also happens to be a
renowned and accomplished playwright. After Harry
suffers a minor heart problem, he uses the Barry home as a
place for rest and relaxation. Enter Dr. Julian
Mercer (Keanu Reeves), a dashing physician who finds
Keaton absolutely beautiful and falls for her big time,
coincidentally, yet secretly, at the same time that
Nicholson falls for her. So, the film then becomes a
'pick and choose' story with Keaton going between
Nicholson and Reeves. Frances McDormand co-stars as
Aunt Zoe, and Jon Favreau as Leo. Now, that's what I
call an impressive cast.
What makes "Something's Gotta Give" work is the
underlying sweetness and sincerity to the story. We
see Diane Keaton as an older woman who wants love, but
just can't seem to find it. We see Nicholson as a
man who can, pretty much, have any woman he wants, but is
still searching for true love and happiness. It is
inevitable that Nicholson and Keaton will wind up falling
for one another, but the trip along the way is what turns
this potentially formulaic and clichéd romantic comedy
into a real gem. And, it was nice to see Keanu
Reeves not suspended in mid-air for a change; and, he does
will with his role, as does the hilarious Amanda Peet and
the always inspiring Frances McDormand.
But, despite the plethora of engaging performances,
Nicholson and Keaton are the veterans, and they carry the
film. Nicholson is as good as he has ever been in
this type of role, and he seems to get more charming and
more likable with each passing year. Just think
about what he has done lately -- look back to his role in
"As Good As It Gets". Then, think about
his dramatic turn in "About Schmidt". This
film is far from both of those, and seems more like his
"Terms of Endearment" performance. And,
Diane Keaton is very Oscar worthy in her best film since
"Baby Boom". She lights up the screen, and
manages to eclipse those past few duds she has managed to
conjur up, i.e. the dismal "Town & Country".
This is a film that most will enjoy because of the humor
and lighthearted romance, but it is a film I enjoyed
because of the deep emotional sincerity and the feelings
that these two people finally found someone. Look
for Diane Keaton to grab a nomination come Oscar time, but
don't expect her to win, because actress in romantic
comedies rarely take home the trophy. And, possibly
look for Nicholson to snag a nomination, though I highly
doubt that will happen considering all of the other
potential nominees this year. Whatever happens,
"Something's Gotta Give" is a fantastic films
and a truly remarkable romantic comedy.
