Something’s Gotta Give
Reviewed by Rich Drees
Jack Nicholson is Harry Sanborn, an aging playboy who enjoys the
“uncomplicated simplicity” of younger women. A trip to the Hamptons beach
house of his latest fling Marin (Amanda Peet) is interrupted by the arrival
of the young woman’s mother, Erica (Diane Keaton) and her sister Zoe
(Frances McDormand). Although everyone tries to make the best of the
situation, complications arise when Harry suffers a mild heart attack. On
the recommendation of his doctor Julian (Keanu Reeves), Harry stays at
Erica’s home to rest and recover. While Marin is back in New York City,
Harry and Erica find themselves growing out of their initial dislike for
each other and into a mutual attraction. As Harry starts to think that maybe
there’s something to a relationship with an older woman, Erica is
romantically pursued by the much younger Julian.
The ensemble cast all turn in good performances. What could have been a role
that would allow Nicholson to mock his lothario image is played with a
little more depth than a straight comedic interpretation would call for.
Keaton and McDormand share a great onscreen chemistry, selling us that
they’re sisters much more than their faint resemblance to each other would.
Nicholson and Keaton also share a breezy chemistry together that gives the
movie whatever zing it has.
While the characters and performances are well drawn, the storyline still remains pretty close to the standard romantic comedy boilerplate. The heart attack that Harry suffers may not be as contrived as many other recent romantic comedies but still feels artificial. While much is made of the “older man/ younger woman” phenomenon early in the film, the film throws away any comedic development of the younger Julian pursuing the older Erica reversal. Also, one has to wonder if the film’s release in the same month that Playboy magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary is more than coincidence.