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Something's Gotta Give

Something's Gotta Give

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Jack's back but Keaton ain't quite his match
Review: If "About Schmidt" proved Jack Nicholson could still disappear into a character and knock him out of the park, "Something's Gotta Give" proves he can, well, turn back into Jack.

Nicholson grins and preens and struts his way around this movie, a gentleman diva trying to rescue an overloaded plot and Diane Keaton from a rather stale performance, awarded as she was for it. Nancy Meyers' follow-up to "What Women Want" is better suited to the elder crowd, though Meyers panders to youth's twin peaks of materialism and beauty worship by casting Amanda Peet and Keanu Reeves.

Nicholson is Harry, a music mogul who's into chasing the short skirt, preferably one half his age, with bangs and perky expression - like Marin (Peet), art auctioneer. The two head to Marin's mother's ocean house in The Hamptons where, predictably, Harry is discovered, in his boxers, by Marin's mother, Erica (Keaton), an acclaimed playwright although, when we see her dialogue later, it's not exactly Arthur Miller.

Erica objects to Marin's choice, Harry tosses off a few salvos and grins at dinner, and before Harry and Marin can consummate their courtship, Harry keels and has heart attack.

Harry's prescription: He has to recover in Erica's house. And the doctor who ordered that prescription, played by Reeves, is a fan - and maybe more - of Erica. The heart attack offers a glimpse of mortality to Harry. He decides, at long last - he needs someone in his own decade with whom to share.

Meyers trades in dissecting fears of the alpha male - "What Women Want" and "Father of the Bride" - and the career woman - "Baby Boom." In "Something's Gotta Give" she tries to pull those two personas into a relationship and makes two errors: Working with Keaton for a fourth time and saddling her with Reeves, hilariously cast as a hunk doctor who brings baskets of peaches by in the morning.

Keaton is borderline creepy, certainly a drag. And, well, playwrights can be. But Keaton never burns off the frigidness of her first scenes. It is "Annie Hall?" Not quite. It's closer to her performance in Woodys Allen's masterwork, "Manhattan." You know, the one where she gets left in the end. Either way, she's no match or spark for Jack. Frances McDormand, who plays Erica's sister, Zoe, in a cameo, was the right actress. Surprisingly enough, Peet is quite good as the sweet, plucky Marin. You'd much rather spend a day with her than her mother.

And unlike "What Women Want," which genuinely concerned itself with advertising, Harry and Erica's careers mostly run along the stream of romantic hijinks, like dogs. Being powerful and wealthy would partially explain Harry's interest in women who are okay with short-term flings; the mogul business doesn't suit itself to spouses for very long.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A little ditty about Jack and Diane.
Review: This is a nice film of the "chick flick" variety. You'll rent it with your girlfriend(s) because you are a fan of Keanu, Jack and/or Diane, because it's a feel-good movie movie and because you have no idea what else to get at the video store. You will pass a mild evening on the couch with a few giggles and popcorn.

Diane Keaton plays accomplished 50 something woman Erica Barry whose grown daughter Marin (Amanda Peet) is dating notorious 60 something bachelor Harry Sandborn (Jack Nicholson). After a rocky introduction at the family's beach house, Erica and Harry are in a continual state of hostility that in the movies can only mean sexual tension. Erica is of course idealistically outraged that such an older man is dating her daughter. The two of them trade snipes and pot shots. Inevitably, the odd couple are thrown together alone for a few days while Harry recovers from a heart attack. Harry is impressed with Erica's spirit and intelligence while Erica grudgingly notices that Harry has moments of irrepressible charm. But now it seems that a love triangle is being set up as his doctor (Keanu Reeves) has ironically started to fall for the much-older Erica. How will this mess get ironed out? Hmmmmm.

If you're thinking the plot sounds a bit predictable, you'd be right. The pacing is also a bit slow, the dvd had flaws in its color consistency and there was a general lack of things that would appeal to men in this movie. Jack and Diane hammed it up a little too much at times. At the end, I said to myself, "that was nice", but promptly forgot about it; not a sign of provocative, cutting edge screenswriting to be sure.

I do have to give this movie its props; not many have ever tried to tackle the May/December romance syndrome that is everywhere in Hollywood (which is a particular pet peeve of mine, I might add). Also, while the performances by the leads were over the top, these stars did make a nice pair with a good chemistry. There were also some very girly giggly moments. So it would seem that there is a place for Something's Gotta Give on the shelf of my favorite local video store...just not on the shelf of my home library.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: This movie is just awful.
Review: Prompted by the worst movie that i've seen in a long time, this is the first review that I've written. One star is two too generous. I'm embarrassed for Keaton and Nicholson. What an absolute waste of a couple of bucks at the rental place. Save your time and money. Bad bad bad.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Ms. Keaton, as usual, my hat's off to you ...
Review: Diane Keaton is one of the best actors working. She's very much a throwback to Hollywood's Golden Era, in that her style and look and talent are her own. She's sort of a Katharine Hepburn/Claudette Colbert mix -- sweet, funny, and very much her own woman. I had the honor, when I lived in Los Angeles, of running into her at Book Soup on Sunset Boulevard, and she's also a very nice, gracious lady.

She was the main reason I saw "Something's Gotta Give" -- although I am a Jack Nicholson fan, as well -- and is the main reason I gave the film 4 stars here. Diane Keaton plays Erica Barry, a successful Broadway playwright who seemingly has it all: wealth, beauty, career success, a charming home in the country, and a beautiful daughter named Marin (Amanda Peet). She's even managed to maintain a decent working relationship with her ex-husband (welcome back Paul Michael Glaser!), a director who works with her on her plays.

In fact, the one thing Erica doesn't seem to have is a man. And she's okay with this, until a getaway to the country with her sister Zoe (the under-utilized Frances McDormand) finds Erica sharing her beach house with her daughter Marin -- and Marin's new boyfriend, 63-year-old music mogul Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson). When Harry has a mild heart attack and has to recuperate at the beach house, he sets about making Erica NUTS with his attitudes about women (he only dates young ones -- ONLY), and in general disrupts her peaceful, bland existence when she finds herself attracted to him, as well.

Add to this the fact that Harry's doctor (played by the bland-as-butter Keanu Reeves, who's supposed to be 36 years old here - ??) has the super-mega-hots for Erica, having seen all her plays, and you have the beginnings of a romantic triangle that (on some levels) is kind of hard to believe, yet somehow works.

The performances in this film are good all the way 'round, with Keaton and Nicholson standing out, and it's FANTASTIC to see a romantic comedy that features main players who are middle-aged, instead of Hollywood's usual demographic of having characters only in their 20's or 30's. Whenever Keaton and Nicholson are together on the screen the movie is DYNAMITE -- these two have great chemistry -- and even Amanda Peet holds her own well in her scenes with each of the stars (especially Nicholson).

I just feel the movie sort of faded out in its second half. Keanu Reeves got on my nerves; that whole younger-man subplot would have been MUCH more believable with a better actor in the role. And though Keaton's "sobbing" was a bit much for me after awhile, I understood it; unlike another reviewer here who blasted it as unreal after her charater only went through a "one-night stand," I understood that Eric didn't see it as a one-night stand -- and Harry had been living in her home for over a week when it happened, so it was NOT a one-night stand, just sex that happened only one time between two people who had come to know each other a little.

The ending was a bit too cutesy, but overall I loved the movie, just for the performances. Somehow, I wish Frances McDormand had been given more to do -- and Keanu Reeves less to do -- but the film was a very real look at the age-old curiosity that older men dating young women is okay ... while older women dating young men is still seen as a bit more "dirty" --
and it's played with class by all, particularly Keaton and Nicholson, who need to do another film together; their chemistry is THAT strong.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Opening sequence is as sexy as this movie gets
Review: Even as a straight female, I found the opening shots, scanning a variety of STUNNING women, engaged in their NYC lives, quite erotic, especially as choreographed to "Butterfly, by Crazy Town.

The rest of the film is "watch-able" - but highly unbelievable. Neither Diane Keaton, nor Jack Nicholson impressed me much. They're charming and quirky in the ways we're familiar with - watching them over so many years. This isn't a sexy film - and doesn't do much to negate stereotypes of aging men and women.

For me, Frances McDormund (spelling?) was the revelation of the film. She's the one who defies streotypes. She's cast as the no make-up, dressed like a boy, Women's Studie's Prof. She delivers a feminist rant one minute , and laughs at herself the next. Most surprsing, in going against stereotypes of the hot chick (like those at the beginning of the film), she is actually really sexy. She does a slightly lewd dance to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" - she's hot, funny, ostensibly single - yet happy. Now there's a woman I can identify with!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: The premise is cliche but the acting is extremely well done
Review: I love the idea of experienced female actors having a leading role in such a big screen movie and am thrilled Diane Keaton has received so much acclaim for her wonderful artistry here. I love that there is at least one movie that was not trying to specifically appeal "to ages 16-24". Many of us have open minds about various topics and don't appreciate having our taste predicted based on a marketing device. I digress as I will do sometimes but Baby Boomers have money to spend on entertainment and love to see more mature movies as well as family movies. This one gem of a movie is a perfect example. The only issue I have with the movie is the extreme focus on the mundane issue of May/December romances or just romance age differences in general. It's like a commercial for Viagra.

Anyway, Nicholson and Keaton are fresh and experienced actors who don't need to play stereotypes. This movie works because their genuine chemistry is entertaining and they are so talented no matter what their eccentricity or age. I'm not quite sure what the Keanu Reeves' character was meant to be here but it's so ancillary and doesn't add or detract from the movie.

It's a good film!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: So much fun!!
Review: This movie is hilarious!!! We could not stop laughing. Jack plays a man who dates no one over 30. He goes with his then girl friend to her mother's (Diane) beach house in the Hamptons. Unbeknownst to them, her mother and aunt are there! After a little embarrassment, they all decide to spend the weekend there. Jack has a heart attack and they rush him to the hospital. Once released he must stay nearby for a few more days and the only one available to take care of him is Diane. Thus the story begins of their fling--there are so many funny moments of trying to read the clock, mixing up their reading glasses, Jack walking in on Diane naked... the story continues with more fun. The movie is full of truths--men do like younger women, but also shows that middle aged women are still beautiful as well. Keaneu Reeves plays the doctor and he is the only bad part of the movie--he's such a terrible actor. He should only do The Matrix movies and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure he was fine--so either a surfer dude or someone with no personality or emotion like Neo in the Matrix. Other than that, this movie is a real winner! Lots of fun!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Something For Both Genders
Review: This was a great movie. Nicholson's character was a gigalo who ran around with very young women but was not happy as most people would think he should be with so many young, physically attractive girlfriends. Keaton's character was a divorcee showing Nicholson she ""can do it to" by seeing a younger man and, contrary to stereotypical belief about older women dating younger men, she was not happy, either. Both characters finally realize that physical fulfillment is only a temporary kind of joy. They find their way to true contentment in each other, two much older people but close in age to one another, by pealing away their former shallow expectations and finally giving in to what truly matters.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Jack's Great,Diane's Great,What's Not To Love?
Review: When I saw the preview to this movie,I have to admit I was a little skeptical.I thought to myself,"Are they just making one last crappy movie so they can cash their last check?"But,when the Oscar nods came out,I saw that Diane was nominated for Best Actress for this movie.I knew that I had to see it,because I know Diane never disappoints when she gets an Oscar nomination.So,I went with my sister to see it,and I loved almost every minute of it.Diane&Jack make an amazing team,and Diane definitely deserved her nomination,because Diane is hilarious,and Jack is as well.Diane is a successful playwright who is usually not very open and always has the attitude of a businesswoman,and Jack is an old playboy in his 50's who does not date anyone under 30-at least until he meets Diane's character.And,I have to admit,the supporting cast has some moments,too(Diane's sister in the movie is amusing in the few scenes she's in,Keanu Reeves is suprisingly good as the suave,young man fighting for Diane's affection.)

But,the whole "opposites attract" thing is a little used up,and some of the scenes don't go anywhere for a very long time.

Instead of those little flaws and 2 or 3 more,this movie is definitely watchable.Not the best movie by either of two huge stars,but still a good one.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: oh my god, i loved this movie.
Review: i loved this movie! starring diane keaton who's trying so hard to foray into home decorating industry after martha steward, the movie guides you through 2 hours and 15 minutes of extensive tour of the main character's beautiful Hampton beach house and the life of famous and riches. if you have 1 million dollars and about to start house renovating project and if you are 50 yrs old PMS woman, this movie is a MUST-SEE inspiration. the famous beach house that is used in this movie is a perfect replica of martha steward's magazine. seemingly straight from magazine shoots, it shows what it would be like to live in a dream house that not many people can even dream of. guest starring jack nicholson and keanu reeves, the movie is full of authenticity and reality into this educational video.

i so thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and i can't wait to see another movie from diane keaton.


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