Something's Gotta Give

ISBN 10: 1404935770 ISBN 13: 9781404935778

Publisher: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, 2004

Synopsis

Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is a perennial playboy with a libido much younger than his years. During what was to have been a romantic weekend with his latest infatuation, Marin (Amanda Peet), at her mother's Hamptons beach house, Harry develops chest pains. He winds up being nursed by Marin's reluctant mother Erica Barry (Diane Keaton), a successful, divorced New York playwright. In the process, Harry develops more heart pangs -- the romantic kind -- for Erica, an age-appropriate woman whom he finds beguiling. However, some habits die hard. When Harry hesitates, his charming thirty something doctor (Keanu Reeves) steps in and starts to pursue Erica. And Harry, who has always had the world on a string, finds his life unraveling.

About this title

Review

As upscale sitcoms go, Something's Gotta Give has more to offer than most romantic comedies. Obviously working through some semi-autobiographical issues regarding "women of a certain age," writer-director Nancy Meyers brings adequate credibility and above-average intelligence to what is essentially (but not exclusively) a fantasy premise, in which an aging lothario who's always dated younger women (Jack Nicholson, more or less playing himself) falls for a successful middle-aged playwright (Diane Keaton) who's convinced she's past the age of romance, much less sexual re-awakening. As long as old pals Nicholson and Keaton are on screen discussing their dilemma or discovering their mutual desire, Something's Gotta Give is terrific, proving (in case anyone had forgotten) that Hollywood can and should aim for an older demographic. Myers falls short with the sitcom device of a younger lover (Keanu Reeves) who wants Keaton as much as Nicholson does; it's believable but shallow and too easily dismissed. Myers also skimps on supporting roles for Frances McDormand, Amanda Peet, and Jon Favreau, but thankfully this is one romantic comedy that doesn't pander to youth. Mature viewers, rejoice! --Jeff Shannon

Additional Features

Fans of the talent behind this romantic comedy will want to listen to the two commentary tracks. Filmmaker Nancy Meyers has a more traditional--yet informative--one with her producer going over the various aspects of the production. Diane Keaton shows up for about 30 minutes and injects a good amount of humor and honesty. The second track with Meyers and Jack Nicholson is something special. More an examination of process, the track has Meyers consistently probing her star about his choices, and the actor is most forthcoming on how he approaches his craft, one of the few times he has candidly done so. It's also a hoot to listen to. In both tracks, lovely sounding deleted scenes are mentioned--sometimes at length--but, alas, there is one only extra scene provided along with an all-too-short set tour by Amanda Peet. --Doug Thomas

About this edition

• Publisher: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1404935770
• ISBN 13: 9781404935778
• Binding: DVD