Something's Gotta Give

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

1 Shining stars
In this story we find an older gentleman(Jack) who is dating a younger woman(Peet) and they go up to meet her mother(keaton). Jack then goes onto have a heart attack and is hospitalized. He then must stay at keaton's house until he is all better. During this time we see loving blooming between Keaton and Jack. And how the emotional rollercoaster is pushed into high gear by the end of the movie.
Jack and Keaton do an excellent job of acting in this movie. Which makes it even better of a movie(as if these two actors couldn't of done that on their own). A cute story about love is just right for almost any situation.

2 Predictable and Lame
How you could put Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton together and come out with a film this empty and cliched is beyond me. Any filmgoer over the age of 15 should easily be able to predict every single incident in this plot five minutes before it happens. I mean every little moment, every expression, every line, every coy flutter of an eyelash. Certainly not every film demands a "plot twist" but to not present a single curve to make the audience sit up and take notice (and stay awake) is aggravating. Nicholson is a gigantic talent who is totally wasted here, and who I hope profoundly regrets taking the role. The bad boy skirtchasing thing is getting so, so tired. Diane Keaton proves that a woman of advancing years can still be quite stunning and sensual, but she's crippled by a deadly script. The scene everyone talks about (prompted by a studio campaign that centered on it) where Nicholson accidentally sees Keaton nude could, I'm not kidding you, qualify for Worst Acted Scene of the Decade, in which both actors present their characters as if they had their big toes caught in an electrical outlet. Frances McDormand is also on hand, but her work must surely be sitting on a cutting room floor someplace as she's totally irrelevant to the film and if you blink you miss her. Keanu Reeves again shows that he can't act his way out of a soaking wet paper bag... which is precisely what this script is. Just a dreadful, dreadful, dead film. An insult to the audience.

3 Intelligent comedy based on age-difference relationships
Is Jack Nicholson good in this? Yes! Is he playing himself? You bet! Apart from the fact that 67 year-old Jack is a little healthier than the heart-attack prone 63 year old lead character in this movie, it could almost be written for him. Perhaps it's not so surprising that the more consistent Diane Keaton gives a good performance, although it's strange to see her playing an older character. That said, the person she plays is an intelligent, vivacious playwright who has (like Keaton herself, but more like writer and director Nancy Myers) aged gracefully into her fifties. The storyline attempts to address the Hollywood clichŽ of the older leading man with the younger starlet, something that is seen as much in the private lives of film stars as it is in the movies they appear in. Like many people, I am a little tired of the Conneries, Nicholsons, and even now the Bill Murrays ending up with girlfriends twenty or even thirty years their junior. It stretches credibility and is more than a little sexist. This film addresses this question with a woman who is not only prepared to challenge the status quo, but who almost in spite of herself ends up reversing it. With her younger lover played by a relaxed Keanu Reeves (no doubt relieved to be free of the technical demands of filming the Matrix series), Keaton is believable and sympathetic, even to the extent that we almost want her to end up with Reeves rather than Nicholson.

The dialogue is clever, seeming at times like a play, rather than a movie, and this gives the film an economic look which makes you concentrate on the characters. I should say a few words in favour of Amanda Peet, who plays Keaton's daughter. It's a good performance, and she's beautiful, but ultimately, she is just there for plot purposes and you are left feeling that she is a cipher rather than a person.

The DVD extras are OK, benefiting from two commentaries, both with Meyers, one also featuring Jack and the other Diane. The studio has put a little more imagination into the extras though, and it is particularly nice to see and hear Jack Nicholson sing. Overall, it's a thought provoking film, but ultimately entertaining, interesting, and quite funny. Highly recommended.

4 Love It!
Diane Keaton is Marvelous, Nicholson is Entertaining, The Movie is so Good, Rent it at least, but you have to watch it. It's a movie that will make you feel, no matter how young you are.

5 Keaton Needed a Different Leading Man for this one
Nicholson is great but he's done this role already, with Shirley Maclaine in Terms of Endearment. That was better, newer. Anyway, Keaton could have used someone a little more interesting-- OR-- maybe a better script???

6 Aphrodite `s triumph !
The irony is a sadness that is incapable of laugh ; then , laughs.

Above all this is a post -Allen film . Diane Keaton is superb as the famous and reknown writer but emotionally a loser . Her intellectual height is her principal emotive barrier since she is incapable to get a man who navigates in her waters . She is an Athena woman , gifted with sparkling intelligence , dear prudence and necessary wisdom . But it seems to reach that vertex is not enough . It can not be . Because Aphrodite is absent .

As you can guess, you have the essential ingredients to develop a dramatic comedy . Keaton seems to emerge from a Woody Allen film .

In the other hand we have Jack Nicholson a successful executive the beloved seducer without any other duties and even complications in his private life . He represents the mirror male image of Aphrodite . He is a refined man and above all a powerful personality with charm and discretion he conquers all the possible women . The modern version of the Casanova : the yuppie version of Don Giovanni .

In the third corner we have to Amanda Pet an inhibited girl of these times . She is a successful woman and somehow she is the left arm , the aphrodisiac branch visibly missed in her mother .

In the fourth side of this square we have Keanu Reeves in a brilliant performance , he is a mature man despite his youth ,. He hasn't got a stable relationship in his social circle . so he watches in Keaton the blind side of Nicholson . He observes in Keaton the happy blending of the experience and the passion . He idealizes Keaton and in his mind Aphrodite is simply resting , not absent .

The smart device of the suggestive e-mails between these lovers reveal the lone aspect of their souls and works out as personal therapy which will allow them suggest what the real human presence sometimes avoids it by several reasons .

And the rest runs for you . A very smart script , pleasant dialogues and fine humour with a lovely homage to Casablanca : We will always have Paris .

Curiously Diane Keaton made the whole cycle . She stared in 1972 Play it again , Sam, a very clever stylised rhapsody about Casablanca with Woody Allen and directed by Herbert Ross . She plays the role assigned to Ingrid Bergman while woody Allen is chased by Bogart spectre along the film because he lacks the seducer magnetism of Humphrey and so he advises him.

Impressive acting for the entire cast and undoubtedly the finest American dramatic comedy in this Century .

7 Hilariousss
This movie made me laugh so hard, I was like crying. I have to admit though, Keanu Reeves disturbed me. He didn't look too great in this movie and he was too romantic to me, almost to a point that I would be disturbed. Anyways, Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton were hilarious! I love the french song too, everytime it comes on I start laughing now. Of course now, I also want a house just like Diane's-painted white and by a sandy beach. For a great laugh, watch this movie.

8 Just in it for Nicholson.
I got hold of this movie by chance and kept on my shelf for about 2-3 months when I finally decided to watch it for the sake of habit. I was in it for the simple fact that Nicholson was the main actor and having seen other of his movies, I can say he's a great actor and a funny guy. Diane Keaton (plays the role of Erica Barry), on the other hand, is a stiff playwright, hasn't had male company in some time now, but in the end falls in love with Nicholson's character, Harry Sanborn, a successful businessman and playboy, despite Julian Mercer's (Keanu Reeves) desperate efforts to win over Erica (!?). Having seen this movie, I definitely think it's not meant for the younger audience, but mostly for middle-aged women. The film has a few funny quotes but it's nothing special. As I said, Nicholson is the star of this movie.

9 Fun Fantasy of a Film
Overall, I did feel entertained, and was glad I stayed through the credits so I could hear Jack sing. Has he ever done that before in a film? But no way did I believe a young woman in her twenties would go out with Jack Nicholson's character because of his personality. Date him because of his fame and wealth, sure, but I'm over forty, and he's too old and jaded for me! In this story, he's a leering louse with women all his life, yet the viewer is required to believe he will change at age 63. And that he will be attractive to the mother of the young woman he has wooed -- when the mother is probably a decade younger than heart attack-prone Jack. Once I suspended disbelief as required by the plot, I did enjoy the ride that this movie took me on. The dialog was good, some of the lines were witty or so true that they brought a wry smile. Diane Keaton is charming and still very attactive as a woman and actor so it was fun to see her onscreen and root for her to be happy. (Loved the scene where she checks Jack's blood pressure.) Jack's comic timing was very good (loved his reaction when he hears about the hazards of taking Viagra, and when he has to tinkle in the hospital). All the supporting characters are fine. The music and scenery are lovely. I confess that -- for the first time --I found Keanu Reeves romantically appealing. I think that if such a handsome doctor strongly pursued an older woman in real life, she'd likely do just what Mary Tyler Moore did: marry him! He also was just a nicer person than Jack from the beginning of the story. So it was hard for me to accept Diane dumping Keanu for Jack. As far as I was concerned, the movie should have ended bravely with Jack crying. But the tacked-on Hollywood ending must have tested better.

10 uneven
this is a film that could use about 20 min of cuts. the first hour where nicholson and keaton are dancing around each other is charming and witty. but the second hour after they've slept together is slow and ponderous. how many times do we need to see keaton sniffling? also, the resolution is too quick and facile. yeah, it's a romantic comedy, but...

all this aside, the performances are pretty good, especially by the two leads, which should come as no surprise since both are really just playing themselves.

11 Funny Comedy For The Elderly!
Although I'm not really of age, I really enjoyed this realsitic movie about a playwright who gets stuck with her daughter's over-aged boyfriend. But after weeks pass by, and things happen, they start to realize how much they love each other. It was a really good movie.

12 Fifty- (or maybe sixty-) something chick flick fantasy
Let's see: Erica Berry (played full out by Diane Keaton in a role to die for) is a successful playwright with a beautiful daughter (Amanda Peet) and at least one very fine bosom buddy (Frances McDormand). Along comes Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson, 66) in his PJ's or underwear-I forget which--to be discovered behind the opened door of her refrigerator ("Boy Meets Girl--Cute," as they say in Hollywood). Turns out he is dating her twenysomething daughter Marin. Well, gee, what a guy.

However daughter and man about town have not yet consummated their relationship; indeed when they try, Viagra Harry has a heart attack. And now the plot thickens. Enter handsome, dashing, young and very eligible Dr. Julian Mercer (Keanu Reeves) who tells Harry that he can't go anywhere yet because they need to keep a close watch on his heart. So Erica ends up babysitting him. Ah, yes we can see where this one is going. Playboy of the Western World finally but finally gives up the young stuff, meets the love of his life (Erica), and falls clumsily, but hopelessly in love with her.

For Erica, who hasn't felt a man's touch for lo these many years, it's like electrifying. Ah, but here's the rub. The old bachelor can't comprehend his feelings. After all he has never but never dated anyone over thirty before, and the prospect of COMMITMENT is way scary. So he demurs, shall we say. Meanwhile, the dashing young doctor reveals his romantic and clearly carnal interest in--no, NOT the beautiful young daughter! How prosaic would that be? No, he reveals he has quite a yen for the great playwright herself, and age does not matter in the slightest!

Okay, at this point if I were a woman of any age I would say that my cup doth runneth over. I would also suspect that this Fantasyland is a bit much for belief. But hey, why should the starlets have all the fun?

Anyway, Nancy Meyers's direction of this self-authored fairytale will appeal to its targeted audience no doubt, but don't try to screen this for your boyfriend. He won't survive the first reel.

Incidentally, this flick is not even in the same league as the somewhat similar romantic comedy, As Good As It Gets (1997) starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt, which I recommend that you see instead. Jack and Diane give it their best here-and Keaton is very good--but the lame and cloying script defeats their efforts.

13 Sweet dramedy
So much's been said about Something's Gotta Give, Jack Nicholson poking fun at his own dating younger woman; Diane Keation and Jack Nicholson sharing unmistakable chemistry; and of course, the sweet ending.

Something's Gotta Give is as dramtic as any romance movies could get. It illuminates because of the drama and comedy. Diane Keaton's got a nod for Best Actress, quite deservingly so but she gets overdramatic and animated at times. Jack Nicholson doesn't act anymore, he just is the way he is. Well, this role isn't quite as different as his roles in About Scmidth and As Good As It Gets, though he really does it well with that smirk look when his eyes follow Amanda Peet's rear.

The plot isn't rocket science though I must say I am more interested in seeing the Keaton-Reeves romance blossom. Reeves lands his most likeable and accomplished role as a doctor who falls for the older woman in the movie. Well, who would have thought he could handle something like this? He's really good as an admirer of Keaton's character. The best scene must be when both younger and older men saw in awe Keaton's character come out of the room in a stunning black dress. Another overlooked performance must be that of Oscar winner Frances McDormand. Her performance in the first 15 minutes already lends much support to Diane Keaton's neurtoic older woman role. She's about as quirky and witty as she can get but then the movie isn't on her. She just shows a nice contrast opposite Keaton.

Overall, it's a cloying feel-good movie that will go down with most. Oh ya, next time make Jack a record label owner of some other music genre. Hip-hop? Nah! 3.5 ***

14 A great romantic comedy
Diane Keaton plays a divorcŽe who finds love in the strangest of places: with her daughter's 60-something boyfriend (Jack Nicholson), a self-proclaimed playboy who's never had a serious relationship in his life. The dynamic that makes this movie even more interesting is that both Keaton and Nicholson seem to be playing themselves on screen, or at least they're playing the characters that the media has made them out to be in real life.

"Something's Gotta Give" is a wonderful love story that will have you laughing from start to finish. Nicholson and Keaton have great chemistry, and supporting cast members Frances McDormand and Amanda Peet are fabulous as well. Keanu Reeves also has a supporting role as a love interest of Keaton's, and he does a fine job (I realize that might be hard for you to believe, but it's the truth). I definitely recommend this movie to everyone.

15 Boredom sets in long before the end credits begin to roll.
The above title was taken from a revire I read somewhere in the Web, and I think it says it all. This movie is boring. It begins with a good premise, then everything goes down. And it's not funny at all. I don't know how it was advertised as a comedy. It's almost a total drama, with romantic obvious ending.

The performances by everyone involved are great, and I was sorry that Paul Michael Glaser and Francis McDormand had so few time on screen. Keanu Reeves proved that there's life after his disastrous performances in both sequences of MATRIX (script's fault, not his, and Amanda Peet in very likeable as Keaton's daughter.

16 Trite Star Vehicle
This trite, formula-governed movie should be an embarassment to Keaton and Nicholson, or their agents, who generally find better scripts. Obvious, predictable, its saving grace is Keanu Reeves' performance as the perfect American male. Anyone who enjoys membership in the latter category should watch this movie to see how it's done. Looking for a good film? Look elsewhere.

17 A masterpiece
Splendid piece of work. I will not tell you about this movie, except to say - WATCH IT AND LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF.

18 Nicholson's best comic role since "As Good As It Gets"
A writer courted by a handsome young doctor...and a middle-aged playboy who just happens to be dating the writer's daughter...or is he? The ever-wonderful Frances McDormand, a witty script, a wakeup call for all women, an empowering message, a mature romance, and a Keanu Reeves role other than "The Matrix" that's watchable. A great film.

19 A cliche to the end, all be it a good cliche.
If I wanted to make a traditional romantic comedy for adults, I'd set it in or around New York, I'd have sophisticated and financially well off characters, I'd thrown in a little british farce, maybe some slightly dated but cool music, and end it at a very romantic location. In a nut shell this is "Something's Got to Give", it's also "You've Got Mail" and it's "Sleepless in Seattle" as well as a host of other popular romantic movies. What sets "...Give" apart is not the story or the direction so much as the acting. Everyone in the cast does a superb job, but it's the chemistry between Nicholson & Keaton that makes this cliche of a movie work. Maybe it's because they play shadows of themselves or maybe it's because the trust each other, I don't know. I just want then to make more movies together.

20 This Is A Story of Jack and Diane
Diane Keaton- I just love her! She is a fabulous actress who is able to take the screen as her own, and then slink off and we miss her. Jack Nicholson is a superb actor who is bigger than life and knows it. He owns the screen.

In "Something's Gotta Give" Jack plays a record producer who is always dating younger women. That seems to be Jack's persona. One of the young women he is dating is Diane Keaston's daughter. Diane is about to visit her daughter, at the same time that Jack is having a heart attack in the daughter's apartment. Diane and her daughter bring Jack to the hospital. and worry and fuss over him. For some inexplicable reason, Jack goes to Diane's beach home to recuperate. Diane is a writer and is having some difficulty getting her story together. She and Jack share some time together, walk the beach, have some truthful moments. One night their romantic intentions turn into sexual love. Diane falls in love. Jack falls a little bit in love, but doesn't want this attachment. They play cat and mouse for a year or two. Diane runs into Jack when he is with other woman. Jack finds he is having anxiety attacks that mask as chest pain and is at the local Emergency Department every week. He receives advice that he should relax, take it easy. He sells his business and goes to the Caribbean, where he discovers after one day that he needs more in life. He does s a strange thing; he visits every woman he has ever had in his life. Most of these women slam their doors in his face. However, one or two tell him what life was like with him, and he listens. Jack learns that he needs someone in his life, and he wants Diane, He follows her to Paris, where she is celebrating her birthday with another man. He braves the storm and wishes her well. You know the rest- eventually they find each other, and fall madly in love.

This is a romantic comedy that has many true moments. Most of the characters in the movie are overlooked for the two giants Jack and Diane, however, that is another movie. It is a great chick flick; more of a women's movie. Entertaining and fun. I saw this on a chilly autumn afternoon, with a roaring fire and hot chocolate- a perfect end to a perfect day.
Highly recommended. prisrob

21 Good Romantic Comedy
I just saw this movie last week and I gotta say I rather enjoyed it. It isn't perfect but I think the message it tries to send is wonderful. While I agree with other's assessments that Keanu Reeves character was unneccesary and a bit to desperate for a man who is attractive, a doctor and has a house in the Hamptons! But this was still a good film despite that. I also agree that Francis Mcdermont's role was way too small because she is fabulous. And lastly sometimes Diane Keaton can be over the top.
But despite it's imperfections this was a funny intellegent movie. I will watch it again. I loved Jack and Diane's chemistry it carries the movie....
All and all the message is you can find love again and sometimes you can change the bad boy. (Hey it's fantasy)

22 Love Among the Ruins...Hardly
There's a great scene on the beach between Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, which seems almost improvised, where they talk about his reputation for non-commitment and her supposed non-date with his doctor. Ironically it feels like a scene from "Annie Hall", and this mostly charming movie could have done with more seemingly spontaneous moments like this. But director/screenwriter Nancy Meyers ("What Women Want", the "Parent Trap" remake) is borne out of the packaged Hollywood filmmaking that finds double-takes and double-entendres suitable replacements for insightful wit in a formulaic romantic comedy. Luckily, as embodied by the two veteran actors, the characters do not come off as menopausal stereotypes like some pre-"Golden Pond", sunset-gazing couple. True, there are some serious sitcom lapses in Meyers' script, and it does lack the uniquely quirky perspective of a James Brooks in the similar feeling "As Good As it Gets". For the most part, however, this is quite a step up for Meyers, a refreshing look at the emotional complications that come with love among the more mature set. What is particularly nice is how sex is treated as an emotional release rather than just an act of pure passion.

Nicholson plays womanizing record producer Harry Sanborn like most of his late-career roles, i.e., with a sense of eye-rolling panache that somehow gets dismantled when his character reveals too much of his vulnerability. It's probably the unsurprising aspect of his acting that allows Keaton to steal the movie from him. Looking svelte and unapologetic for her age, she brings a lovely sense of gravity to her role of successful playwright Erica Barry, a familiar type who lives in a Pottery Barn-furnished world and has rationalized love out of her life. Keaton has a great honest moment when her character reveals her true feelings outside the restaurant where she catches him on a date after their own tryst. The film somehow loses footing after this scene, as this last portion feels like the story is marking time until the plot strands eventually sort themselves out to the inevitable ending.

The film looks good in a "Metropolitan Home" sort of way, and the supporting cast is quite capable and serviceable. Keanu Reeves is surprisingly believable as the lovelorn doctor smitten with Keaton's character, but he is given short shrift by the script and comes off ultimately as a plot device. On the other hand, Amanda Peet comes across as alternately bright and flighty, a fetching combination, as Erica's daughter. Sadly underutilized as usual, Frances McDormand steals all her scenes as Erica's sister. Someday she will hopefully repeat her success with "Fargo" and get a meatier role deserving of her smart talent and saucy sense of humor. And even more hopefully, perhaps this movie will provide a springboard for other older-skewed romantic comedies given our country's aging demographics...but who am I kidding?

23 Well Worth Your Time
This is a story about a playboy, played by Jack Nickelson and a middle age playwrite, played by Diane Keaton. Jack dates only the 'younger' women and Diane feels she is long past having any type of meanful sexual relationship with a man. Things were about to change for both of them when Jack begins dating Diane's daughter and they are introduced to each other.
When Jack finally takes the time to realize there is more to a woman than a young body, he begins to really see Diane for the wonderful woman she is and he starts to fall for her and she for him. This movie explores many factors of the middleage love affair and also brings out some downright laugh out loud moments concerning the middele age body, which I myself can relate to.
All in all this was a very enjoyable movie to watch and had one great ending. Recommended.

24 Thank you, for being you, Diane Keaton!
Another forever young grand dame, this Diane Keaton. She was a terrific actress when she was young, and is fantastic in her wondrous maturity. The ending of the tale is predictable even though it deals with a love triangle (Diane, Keanu, and Jack) and the off-the-beaten track issue of older woman-younger man romance. I say predictable because of course she ends up with... uh.... yeah... you got it ....
But it's a cheerfully "watchable" film anyway. And Diane is marvellous. Yes I am a prude and prefer no gratuituous nudity, but in this movie, when Diane was caught by Jack in her birthday suit, I cheered for her. She might be in her late fifties, but she proved for posterity that we women do not have to abide by the conventional calendar, and fifty can be fabulous.

25 Repulsive
It's hard for me to believe that this movie was as popular as it was. This movie was terrible. Don't let yourself be fooled by the movie's stars, either: Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton's performances are perfect, but there's only so much an actor can do with a one-dimensional character.

The beginning, with Nicholson and Diane Keaton's daughter is unengaging, as neither of the characters are compelling, and the situation isn't at all interesting.

Cue, then, Diane Keaton, who, boring and unrealistic as she is, is only as uninteresting as her sister--the man-hater--who shows up with her.

At this point, you're watching a movie about four characters living together, and you--I, at least--don't like any one of them.

Then Keanu Reeves shows up. Keanu Reeves is the worst character in the movie. He plays the rich, smart, congenial doctor (you might think these are "spoilers," but they hardly ruin the movie) who's attracted to Keaton, despite her age, because he loves the way she writes. It gets even more absurd toward the end of the movie. Call it sweet, but it isn't realitic.

Of course, the love story between the two leads is also wholly unconvincing, in that they hated eachother at the beginning, and still seem to.

And after they do get together, Diane Keaton becomes a completely different character--but not a better one.

Either way, I'm no fan of romantic comedies, but this movie is a disgrace to the genre in that it isn't funny, and it isn't romantic.

It's a movie that would've put me to sleep, if I weren't so angry about it.

26 I liked it
I bought this video from Hollywood Video a couple nights ago, and I enjoyed watching it. Diane Keaton (true, she does overact) and Jack Nicholson were awesome and had great chemistry in this. I liked watching a movie with some "old skool" actors in it. LOL, I felt bad for poor Keanu in the end. But all in all, it was a very amusing movie.

27 Hard for old dog to learn how to trust and love...
Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is a 60-year-old businessman that likes to keep his women young as he is about to spend the weekend with Marin (Amanda Peet) at her parents family beach house. The trip to the beach house leads Harry into a new phase of his life as he has a close encounter with death as he has a heart attack. This phase opens doors to a new world for Harry as he discovers what he has been missing in his life, yet he is an old dog that has a hard time conforming to his new ideals. Something's Gotta Give is an amusing film with serious undertones of love, trust, and age that is well-balanced by Meyers.

28 Achingly pathetic
You see all the 1 star reviews? Believe 'em. Watching paint dry would be more interesting. Steer clear of this baby.

29 Drivel
"Something's Gotta Give" is a much over hyped film that plays on the marketability of its two main stars, Jack Nicholson and Dianne Keaton.

After watching trailers for this film, I was given the expectation of a witty, clever film. Unfortunately, it is little of the sort. The handful of amusing scenes or lines are in the trailer and the film itself drags slowly to a maudlin conclusion. There are no high points. The film simply encourages the view to keep checking to the time in the hope that a merciful end is close.

Both Nicholson and Keaton are better actors than this film allows them to play.

30 Great acting by Keaton and Nicholson!
I am in my 40's and I love watching movies with mature actors.

I watched this dvd last night, and I love it. I have been a Diane Keaton fan back to Annie Hall.

I feel I got to know a different Diane this time. A much more mature one. It was refreshing.

I am not a great fan of Jack Nicholson, and I think at the first part of the movie, he was not that great - but he acted much better than I expected.

It was a joy to watch these two excellent actors.

Only bad thing about this movie - it's way too long.

31 knockout touching flick
I bought this heartwarming movie on dvd and have watched it 2 times already. It's a really touching movie. how he falls in love with her but she doesn't realize it quite yet. It's really touching in many parts. Jack made me laugh alot. It was worth seeing on dvd. Go see it.

32 Mediocre At Best
When you see that Jack Nicholson is in a film, you pretty much expect it to be good, because he is that good. You expect someone that has been around as long as Diane Keaton to be good, but she was on the edge of annoying.

In summary, Jack Nicholson and his girlfriend (Amanda Peet) are set to spend a weekend at her mother's summer house. He is a lifelong bachelor with a thing for much younger women. After a heart attack that sidelines him, a reluctant romance blossoms between him and Diane Keaton, who plays Amanda Peet's mother. She is stuffy and wears a lot of turtlenecks, and without saying a whole lot more to give it away, this predictable and lighthearted comedy-romance is severely flawed by several factors.

Keanu Reeves playing a doctor. While he did not ruin the part in playing it, and actually turned out a solid performance on his part, he is not terribly believable, and his character's obssession with Diane Keaton could not be believable if a really great actor played him. In this case, it was not his fault, but the fault of the person that wrote the story.

Diane Keaton may have been cute when she was younger and overacting, but now, it's just annoying. I never realized how silly she was as an actress until I saw this movie, and she was a huge disappointment. She makes faces, gets hysterical, and her drawn out crying jag isn't funny, it makes a person want to grab her by the hair and smack her.

The movie has its moments. There are a few hysterical scenes in it, but ultimately, the movie was drawn out for far too long, and the ending was just silly to me, as well as unrealistic. Mind you, when I say that, I don't mean the end result, but how it comes about. Silly.

It's a nice "once see". Jack Nicholson is a god and he is always worth watching. I wouldn't watch it a second time.

33 Contagious Laughter.
Hilarious movie! Diane's scene where she cries and cries, then laughs, then cries and cries, then laughs is the best. I laughed and laughed. Her comic facials are worth the price of admission on this film. Jack is Jack and he's back!

34 Safe suburban rich older woman's fantasy about romance
You will enjoy this movie ONLY if you're a rich older rich woman who enjoys living in a safe fantasy world, far from contact with reality. In short, if you're a 50 year old rich "chick" who's afraid to come out of her "shell", this is the chick-flick for you.

The rest of us should go elsewhere for our entertainment... for example, "As good as it gets", also starring Jack Nicholson, is romantic, devoted to gritty realism, and displays well-rounded, deep, 3-dimensional characters.

"Something's gotta give" is a bland sugar-pill placebo. It's a flat unfunny comedy with flat, unbelievable characters in every manner of idealized settings from New York to The Hamptons to *gag* Paris. All the people in this movie are unreal rich, successful, gleaming-toothed, unoriginal stereotypes. They live in a perfect world where nothing hurts, nothing's real, and everybody comes out happy.

For example, a 30-something single doctor in the Hamptons who looks like Keanu Reeves (Heck, he IS Keanu Reeves) feels no pain or regret at being dumped by his fiance, and is single and available for Diane Keaton.

Everyone drives a (product placement alert) BMW. All the relationships are shallow, devoid of chemistry, and needlessly prozac-laden.

Dialogue lacks any sort of magic. I can't recall a single line of this film despite having seen it just a week ago.

Give it a miss. Go for something at least halfway committed to realism, witticism, and 3-dimensional characters.

35 Enjoyable film, great chemistry between the leads
Diane Keaton has never been a favorite of mine (loved her in Manhattan, but she was average in a lot of decidedly average films) but she really deserved a lot more praise for the work she did in this film - I thought she was superb. Really outstanding.

Nicholson,of course, put in his usual fine job as well, and the two of them together was inspired casting.

Keanu Reeves displayed all the personality of an umbrella stand.

I saw the movie in a cinema that had an audience that was decidedly 'mature'; I'd say probably 90% of it was aged 40-6- years old, and many of the women in the audience were sobbing softly during parts of the movie, so it certainly resonated with the audience.

I don't want to give the impression that it's a sad movie, but rather, poignant and bittersweet, but only in parts - in fact, some scenes are laugh-out-loud funny.

Not a great movie, but certainly a very good one.

36 Mature Chick Flick
Netflixed this one last night. There aren't too many films out there about 50 & 60 year olds getting together; the success of this film should tell the film industry that people do enjoy films that don't revolve around 20-somethings (and that's coming from a 20-something!)

Apparently, the roles of Harry and Erica were written specifically for Jack Nicholson and Dianne Keaton. (Jack and Dianne! It's even a SONG!!) Keaton and Nicholson have amazing on screen chemistry. Nicholson appears to be playing himself in this film ... Harry - an aging bachelor who has never dated a woman over 30. Keaton is an acclaimed playwright, Erica, who hasn't been in any type of relationship since her divorce years earlier. Her life is perfect in every way except in the romance department.

Funny circumstances throw these two together - Harry and his newest girlfriend are headed to the Hamptons to spend the weekend at her mother's house (she's supposed to be out of town). But Mom unexpectedly shows up ... guess who! Erica. Much hilarity ensues ... and Harry ends up being forced to stay in the Hamptons at Erica's house. Harry and Erica reluctantly begin to like each other, and eventually - they fall in love. However, the road is rocky as Harry is still clinging to his bachelor life - and can't understand how he could possibly be attracted to someone who is, gasp, over 50!

My husband and I both enjoyed this film ... although he did call it a mature chick-flick.

37 Something's Gotta Give
When I watched this film, I realized that this film is a one of a kind. There has never been a romantic comedy with older men and women as the main characters. Jack Nicholson and Dianne Keaton are a great onscreen pair. They should work again someday. The movie was funny, smart, hip, and cool. The setting was beautiful (The Hamptons) and it fit the story perfectly. Amanda Peet and Frances McDormand gave amusing supporting roles as well. The DVD has a great transfer along with a few bonus features. I reccomend this for anyone who loves romance and laughs.

38 Not as great as it could have been, but still great

Romantic comedy with stellar cast. Jack Nicholson plays himself, an aging Lothario chasing younger women. A heart attack lands him in the seaside home of the mother of one of those young women. This 'mother' turns out to be Diane Keaton, a playwright of some fame. An interesting little triangle develops. Keanu Reeves, the cardiologist, falls hard for Keaton, who is always one sexy dame. Nicholson falls for her, too. Keaton is in the enviable position of having 2 men, who have maybe a 25 year age gap between them, salivating over her.
The scenes of the developing relationship, including a nude scene for Keaton and a bare-butt scene for Nicholson, are marvelous fun and quite believable.
The there are detractions. Frances McDormand's talents are wasted in a role as Keaton's sister, a role that is far too small for her. Reeves' role is understated, gentlemanly - and ultimately unbelievable. Not unbelievable in terms of a man falling for a woman 15+ years his senior, but unbelievable in terms of the minimal emotional range he brings to his performance.
But the best part by far is the fact that this romantic comedy doesn't deal with the foibles of 20-30yo actors; it focuses with truth and affection on the foibles of a 'mature couple.'
Great theater.

39 a romantic comedy for grownups

Diane Keaton gives the performance of her career in "Something's Gotta Give," writer/director Nancy Meyers' smart and savvy take on middle-age romance. Keaton plays Erica Barry, a 50-something playwright living on her own in a swanky beach house in the Hamptons. Although she has achieved enormous success in her career, her personal life leaves much to be desired. Erica, though brilliant and attractive, has pretty much shut herself off from the dating scene since her divorce a number of years ago. Erica's life runs like a well-oiled machine, with each element - both personal and professional - fitted neatly into place, with no room left over for spontaneity or passion. One fateful day, Erica stumbles upon a strange man rummaging through her refrigerator, a 63 year-old professional bachelor named Harry Sanborn who, Erica discovers to her horror, is dating her 30 year-old daughter, Marin (Harry is, actually, a notorious bachelor, having been profiled as such in a number of tony New York magazines). Even though Erica is disgusted by the situation, she is forced to take care of Harry after he suffers a heart attack while staying at her place. Despite their diametrically opposed outlooks on love and romance, Erica and Harry spend quality time together, discover their ultimate compatibility, and eventually fall in love.

Meyers has written a witty, sophisticated screenplay that offers insights into any number of "battle of the sexes" issues. She has outrageous fun exploring the phenomenon of middle-aged men cavorting with women half their age. Jack Nicholson, known in real life for doing just that, has a great time poking fun at his own public image while, at the same time, providing a richly textured portrait of a man who may not be quite as shallow as his persona would suggest. When he so unexpectedly finds his head turned by a vibrant, attractive and intelligent woman in her 50's, Harry, a middle-aged Lothario who finds he needs Viagra to help him keep pace with his youthful "conquests," is forced to re-evaluate what has hitherto been the defining philosophy of his personality and lifestyle. Nicholson is magnificent at showing us the profound confusion his character undergoes as he takes those much belated but faltering steps into adult maturity.

Nicholson is, however, only one half of this extraordinary couple. As the other half, Keaton, having been handed what is clearly the role of a lifetime, has never seemed so natural and self-assured on screen. She makes of the character a capable, no-nonsense woman who has allowed her passions to lie dormant far too long. Though, on the surface, she appears confident and in control of her life, Erica is, underneath it all, a woman wounded by past experience and intimidated by a culture that expects women to be put out to pasture the moment they reach middle age. It is this combination of strength and vulnerability that makes Erica such a complex, recognizable individual - and it is the very quality that Keaton captures so exquisitely in her performance. The chemistry generated between Keaton and Nicholson in this film is so glowing and palpable one wonders why no filmmaker ever saw the potential of this dynamic duo until now.

In addition to these two outstanding performers, the film boasts excellent supporting work from Frances McDormand as Erica's pragmatic, clear-headed sister; Amanda Peet as Erica's level-headed daughter; and Keanu Reeves as Harry's handsome young doctor who finds himself smitten by Erica's mature beauty and charm.

"Something's Gotta Give" is that rare romantic comedy that not only acknowledges the romantic inclinations of people over forty, but also recognizes the emotional complexities of their relationships. Because both Erica and Harry have been around the block a few times, they bring a lifetime of baggage to their burgeoning attachment. Thus, unlike in the vast majority of romantic comedies, which are clearly geared to the younger generation, the lovers here have a depth not often encountered when the focus is on two inexperienced neophytes. It takes the experience that comes from living to make a person interesting, after all.

Thanks to the quality of the writing and the performances, "Something's Gotta Give" takes its place among the great romantic comedy/dramas like "Two For the Road," "Annie Hall," "When Harry Met Sally" and "The American President." That's mighty august company indeed.

40 Something gotta Give
One of the best movie in 2003 that You should watch with someone You loved.

41 Too Young for This?
Perhaps at 34 I am too young to 'get' this movie. I was hoping for a great romantic comedy, but found this one fell flat. Not even in the same universe as As Good as It Gets. After Jack Nicholson's character is stranded at Diane Keaton's house, I just lost interest. I didn't think he was anyone's dream man, and their love scene was frankly more than a little embarrassing. And the ending! Let's just say I find it very hard to believe a 60-something leopard would change his spots.

42 Not all that great
I was pretty disappointed with this movie. It was entertaining, but very contradictory. You have Diane Keeton who plays Ericka a play write, who is pretty bitter about older men who seem to go for younger women. Yet her own daughter who is in her early 30's is dating a man (Jack) who happens to be 63 years old!! Harry is older, and is pretty commitment phobic, so he believes in dating and having fun. Harry is also prone to lots of hospital visits due to his heart problems. So Ericka's daughter decides to end her relationship with Harry because she spotted the chemistry between her mom and Harry. Now knowing that Harry is such a commit phobe, you would think that Ericka would ignore Harry and enjoy the attention she is getting from Julian (Keanu's character) who is totally smitten with her. No, she sleeps with Harry, it means a lot more to her, then it meant to him, and when he admits he only wants to be friends she spends a good deal of the movie crying. Now the crying was okay the first few minutes, it was funny at first. Then it got on my nerves !!! Her heartbreak helps her complete her play she is writing, and Harry is the subject of her new play that becomes a hit. Ericka's daughter is all upset her father is going to marry a woman who is only a few years older then her. Do you see the irony? Ericka goes to Paris, and Harry finally realizing he is in love with her goes to surprise her. However, the surprise is on him when he realizes that Julian is with her. The chemistry once again is evident, and Ericka goes after Harry. I'm sorry, but Julian is so much cuter!!!!

I also have a feeling my age may have had something to do with why I did not enjoy this movie as much as I thought I would. I'm 36 and the thought of dating someone 63 does not appeal to me. If I were older, I would not be upset that men older prefer younger men. The other issue I had with the movie was this. During the scene when Ericka and Harry was about to have sex, they mention birth control, but when she mentioned "menopause" all the sudden everything was GREAT. Now I know this is a movie, but what about using a condom so you don't have to worry about the spread of STD's or HIV? Sure she does not have to worry about pregnancy, but with Harry being so commitment phobic, I would be worried about getting HIV!!!! So that part really disturbed me. I would just go out with a younger man if he were attracted to me. The movie was cute, the movie had some funny moments, but the movie was not all that great to me.

43 Charming and intelligent
While I am nowhere near a 50 something, and closer to a 30 something, I can still appreciate an intelligent romantic comedy with a convincing and witty cast. I love Diane Keaton's character, especially with her quirky hang-ups (no pun.) Humor, charm, intellect and vulnerability ring true for both her and Nicholson, to whom before this movie, I was not a huge fan. It inspires us all to develop our skills and talents and to never give up on finding our soul mate, regardless of how late in life he/she might arrive. It was precious in some parts, and soulful in others. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

44 Something's Gotta Give
I loved Jack Nicholson in As Good As it Gets, so I thought that I'd see this movie and hope that it was just as great. Well...

It started out great. The movie ran along pretty smoothly... but the last thirty minutes or so dragged on SO badly. It made you wonder when the thing was going to end.

I was SO irritated at Diane Keaton by the time the thing was over, basically because of the little laugh that she had. Jack Nicholson kept the thing interesting, and Keanu Reeves was pretty convincing, considering.

It's about a 63-year-old man (Nicholson) who is dating Keaton's daughter, who looks to be about in her late twenties. Keaton is disgusted with the entire thing, until a young, handsome doctor (Reeves) has a similar interest in her.

The ending is predictable, but that isn't such a bad thing ALL the time. It's just that this movie was a big disappointment compared to 'As Good As it Gets'.

45 Great rip off movie
Hey all I am 24 years old. I liked this movie alot. I was very sweet. But, I noticed one thing strange that I did not like about this movie. The whole time I was watching (this is the only reason it is not a five star movie) the movie I keep thinking where is Helen Hunt. Then I had to remind myself this is not "As Good As It Gets". Also an excellent movie. The movie just mimiced "As Good As It Get". Weird rich guy, falls in love with woman. Woman finally falls in love with rich guy. Nicholson was awesome as usuall. I do how ever recommend that you see the movie. Well worth it.

46 Not great for all the Hype
I absolutely love a good movie and after hearing so many great things about this movie, I was convinced that I needed to see it. I love a good ramantic comedy and thought this would follow suit with those that I love to watch over and over. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I was tempted more than once to shut off my TV while watching this movie. I was somewhat embarrassed by the strange sexual encounter that Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson's characters have together. When telling other people about this movie I usually say that you have to be closer to the main characters age to understand and appreciate the story. Since I am only 26 I felt like this story meant nothing to me and I didn't understand the strange and awkward relationship the characters had.

Overall, not one of my favorite movies and not one that I would watch again.

47 Nicholson at his best
Classic Nicholson! Great flick. Even my husband loved it.

48 Not the greatest
I was surprised that this movie was recommended to me. It had moments of humor, but all in all I was left feeling disappointed. Not to mention that I felt embarassed watching this with my mother since there's full on frontal nudity--and it ain't pretty! It was also totally unnecessary, which just left me wondering WHY??
The story was okay, but I had a hard time believing the characters motives. Why are these people becoming couples? It didn't seem real and the writers/director didn't seem to care.

49 Great chemistry between the leads
Something's Gotta Give has its shortcomings. The secondary characters aren't very well-developed. Keanu Reeves is not believable in the role of a doctor (nor is he believable as Keaton's admirer). There are moments when Diane Keaton whines too much (or sobs too much). But there is such chemistry between her and Nicholson that it's worth seeing. They make the movie lively and sparkling and humorous - and they're courageous enough to bare onscreen what other actors their age would be quick to cover up. It's not often that one sees such an engaging romance between older people. Nicholson pulls it off with a few waggles of his eyebrows and some truly surprising moments of tenderness; Keaton manages to be both sassy and vulnerable. They're a great match.

50 Something Between Nicholson & Keaton
Something's Gotta Give is a romantic comedy that pairs Jack Nicholson & Diane Keaton for the first time since 1981's Reds. The film is a romantic comedy about Harry Sanborn (Mr. Nicholson), a 63-year-old playboy who is infamous for never having been married. Harry has a penchant for women half his age and the film opens with him driving to the Hamptons home of 30-year-old Marin (Amanda Peet). Marin's mother is a famous playwright, Erica Barry (Ms. Keaton) who is not supposed home. While Harry is in the kitchen, Erica & her sister Zoe (Frances McDormand) come into the house and mistake him for an intruder. When Erica finds out he is dating her daughter, she immediately dislikes Harry. While engaged in some foreplay with Marin, Harry suffers a mild heart attack and is rushed to hospital. The scene of Harry being taken in on a gurney will be repeated several times throughout the film. The attending physician, Dr. Julian Mercer, turns out to be a big fan of Erica's and asks her out to dinner. Harry is forced to recuperate at Erica's house and sparks fly between the two and they end up sleeping together. The romance doesn't last as Harry is not the commitment type and Erica is heartbroken. The play Erica is writing ends up to be about the their relationship and it is a smash hit and Erica ends up with Julian. Harry has second thoughts about the relationship and eventually tracks Erica down to Paris where she is with Julian. In the end, Erica & Harry end up together with Marin being married and having a baby. Ms. Keaton won a great deal of praise for her role including winning a Golden Globe and garnering an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. While Ms. Keaton is good in her role, her character seems a bit too whiny. The premise of the movie is supposed to be that middle-aged woman are desirable as they have strength, smarts and looks even though middle-aged men overlook them for younger women. Ms. Keaton comes off as flighty and emotionally high strung that puts her against the premises. Her relationship with the much younger doctor is the retort to Harry's dalliances with younger women, but it doesn't seem to be a believable relationship. Mr. Nicholson is perfect in his role, as he is essentially playing a character he has played numerous times. Ms. Peet is also quite good as is Ms. McDormand in a under utilized part.

51 Unmemorable!!!
This is a fun and cute comedy with a great cast and beautiful scenery, but it drags on WAY too long, and ultimately ends up as an unmemorable waste of 2 plus hours. I know I would have liked it more had it been about 20 minutes shorter. Either way, this is worth seeing for fans of Diane Keaton, who just sparkles. Jack Nicholson is his usual self, but I LOVE Amanda Peet and Frances McDormand, who unfortunately, aren't given much to do. Keanu Reeves is less irritating than in his other films and luckily, has a small role. I'm glad I saw this, but it is way overhyped by critics. The usual formulaic Hollywood romance, only this time, the ones who fall in love are old.

52 Movie-goers can?t handle the truth??
That's what the writers, directors, producers, etc. of this movie must think. They expect us to actually believe that a leering old coot like Nicholson would hold some sort of appeal to the character who plays Diane Keaton's daughter. I know lots of younger women would have gone out with him, but only those who are interested in his money (& presumably, that's not the reason for Keaton's daughter's attraction to him). Even the attraction of Keanu Reeves's character to Keaton's is unreal. Spare me the diatribe about her being accomplished, intelligent, blah, blah, blah. It just ain't happenin' in real life.

It was clichŽ (in a "PC" sort of way), predictable, and preposterous. While it wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen, it was definitely a waste of time.

53 Loved this movie!
I disagree with many of the other reviews because I thought this movie was great. It is so refreshing to have a romantic comedy for the Baby Boom demographic. And it is doubly refreshing to see a Hollywood film with a 57 year old actress in the lead. Diane Keaton is marvelous in this film. Her performance is the primary reason I feel such affection for the movie. She is a wonderful actress and makes the movie special.

54 No More Jack, Please
That's it. No more. After this, I refuse to watch another movie based on the absolutely ludicrous proposition that Jack Nicholson is sexy or even charming. In this one, he is, at best, a leering repulsive old roue and no amount of cute dialogue can obscure it.

At one point, the actress playing Keaton's twenty-something daughter gushes about how attracted she was by Nicholson's personality. That scene underlines the utter dishonesty of this movie because it is obvious to any discerning female that all he has to offer is money and clout. I wondered how the mother in this movie would have reacted to the notion that her daughter was doing a little quid pro quo with a powerful old guy in order to upgrade her wardrobe or whatever. It might have made things more interesting and believable. But, unfortunately, we are supposed to like the characters in this movie.

Without Nicholson it might have worked. As it was, the intimate scenes between him and both actresses playing mother and daughter were redolent with all sorts of unpleasant and yucky speculations.

I've read that some women used to find Nicholson attractive. I believe it. I don't understand it, but I believe it. I just don't believe that any self respecting woman of any age would still do so. (As for any woman choosing him over Keneau Reeves, I think others here have already expressed the appropriate amount of incredulity.)

Hollywood honchos must identify with the Nicholson brand of crass powerful-old-guy horniness. (He is their fantasy of themselves still suavely pulling the chicks despite the fact that he and they retain not a shred of personal attractiveness.) That must be why he still gets these leading man parts. Well, it must stop.

There are mature actors out there who can play believable leading men if the script calls for autumnal romance; that elegant collection of still beautiful bones, Paul Newman, for one, Warren Beatty for another (just imagine Beatty and Keaton together). And then there is James Garner, no longer beautiful but still sexy as hell with his laid back charm.

So, Hollywood, hear my plea, no more shots of Jack Nicholson's aging dimpled butt. Please. I would like to think that there is a limit to how low western civilization can sink.

One more thing, why do protagonists in movies like this have to be world famous? When did that start? Keaton's a world famous playwright. Nicholson's a world famous producer. Jeeze Marie!

Tell you what, skip this movie and watch one with the same theme where the protagonists are a skirt-chasing middle-aged dentist and his dowdy receptionist. I am speaking of the wonderful "Cactus Flower" with Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman, and...sigh...Goldie Hawn in her first magical incarnation.

Take my advice. It will make you so happy.

55 Enjoyable
SGG is an enjoyable movie. Nicholson and Keaton make a nice couple, but I dont think Keaton deserved an Oscar no. The movie is a little long, but it's a fun romantic comedy...esepcially for the older folks.

56 It was a decent movie but SO predictable
Something had to give eventually for this movie to finally end. It kind of took forever to get it to end it ran about 30 minutes to late. I still thought it was a funny smart romantic comedy about older people but I truly think that Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton didn't need the sex scenes to get this movie passed. I think these two people have chemistry when they talk but when they are making out I get stomach cramps especially that part where Nicholson cuts Keaton's turtleneck off with a scissor and begins to desire her I just think these look really bad in bed together. This movie was decent though because It had a feel good feeling to it. I feel though that at the beginning the movie was off to much more but by the middle of it the film slowed down and got a little mellow for not just me but for alot of people. But I would see it again.

57 Way too drawn out!
I enjoyed watching the movie, but I will say that it was easy to predict, and too long.
I am only 30 years old, and I don't think that romantic comedies are just for the younger crowd - HOWEVER - the nudity was uncalled for. Kind of gross.

58 Bad movie
This is the first movie I have watched from Diane Keaton, what a terrible actress! I don't know how she got so famous, maybe this was the only bad movie she made! Anyway, 2 stars goes to Jack Nicholson!

59 Three and a half stars
The plot is predictible and not very fresh; however, the acting is brilliant and makes it worth your time. I loved seeing Diane Keaton in white. She's a beautiful woman and that is, perhaps, the best part of this film.

60 Its a SNOOZER
hey for all you older people out there im not hating on this movie i just think it was a lil slow oh who am i kiddin!this movie is good for helpin u get to sleep.i mean i geuss there cudd have been some funny jokes that i didint understand or no one under 35 cudd understand.Jack nicolson can be rele funny like in ANGER MANAGEMENT but this movie is for old people. its about a older man who dates girls under 30 and he happens to date the daughter of the single old lady who writes poems. the daughter break up with jack bcuz hes too old and her mom needs sum1 and she thinsk they should hook up and they do and you get to see a 57 year old lady copmpletely naked !!! yes evrything shows even though its rated pg 13 all this movie gave me was nightmares from taht nude scene THANK YOU

61 Jack's the butt of the joke!
The Bible tells us something along the lines of David, King, Warrior, Dude Extraordinaire, spies Bathsheba, " . . .a beautiful woman bathing." This is about 3000 years ago. So the facts of life are that men are attracted to beautiful (read YOUNGER) women. Is this fair? No. Is this stupid? Very. Just when our crowd is intrigued with the intelligence, wisdom, insight, humor and magnetism of women our age, somebody's moron ex-brother in law marries Brie from the typing pool 30 years younger than him. Is it flawed? Terribly. Is it embarrassing? Quite. Is it funny? I'm sorry. I don't think so.

You know somehow they talked Diane Keaton into getting naked and Nicholson into walking around with his behind hanging out. I wasn't prepared for that. It seemed prurient, pandering. I mean, do you want to see your Aunt Estelle who's 60 naked? Or Uncle Ernie who landed on Omaha Beach nude?

Anyhow, yeah, they're great actors but the movie was a letdown. I felt like the group therapy scene from Nicholsen's tour de force, "Cuckoo's Nest." It was funny . . . but really not. Larry Scantlebury. 3 stars.

62 Definatly for an older crowd!
This movie was most definatly not made for the audiences under 30 years of age. My friends and I call it "old people porn" because old people do it with young people, then old people do it with old people, and then the old people do it with young people again. Not very appealing. The full frontal nudity of Diance Keaton was totally unnecessary. Not recommended.

63 Something's gotta go
Looking at the impressive cast made up of Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Frances McDormand, Keanu Reeves, and Amanda Peet, one might think that this would be a brilliant film. In actuality, it's more of a brilliant facade.

First of all, the movie could have been pulled off in half the time that it was. I am not usually a person to get restless while watching movies, and after a half hour, I was thinking, 'Is it done yet?' It seemed to drag on and on and on, even though it was just barely over two hours.

Secondly, the plot is painfully cliche and utterly predictable. I knew what was going to happen far before it did. The ending would have been much better and much less cliche if Nicholson did not go to Paris (who does that sort of thing?!) and just got over Keaton. I don't know. It was a little too sappy for me.

And finally, I could have done without the weird sex scene. It didn't do it for me, and I don't enjoy see Nicholson getting it on because, frankly, he's sort of gross. I would have liked it much more if it were Keanu Reeves instead.

Overall, the movie was incredibly lame. Unless you enjoy predictable plot points and really long, sappy films, I wouldn't recommend it.

64 Great fun
Not exactly what I expected, but very good. Keanu is absolutely yummy in his role, makes you want to melt for him. Alas, Keaton and Nicholson have great chemistry on screen!

65 Something's Gotta Give
Sixty and still sexy, Harry (Jack Nicholson) is having the time of his life, wining, dining and bedding women half his age. When he meets an auctioneer (Amanda Peet) and agrees to go to the Hamptons with her, he's convinced he's in for a sinfully fun weekend. Plans go awry when her playwright mother, Erica (Diane Keaton), stops in unannounced, and Harry soon discovers there's nothing wrong with -- and plenty good about -- acting your age.

66 Vey long
This wasn't the comedy I expected. Well, the first half was. The second half was OK, just not my type of movie, I guess. It seemed to drag on until I wondered if it would end. I'm only 23 so maybe I just don't appreciate the whole point of the movie. It got way too mushy for me. I guess stories about people who mess up their lives like this don't grab my sympathy.
The humor was hilarious, and the plot was meaningful and all that, and the actors were great, which is why it gets 3 stars from me.

67 At the top of their game!
Keaton and Nicholson are at the top of their game and their chemistry is a treat to watch. Thank you Nancy Meyers!

68 snooze years
a silly and contrived exploitation of the "Golden Years marketing potential" of Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Yes, they are smiling all the way to the bank off this hopelessly soporific and pointless film.

Boring.

69 Kill me now!
I'd rather gouge out my eyes with a dinner fork then sit through this movie a second time. The acting was fine, of course with this cast that's a given, but the story is so horribly horrible... only rich divorced women over 50 would even get a chuckle out of it. The plot is so obvious and the dialog was so unreal it made me feel like Moses lost in the desert as I searched the barron wastland for the ending credits.

I think the one tag line from the movie says it all "...what about birth control?"

"menopause, don't worry"

70 Awesome! Great!
Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic, but this had to be one of the best romantic movies I've seen in a long time. It was funny, but still made its point.

71 Big Disappointment
I wasn't expecting the best romantic comedy in the world but I was hopeful that this one might be reasonably entertaining. Instead, I found it embarrassing and deadly. I am not a fan of Diane Keaton but I didn't expect her to be this bad. Her character behaved like a melodramatic teenager and the crying scene was idiotic and interminable. Jack Nicholson was his usual lecherous, boozy-looking over-the-hill lothario and it was very hard to believe that any woman of any age would go so nutsy over him, especially with Reeves waiting in the wings (also an incredible premise in these circumstances). Even Frances McDormand, who is always good, could not do much to help out as her character was severely underwritten. It was a relief when this movie was over.

72 Hated it
I couldn't even finish watching this claptrap, and from the other reviews on here I am glad I didn't. This could have been a great comedy but Keaton and Jack appeared to be making up their lines, or flubbing them badly. Nicholson was particularly bad seeming to be reading the lines off cards, slowly. Keaton giggled and mugged through the entire movie as if she was on drugs -- Jack just isn't that funny or annoying. And really, did anyone want to see Jack's buttocks so much. No.

As for Keaton's character, although I can see her anger, she was so focused on the issue of Jack being an older man she came off as a man hater. Why Jack or Reeves falls for her is beyond me. I am just glad I didn't pay for this one in the theater. Don't buy the hype.

73 A Must See Film - Keaton & Nicholson Are A Real Treat!
Boy did I love this film!! I needed a good laugh...and I found myself with a stitch in my side from laughter. I also found a few unexpected tears in my eyes. There are definitely poignant moments here. But then, I happen to be a woman "of a certain age" so perhaps I really related. Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, a superb supporting cast and writer-director Nancy Meyers have provided entertainment at its best with "Something's Gotta Give." (I hate the movie's title, though. Surely someone could have come up with something more apt and original).

Harry Sanborn, (Nicholson), a 63 year-old music industry mogul, is a renowned bachelor who prefers his women under 30 and gorgeous. He is allergic to commitment - the word is not even in his vocabulary. Erica Barry is a 50-something divorcee and a super successful playwright. Her daughter, 20-something Marin, (lovely Amanda Peet), brings her latest lover (Sanborn), to their Hamptons summer home for the weekend and - Surprise(!) - finds Mommy home too. The interaction and verbal sparring between the 4, (including Aunt Zoe, played by Frances McDormand as Keaton's feminist sister), is a riot. Unfortunately Harry's hard living catches up with him during this, of all weekends, and he has a heart attack. Keaton saves him with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. And hunky Dr. Julian Mercer (Keanu Reeves) forces him to remain at the Barry home to recuperate. Then the fun really begins.

The combination of Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson is an absolute joyous one. Two great actors, with plenty of chemistry between them, are at their best - they sizzle! As do Keanu Reeves and Keaton. She gets all the great guys...deservedly so. The script is witty, the dialogue is acerbic...and tender at times. The characters have depth and room to grow - which they certainly do. There may be some weak moments - the ending is slightly schmaltzy, but I loved it anyway and wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

So, if you're in the mood for a good flick that will make you laugh and touch your heart - this is the one. Highly recommended!
JANA

74 Yeah, Diane Keaton's career
I really wish that Diane Keaton would just give up already. This movie had potential to be a very sweet, romantic comedy involving older adults, but instead it was silly and stupid. Jack Nicholson plays what he seems to play best: the wise cracking bachelor. You've seen it before (As Good as it Gets), and you've also seen it done much better (About Schmidt, without the bachelor part). My problem came from Ms. Keaton who over acted her way throughout the entire movie. Case in point: the crying montage. I realize that this was supposed to be funny, but instead I was deeply embarrassed for Ms. Keaton. I wanted to crawl in a hole for her. No one does these kinds of scenes better than Sally Field (see Soap Dish) and Ms. Keaton should really stop trying. I saw a bit of over acting oozing from her in First Wives Club, but it is fully developed in this movie. Since I have no other choice lower than one star, I will award that to Keanu Reeves, who surprised me by being the one who could actually act in this movie.

75 Something gives in the last half hour.
"Something's Gotta Give," is a movie starring Jack Nicholson as himself, Diane Keaton as the semi-neurotic character she's played in most of her movies, and Keanu Reeves as a nubile emergency room doctor who has yet to broaden his acting chops beyond "Evil Ted Logan."

My personal observations about the cast aside, the film is a decent romantic comedy that addresses the issue of love later in life. Except for the heart attacks, it seems never to change.

Erika Barry (Keaton) is a successful and brilliant playwright who wears turtle necks in the middle of summer. Her tightly wound world begins to unravel when she walks into her Hamptons beach house and finds Harry (Nicholson), her daughter's 63-year-old boyfriend, rummaging through the refrigerator in his underpants.

After a heart attack renders Harry unable to travel back to the city, he ends up staying with Erika during his recovery by order of Dr. Keanu. Never having dated a woman who wasn't freshly emerging from puberty, he is surprised by how much he appreciates her strength, wit, and experience. Less surprised is Dr. Keanu, a long time fan of her plays who falls instantly for her.

Even in the midst of a mild courtship with Dr. Keanu Erika can't help herself from falling in love with the surprisingly profound Harry. He seems to be in love with her as well, even using the word "soulmate" in a description of the affair. But it's not long before he's fully recovered and sowing his oats in the city again, leaving Erika feeling exposed and heartbroken.

After this, the movie goes from a romantic comedy for baby boomers to a film about the how the female spirit can triumph even after being trampled on by a philandering jerk. Erika gives the impression that she wouldn't do a minute of it over again if she had the chance, and goes on to turn every detail of her love affair into a hit play. She also begins dating Dr. Keanu again.

I'm not going to review the rest of the movie because that's where it would have ended if the story hadn't sacrificed its integrity for a happy ending. Overall, it was worth watching for the scenery and an accurate portrayal of love and heartbreak at any age, minus the cheap last half hour.

76 well acted, but a very standard, ordinary movie
A film by Nancy Meyers

There is a film stereotype where there is an older man who has a relationship with a much younger woman. In the majority of the cases with an age discrepancy, it is the man with a younger woman and not the other way around. There are exceptions, of course, but this is accurate as a general rule. "Something's Gotta Give" messes with that stereotype a little bit (and, unfortunately, only a little). Harry (Jack Nicholson) is the older man. He is a top executive at a record company and he is legendary for his propensity to date younger women. He is also legendary for never having been married. His current fling is with Marin (Amanda Peet). She is the "younger woman". Harry and Marin plan on spending a weekend together at Marin's mother's home. The mother is supposed to be away for the weekend working on her new play.

This means, of course, that Marin's mother will show up and complicate the weekend. That is exactly what happens. Marin's mother Erica (Diane Keaton) and her aunt Zoe (Frances McDormand) show up just as Harry is downstairs in the kitchen (wearing only a shirt and underpants) getting something to eat. Naturally, the women freak out and are about to call the police on Harry when he is finally able to explain, with the help of Marin, who he is and why he is there. They all decide to act like rational adults and all spend the weekend at the house, but to keep out of each other's business. It wouldn't be much of a movie if that happened. When Harry and Marin are starting to get frisky one night, Harry has a heart attack (he is a 63 year old man, after all). They all rush to the hospital and his doctor, Julian (Keanu Reeves), helps save Harry. Julian also insists that Harry cannot return to the city and will only let him leave the hospital if he has somewhere to stay. Where might that be? Erica's house. Just as this happens, Marin and Zoe both leave and Erica is left to care for Harry, and she didn't even approve of him in the first place.

This is the movie. Erica and Harry begin as two people who do not really like each other and are certainly not interested in each other. Erica finds Harry to be disgusting and Harry has never been attracted to a woman his own age (at least not since he was in his 20's). Julian, on the other hand, is familiar with Erica's work as a playwright and he is attracted to Erica. In this instance, we have a younger man falling for an older woman. But...the movie is about Harry and his journey, so we know that Harry must get over his obsession with younger women and we know that he is going to start to become attracted to a woman his own age.

On one hand, it is nice to see an older man begin to be attracted to an older woman, especially when he is giving up a younger woman (in this case, the older woman's daughter), but I started to care more about Erica's journey because we knew exactly where Harry was going to end up and I wanted something different. This was a very standard (if well acted) movie that could very easily have given a twist to make "Something's Gotta Give" special. Let's be honest, and I'll ask the women who are reading this: Ladies, would you rather have Jack or Keanu? This movie could have been a whole lot more and could have really played with the convention and expectation that this movie was bringing, but it didn't. At nearly every moment, we know how this film is going to play out, and I was hoping for more. With that said, "Something's Gotta Give" is well acted, and well produced, but it is nothing out of the ordinary, either.

-Joe Sherry

77 very good
This movie is one of the best this year. It has the most prolific actor of all time, Mr. Nicholson. How come Keanu Reeve can't still get his act together? Good thing he's still very cute and mysterious at 39. Call me at 156-38-3461.

78 Keaton and Nicholson Shine in Romantic-Comedy
Jack Nicholson and (especially) Diane Keaton are the two reasons to watch this pleasing, if unremarkable romantic comedy. Nicholson portrays a womanizing playboy in love with Keaton's daughter, Amanda Peet. Through ridiculous, sitcom-style machinations, we end up with Nicholson, injured laid up in Keaton's home, where they predictably fall in love. Add to this Keanu Reeves, as Nicholson's dashing doctor who also is smitten by Keaton.
The film's plot is wafer-thin, and the supporting cast is a bit bland. Peet, while attractive, is not match for her older costars, and Francis McDormand as Keaton's feminist sister is completely wasted (though she looks fabulous). Keanu Reeves manages to be charming, though when in the presence of Keaton or Nicholson, he shrinks away in their shadows.
While Nicholson, who is wonderful, looks pretty good for his age, it's Keaton who shocks audiences with her stunning figure. That she is sexy is not surprising. Diane Keaton has always cornered the market of "Intellectual, brainy babes." But in this movie, we are finally allowed to see that, yes, Diane Keaton has (...) and legs -- stripped of her Annie Hall uniform of oversized jackets, vests, floppy ties and floor-lenght skirts, she looks stunning, making it very believable that a tenderoni like Reeves would fall in love.
The movie was a welcome hit, and it garnered deserved kudos for its stars.

79 Keaton & Nicholson the magic is back ......
I saw Jack Nicholson's last hyped movie 'Whats the Matter with Harry' or something like that and I was disgusted ... what a dog of a film .... My fears that this would have been the end of that fabulous real life cartoon Nicholson character have been calmed when I saw his perfomance in Something's Gotta Give ....

What a pleasant and enjoyable light hearted film poking fun at our modern 'divorce' society. The acting is superb and, contrary to most of the DVD garbage out there today this is a movie that will brighten up whatever rainy and dreary Sunday afternoon that you decide to play it .....

80 Cringe-worthy
Jack's Jack (again), Keanu Reeves is still the worst actor in the history of cinema, and Diane Keaton's over-the-top performance is an embarassing study in ham-handed vanity.
Frances McDormand's brilliant, but underused. Oh yeah, and this silly little ode to ego is, like, five hours long. Enjoy.

81 My first viewing of this film...
...is that it seemed a little jumpy compared to AS Good As It Gets or many of Keaton's other movies (all heady to me), but the numerous funny scenes make up for it and Keaton's comic side is perfect until you hit the bedroom where I detected hints of an exaggerated Clooney and Pfeifer in One Fine Day and Hanks and Ryan in You've Got Mail. Unlike other reviewers I don't find the younger lover totally unbelievable but they did fool me. I agree that McDormand was under used in this film. Keaton seems to never let her characters really touch her emotionally (as in her Lifetime movie On Thin Ice) unlike Nicholson but the two balance each other out well in this movie. I couldn't wait to see them together and I wasn't disappointed. I must warn you, without spoiling the movie,that conservative Hollywood has decided to take a walk on the wild side!

82 A Fun Film For Adults
A friend of mine said his 15-year-old son saw this movie and commented on how awful it was. While I can see how this film won't appeal to teenagers, I couldn't disagree more. This is a really entertaining romantic comedy with superb performances by the great comedic actress Diane Keaton (Erica Barry) as a somewhat uptight playwright and the venerable Jack Nicholson (Harry Sanborn) as a successful businessman with a reputation for only dating young women. Amanda Peet also delivers a good performance as Erica Barry's daughter Marin, who is also dating Harry Sanborn.

This is a film that shows some of the pains of growing older and, in the case of Nicholson's character, the process of finally growing up. Anyone who enjoys good, if mature, romantic comedies and appreciates excellent acting and writing should see this.

83 Nicholson, Keaton Shine
Nancy Meyers's spirited scripting and direction keeps the action spinning as veteran film stars Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton team up in "Something's Gotta Give," a lively romp through the world of a very lively and wealthy record executive whose life takes an abrupt turn.

(...)When he accompanies beautiful Amanda Peet to her playwright mother's luxurious Hamptons home he quickly gets much more than anticipated. Thoughts of a carefree sex romp with Peet vanish when mother Diane Keaton turns out to be home, along with her sister, played by Frances McDormand. Convinced he is intruder, they are ready to call the police until he provides a quick explanation.

Keaton decides to let Nicholson stay with Peet, but new complications emerge when he sustains a heart attack from the effects of Viagra. The doctor who treats him, Keanu Reeves, prescribes rest for Nicholson. If he will not stay in the hospital, the only feasible nearby alternative is Keaton's home.

A fresh complication emerges as Reeves reveals himself as a big fan of playwright Keaton and falls for her. While Nicholson initially admits that he has a yen only for women young enough to be at least his daughter, the more he sees of the resourceful, independent Keaton, the better he likes her.

The romantic complications are resolved in, appropriately enough, that city of eternal romance, Paris. Nicholson, Keaton and Reeves emerge all the wiser from the romantic whirl spin, and alas, nobody has so much as a disparaging word for anyone else when everything is resolved.

84 Cute, but too long and too sappy
I believe this was a case of the film being overhyped to me before I saw it. It was ok, but nothing incredible. I thought Nicolson and Diane Keaton were quite funny and really at their best, but the material was a little dumb, the events hokey and contrived, and the film was too long. They could have cut about 30 minutes out of it, streamlined it somewhat, and it would have been better. I saw it with a person their age who despised it as being absolutely stupid and unreal. I guess my suggestion is, is you're 60-ish, you might really hate it. It is worth the price of a rental or pay-per-view, but to me, only barely. Wait until it comes on cable and you can see it for free, but it is worth seeing.

85 Something's Gotta Give an Explanation for Overblown Reviews
What IS all the fuss about? Jack Nicholson plays Jack Nicholson playing an immature, self-absorbed jackass. Diane Keaton wastes her talent over-acting. The frustrating thing about this movie is that it might have been very good if only it had been directed correctly and the script had been even marginally believable (for comparison see "As Good As It Gets" or even "About Schmidt.") This is a boring movie designed to make two wonderful actors available in a "romantic comedy". And it might have worked if the powers that be hadn't depended on the star power of Nicholson and Keaton to carry the story.
Don't bother. If you want Nicholson as an older man falling for a real woman of his age, get "Terms of Endearment." Dont buy this mess.

86 Something Gave Up
If this movie had been a meal I would have sent it back for being overcooked; either that, or just tossed it in the garbage. SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE gave me anything but an enjoyable story; instead, this "romantic comedy" about a sixtysomething play boy finding love for the first time with an attractive, "mature" woman just floated along like an unmanned rowboat in the middle of a lake. And it floated on and on and on and on. . .

There's nothing redeeming about Jack Nicholson's character, and the actor plays the role in his usual creepy and disgusting manner. Meanwhile, Diane Keaton plays Nicholson's flighty and hysterical love interest--albeit a very attractive one. And for Keanu Reeves to be the odd man out of this love triangle requires a suspension of disbelief in proportion to the Grand Canyon. (Which is exactly where the script should have been thrown.)

'Nuff said. SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE gets two stars for Keaton being so easy on the eye, and an inspiration for all of us middle agers. Now if I could just get the dog to eat this, but he doesn't want any part of it, either.
--D. Mikels

87 Love When You Least Expect It!
Harry Sanborn drives to the home of his latest lady under thirty. He plans to spend the weekend alone with Marin, until her mother and aunt arrive unexpetedly. Erica Barry is astonished that her daughter is dating Sanborn, but doesn't make him leave.

Just as Harry (played by Jack Nicholson)starts kissing Marin,(played by Amanda Peet) he has a heart attack. Erica performs CPR until the medics arrive. Harry thinks he is ready to leave the hospital, but becomes dizzy and faints. Keanu Reeves plays Dr. Mercer, who orders Harry to stay nearby for a few days. He ends up staying with Erica for a few days. Erica is a famous playwright played by Diane Keaton. She has writer's block at first, but she begins to be inspired by her experience with Harry and starts writing a play. In the meantime, she discovers herself having feelings that she thought were over a long time. The heart attack saved two lives, not one.
This story is a beautifully written romantic comedy by Nancy Myers. I recommend it to an adult audience. The acting was brilliant!

88 Nicholson and Keaton should have worked together before
It's funny to see some actors don't feel the passing of time. Besides, even if they hadn't worked before, they seem to have a great complicity even in their 60's. Excuse for talking about age of people.

They make laugh and they show tenderness, too. Of course Diane Keaton has a really suitable role but Nicholson is still a bad-tempered, irresistible, old man as in many of his late films.

Nevertheless, the story is really fine and amusable. It's not another romantic comedy but a soap box opera!

The only thing is: was it necessary to show both actors almost nude? It's a marvellous scene, but sure they asked for a great amount of money for doing that.

89 Nicholson is Funny
Jack Nicolson is not afraid to take on the softy role.
The soft side of Jack is what is most interesting and
comical.

90 She Shoulda Stuck with Keanu...
I found it an enchanting movie, which (rather like the best of Mozart) took formulas and conventions, and created something more than the sum of it's semi-predicatable parts. I underline the semi -- there are unexpected twists! Diane Keaton is pitch perfect -- looking every one of her beautiful 57 years old. An inspiration for those of us coming to terms with reaching "a certain age."

I may be in the minority, but I really wanted to see Keaton's character stay with Reeves. Not only because he's better-looking (in this context, perhaps that is damning him with faint praise), but because of the interactions between his character and Keaton's, in which it evident how much he values the entire person that is "Erica Berry" -- unconditional love such as that is exceedingly rare. It would also have been interesting for Harry to have to come to grips with how he's lived his life, a bit like Julia Roberts in "My Best Friend's Wedding." We can't always have what we want, and sometimes it is too late for "I'm sorry, I've changed" to make it all okay. I perhaps should learn that lesson while submitting this review...after all, it is JUST A MOVIE!

91 So-So
This was a so-so romance comedy. It is certainly not my favorite genre. I have liked many of Jack Nicholson's movies, but my wife has not (excepting "As Good As It Gets", which Nicholson shows a lot of the same acting in this movie). Nothing great, nothing bad, very predictable, everyone is well-mannered, etc. Just too blah for me.

92 Laughable
If you're down and need a great laugh...this one is for you!
Of course, you need to be at least 50+ yrs. to appreciate the storyline.

93 Why this will be a classic....
For all the reviews citing cliches in this film, it was surprising to me that the majority failed to mention that the screenplay was extraordinary. There are a couple of twists in the traditional plot lines of your typical romantic comedy, but what I felt was so special about this one in particular was that it didn't insult my intelligence. I felt the relationships were believable - especially the December/May relationship relationship that unfolded between Reeves and Keaton. Is it that hard to believe? Older women marrying younger men is a growing trend and I applaud the script for taking that chance. I also liked that there wasn't two of the more common romantic comedy plot devices: 1) a misunderstanding ala "Three's Company" or the 2) soap opera style standoffs between love triangles. Not a single one in this movie and I thought that the script treated the characters with a level of maturity that was more in line with reality than Hollywood.
If you want to see Jack and Keanu fight at the end or Amanda Peet chew out her Mom (Keaton) - you won't get it. Go watch a Meg Ryan movie instead.
Other highlights from my perspective:
A clever incorporation of IM and the internet without it being the focal point of the movie.
Some wonderful beach scenes that will remain classic - 50 years from now they will be used for an Oscar night montage.
Character arcs - they may seem simplistic and perhaps packaged quickly (esp. with the Peet character), but all the characters develop.
The cerebral flavor of the movie in general. If the average moviegoer can't appreciate the importance of "eating pancakes" in a certain scene then perhaps I suggest they are missing the point of that scene.
I am a big Jack fan and you think he is playing himself, but until those credits are rolling at the end does he flash that trademark smile in the restaurant. Not only did that simple act get applause in the theater when I saw the movie, but symbolized that he is complete - being himself again despite severing his bachelor ways. That was a brilliant subtlety that personified the whole movie, in my opinion.

94 SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE
Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z A REAL SLEEPER. BRING YOUR PILLOW. YOU'LL NEED IT! EVEN NICHOLSON COULDN'T SAVE THIS ONE.

95 SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE
Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z A REAL SLEEPER. BRING YOUR PILLOW. YOU'LL NEED IT!

96 Keaton Surprizes! Jack is just OK.
I honestly didn't want to see this movie because I wanted Diane Lane to win the Golden Globe (M/C) but I must confess that after seeing it I was surprised (in several ways). First of all, Diane Keaton was great (as much as I hate to say it). She had me laughing and nearly crying; she was totally believable in her character and classically beautiful. This brings me to the down side, however. Jack is usually one of my favorite actors - hands down, but here, although he does a good acting job, he is way out of character. He is just not believable as the "playboy" type, and he is starting to look his age. BUT this does little to hurt this charming film, and the great supporting cast Amanda and Reeves (who usually sucks) just make this a must see (if only to see how great Diane looks for her age!)

97 Great first half, then...
"Something's Gotta Give" is about an aging bachelor who is so accustomed to dating women half his age that once he meets a sexy and sophisticated peer of his the romance hits a sour note. This film was a dissapointment overall to me, the fault of which lies in its writing and directing. Jack Nicholson gave a great performance, and Diane Keaton deserved her Oscar nomination (and maybe even deserved to win), but try as they might they could not save the film.

My dissapointment in the film is so because the first half was so good. It is very fresh and funny, then things all go downhill. The film loses its wit, and the story's devices (the young doctor as only an obstacle to Henry and Erica, the daughter as only a way for them to get together) become very apparent. The ending had no originality or chutzpah in any way, and the corny dialogue made it a groaner. I give three stars for the first half, but still reccomend it if you need a nice and airy romantic comedy.

98 Quality Romance
"Something's Gotta Give", starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, is a great comedy release of 2003. Its plot of a playright whose daughter falls in love with an older man, then later develops a relationship of her own with him, is great. It has many creative hilarious scenes that keep audiences interested. It gives new meaning of romance after age fifty. The other added details, namely the characters' past, gives it the additional unique flavor. Such interesting chain of events keep audience watching closely, always wondering what will happen next, especially through the numerous surprises. Though a few scenes are unnecessarily repetative, audiences will never forget this. Diane Keaton's Golden Globe winning and Oscar nominated performance is outstanding. Her presence alone gives the film the added viewing pleasure. Her own sense of drama and humor is clearly pleasant. Jack Nicholson is outstanding as he always is. He proves that he plays the best characters the audiences love to hate. This film is no exception. All other actors, especially Amanda Peet, Frances McDormand, and Keanu Reeves, also offer quality performance. "Something's Gotta Give" is a great romantic comedy for all ages to enjoy. This is sure to please audiences for a long time.

99 great beginning -- sugary ending
This movie starts out with a bang. Jack is basically being Jack at his devilish best for the first 15 minutes. Then, as he goes through heart attack and a subsequent self-discovery, the film slowly looses its steam and the syropy ending had me all upset.
Keaton is too, really good for about 2/3 of the film and then has this weird "breakdown" with boo-hooing that simply gets annoying.
Keanu Reeves plays a young doctor who falls for a much (!) older Keaton. Okay, surfer dude, there's something wrong with you when you see Amanda Peet and go after her mom.
The settings are overly "yappie" with that enormous house on the beach and not a single "middle-income" person in sight.
Overall, it's a strange mixture of dark humor and sentimentality with a very disappointing ending.

100 Tribute to Aging Yuppies
Yes, Keaton and Nicholson do a great job. But the script has at least 3 cliches per second and everything is predictable, even the food they coose to eat.

Love Actually (Widescreen Edition)