Something's Gotta Give - Here's a story about Jack and Diane. by Homer Yen (c) 2003
Just like that John Cougar Mellencamp song of the 80s, here's a story about Jack and Diane. We're talking about Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. These two venerable Hollywood actors have long showcased a kind of craft that has helped to distinguish themselves from the rest of the field. Jack Nicholson brings to the table his sharp charisma and laid-back cool. Diane Keaton possesses that kind of amiable neurosis, allowing her to struggle and cope through her journey of self-discovery. They bring their familiar brand of histrionics to this film, which provides that slice of lazy-Sunday-loving-life kind of feel. It's that feeling that made Mellencamp's song a benchmark of that decade. It's what makes this film a carefree romantic comedy.
Yet, "Something's Gotta Give" might seem a bit familiar. It was inspired casting to have Nicholson star in last year's absorbing "About Schmidt." That was about a man who was so un-Jack. This is Jack Nicholson being just Jack Nicholson. No stretching is really required. The way he carries on here is the same way in which paparazzi have captured him sitting on the sideline of a Lakers game. The film also seems too polite. It begins to lose its edge, and that notion is confirmed when one of the love interests so cavalierly backs away. And, it almost seems too creamy and sugarcoated. I'm never sure how strong a film can be when the soundtrack is constantly interspersed with that loopy French music that features light jazz and whimsical musical passages.
Nonetheless, we can happily settle for its tone of screwball gaiety as all of the characters slowly find their bearings in this film. However, the film starts off with a much different kind of tone. "Something's Gotta Give" begins as a crisp battle of the sexes. It starts off spunkier and more spirited than how the film eventually ends.
In one corner is Harry Sanborn (Nicholson) driving around with his latest fling, Marin (fetching Amanda Peete). Harry is a very successful man, but is better known not for what he has, but rather what he has managed to avoid. He is a 60+ year-old raconteur, connoisseur, and a life-long bachelor. He prefers dating the under-30 set because, as he sees it, he's not ready to settle down and they don't really expect anything long-term anyway. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, he winds up being an unwanted houseguest of Marin's mom. Thus, in the other corner is Erica (Diane Keaton), a respected playwright whose bad relationships have brought about skepticism and cynicism.
Together, there is that kind of natural resistance that tends to melt away into attraction. We can see it coming. But the quips that they exchange up until that point are very funny. And as these two begin to find themselves oddly attracted to each other, they start to circle one another like two prizefighters trying to gauge their opponents. This is a smart comedy and despite the fact that the main characters may be past their sexual prime, they still instill in the audience the kind of giddiness that makes us appreciate being with someone special.
It is an admirable film for the young and the young at heart. Romance doesn't discriminate based on age. And because of that, "Something Gotta Give" gives a little bit of something to everyone.
Grade: B
S: 2 out of 3 L: 1 out of 3 V: 0 out of 3
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