Something's Gotta Give
Reviewed by Sarah Downing

Harry Sanbourn (Jack Nicholson) is a sixty-something playboy. As an executive of a successful record label, he has become accustomed to leading the high life and has developed a passion for women half his age.

When his latest young love interest, Marin, invites him to her mother, Erica’s (Diane Keaton) vacated house in the Hamptons for a romantic weekend and the opportunity to take the relationship further, his life takes an unexpected turn.

Their plans for a weekend of romance quickly dissolve when they arrive to discover Erica and her sister still relaxing at the home.

Although she takes a quick dislike to her daughter’s new boyfriend, Erica suggests they all make the most of the house and spend a civilised weekend there.

Unfortunately for Harry, things quickly go from bad to worse when, during a moment of passion with Marin, he suffers a heart attack and is rushed to hospital by all three women.

Under doctor’s orders, he’s advised to continue relaxing in the Hampton’s for the best recovery, forcing him to spend time alone with Erica.

What follows is a humorous tale of an unlikely relationship that develops when two people are thrown together in unexpected circumstances.

Something’s Gotta Give is an enjoyable romantic comedy with a first class cast and, it also provides a number of entertaining sequences which are guaranteed to get a few laughs.

Unfortunately though, although both Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson give excellent performances, this movie seems to be lacking in something.

At times Keaton’s character is far too melodramatic to be likeable and the story goes beyond funny to just plain silly. It’s as though it’s trying too hard to follow a certain formula which sadly doesn’t work.

At nearly 2 hours, this movie also feels over long. It could easily wrap things up after 90 minutes but, instead chooses to drag the inevitable along even further.

Something’s Gotta Give is an enjoyable watch but one that is easily forgotten.