Something's Gotta Give
Something's Gotta Give
Rating: 8/10
Romance along a windswept sea? Yeah, this one has got that. It is fun to watch a story based on romance after the traditional twenty something years. It seems a little more complicated for the characters within that age group, there is a lot more rigidity as far as preferences, lifestyle, and schedule, but the end result is a good laugh and some heartwarming moments in this movie. Both Keaton and Nicholson gave a great performance in this film, but there is no great surprise there.
An interesting facet to this film was watching the phases Erica (Keaton) progressed through as she considered a relationship, balanced multiple romantic interests, and finally as she slammed rock bottom and crawled through the healing process, box of tissues in tow. Each phase brought to mind the idea that artists tend to fall into the generalization of being overly dramatic and emotional, but it is sure fun to watch it play out between these two main characters. Watching Erica (Keaton) as she fought with herself through each romantic decision and its consequences was beautifully played with great facial features that told all in the moment.
A great hitch to the successful life of Erica (Keaton) is Harry (Nicholson). Harry is a womanizing bachelor that prefers the company of a younger woman, but is struggling in accepting the fact that he may end up alone if he continues down his comfortable road. Nicholson's character is so ridiculous in his belief system that you have to laugh at the lengths he goes to in order to preserve his current lifestyle. A wonderful unfolding and deepening of Harry (Nicholson) begins to play out after he realizes that the turtle-neck toting playwright (Keaton) has a lot more to offer than what he originally judged from her age.
The two secondary characters, Julian (Reeves) and Zoe (McDormand) were a great accent to the film. Julian (Reeves) added the sweet guy choice that threw a wrench into Erica's (Keaton) plans. The idea of ageism within relationships was well played in the two main characters. Between Harry (Nicholson) and his gorgeous young entourage or Erica (Keaton) and her dreamy young doctor the issue of awkward romantic interest became a foundation for this movie. Plus, the double-standard that Erica (Keaton) was faced with in meeting Julian (Reeves) after judging Harry (Nicholson) for the same behavior gave a nice twist to Erica's (Keaton) struggles.
Zoe (McDormand) was an amazing secondary character in this film! I loved her strength and no-nonsense feminist attitude. She gave wonderful comic relief and was a blast to watch when pitted up against Harry (Nicholson).
One of my only complaints with this movie is that it felt like it was getting a little long by the end, but there was also a definite vested interest to see where the story led.
In the End: This is a good one for a girls night in with some wine and lots of good laughs.
