Harry Langer
(Nicholson) is an aged music industry exec with a fondness for
younger women like Marin (Peet), his latest trophy girlfriend.
Things get a little awkward when Harry suffers a heart attack at
the home of Marin's mother Erica (Keaton). Left in the care of
Erica and his doctor (Reeves), a love triangle starts to take
shape. Thanks to
IMDB.
CRITIQUE
Jack Nicholson is
perfectly cast as Harry, playing a smooth womanizer and successful
man. In Something's Gotta Give, he shows off his talents by
combining comedy and charm, but he also gives his character very
good range, both emotional and physical. Diane Keaton makes a fine
impression playing her character as freely and independently as
possible. Their co-stars, Amanda Peet, Keanu Reeves, Frances
McDormand, playing Keaton's sister, and Jon Favreau, playing
Harry's agent, add to the film's star power.
Director Nancy
Meyers, who also wrote and produced the film, keeps the film at a
moderate pace. At 128 minutes, it runs a bit long, and Meyers
probably should've cut fifteen minutes to allow the film to move
more smoothly. The script tells a nice story and presents good
characters that the viewer can care about, plus dialogue is witty
and involving. In terms of the comedy, the film doesn't
disappoint. The laughs stem from both physical and situational
humor, and even though the comedy is at times forced or
slapstick-like, it still works. Something's Gotta Give
isn't perfect, but it's a nice surprise for sure.
THE VIDEO
Columbia presents
Something's Gotta Give
in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors are bright and
crisp, but some images appear soft. Definition is very good, but
a little edge enhancement appears in areas. Not the greatest
effort by Sony, but this presentation is generally pretty good.
THE AUDIO
Columbia presents
Something's Gotta Give
in
English 5.1 Dolby Surround
Sound. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand, the front
speakers emitting audio with good range. Rear speakers don't
make a difference really, but the music sounds quite nice here.
A fine presentation in the overall sense.
An English Dolby
Surround track also appears, plus English subtitles.
THE EXTRAS
The film made
quite a lot of bucks at the box office last year, and so I
expected a special edition to be a no-brainer. While not
released as one, this DVD features a few extras of note.
There are two commentary tracks. The first commentary is with
writer/director Nancy Meyers and Jack Nicholson. Both are
together for this track as they share thoughts on the
production, acting, story, and various other things. There are a
few jokes here, too, mainly by Jack, which keeps the track
going. The other commentary is with Diane Keaton, Nancy
Meyers and producer Bruce Block. Keaton discusses her on-set
experience and working with Jack, but overall this track is
fairly technical with Meyers and Block chatting about the
overall production and other things involved.
Jack sings karaoke
to Keaton in the sole deleted scene, while Amanda Peet
hosts the Hamptons House Set Tour featurette, a brief
look at the big house. It's fine, but not very interesting. A
making-of would've been better suited. Rounding out the extras
are trailers for various Sony titles.
Something's Gotta
Give showcases Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton in a mostly good
script. While the comedy is forced a few times, director Nancy Meyers
delivers an overall fun picture. Sony's video/audio quality is pretty
decent, but not great, and the extras are okay. A recommended rental,
or purchase for fans of the actors.
