Dec 12, 2003 By Lou Gaul Calkins Media Film Critic 3 min read

As “Something’s Gotta Give” begins, filthy rich, notoriously single Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson of “Anger Management”) is rushed to a hospital as he suffers a heart attack. That news would surprise his numerous ex-girlfriends, all of whom believe that a heart is one thing Harry has always lacked.

During the course of the PG-13 picture, of course, Harry – a 63-year-old player known for dating women younger than 30 and going through relationships faster than Hugh Hefner selects a Playmate – learns that love is the answer to all of life’s questions. That lesson is taught to him by Erica Barry (Diane Keaton of “Annie Hall”), an equally successful and high-strung playwright who against her better judgment falls for the rapidly aging bachelor, who had been dating her beautiful daughter, Marin (Amanda Peet of “Identity”).

Complicating the romantic mix in “Something’s Gotta Give” is a handsome doctor, Julian Mercer (Keanu Reeves of “The Matrix”). He’s anxious to begin a relationship with Erica, who is old enough to be the mother of the 36-year-old healer.

Director Nancy Meyers (“What Women Want”) wisely allows old pros Keaton and Nicholson to turn on the charm in a romantic comedy that takes a surface look at why some men remain commitment shy. She also gets a terrific supporting performance from Frances McDormand (“Fargo”), who plays Erica’s passionate and energetic sister, a professor of feminist studies with strong opinions on relationships.

The real spark here comes from Keaton, who positively glows on screen as her fiftysomething character reluctantly discovers she’s neither too old for the excitement of new love nor too inhibited to experience the joy of sex. The film initially seems to be another opportunity for Nicholson to do his wonderfully entertaining bad-boy routine, but Meyers soon transforms it into a showcase for Keaton.

The 57-year-old actress certainly isn’t afraid to look her age on screen. She plays a character who still possesses the right moves to capture the hearts of a veteran playboy and a young bachelor simply by letting her guard down and embracing life instead of constantly keeping available men at arm’s length.

There are some funny Viagra jokes and silly sight gags featuring Nicholson in a revealing hospital gown, but genuine warmth and charm – provided by the filmmaker, Keaton and Nicholson – ultimately make the picture about as good as it gets in terms of romantic comedies.

FILM REVIEW

“Something’s Gotta Give”

Grade: B+

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Amanda Peet and Frances McDormand; produced by Nancy Meyers and Bruce A. Block; written and directed by Nancy Meyers.

Running Time: 120 minutes.

Parental Guide: PG-13 rating (strong sexual elements, brief nudity, harsh four-letter profanity).