Search - Something's Gotta Give on DVD

Richard M. from MILWAUKEE, WI
Reviewed on 9/20/2024...

This is a great screenplay in the true sense of "great" because it has layers of deeper meaning, and an important theme. Mega important.

On its face it's another romcom, one for older viewers. However there is a long speech by Zoe, a women's studies professor, a speech which the writer/director admits is "what the movie is about."

The speech is a typical woe-is-me feminist rant born of speculation, exaggerations and half truths. The objectified man is clearly cast in Jack Nicholson as a guy who is creepy yet very interesting or magnetic. Nicholson is just somebody you can't decide if you love or hate, or maybe you vacillate. But Nicholson is a perfect fit for this role of Harry, who is way beyond politically incorrect. The role is rich playboy dirty minded old bachelor personified.

Yet here is where the deeper meaning comes. For all the attacks on Harry's character by Erica and sister Zoe, he never attacks back. They mistreat him to his face, yet he never mistreats them. He never openly disrespects them, as heroine Erica does when she ridicules to his face the name of his record label he owns.

Harry is a "bad guy" because he is brutally honest in his own lecherous opinions, caring more about Diane Sawyer's legs than her brain. But he doesn't mistreat or disrespect her, or any character. He just doesn't filter his thoughts in the company of women. There's a really important theme. Should men have to filter their thoughts for women? Is it even good for the women? And why don't women have to filter their thoughts? They can demean men in general, objectify them, and insult men to their face, no problem. It happens right in this movie, yet the viewer is conditioned by society to not even see it.

What makes the movie great beyond just entertainment value is what the above says about the male and female perspectives. Men's (Harry's) idea of noble behavior is to not mistreat others, which is how he behaves to a tee, despite his lecherous lifestyle. Women's idea of noble behavior is agnostic re: mistreating others; they consider disrespecting, mistreating or attacking alright or even deserved, for merely being nonconformist, or politically incorrect. Or maybe they just envy that life has treated Harry so well despite his never committing to another human being.

There are studies supporting this, the idea that men resolve disagreements or conflict with, if it gets that far, physical aggression, while women instead get nasty in terms of committing reputational arson or social bullying. Harry's lifestyle bothers them, so they get to mistreat him, in their mind. Except to mistreat means to mistreat.

I've never seen another screenplay address the male/female different moral perspectives so well, though I don't know whether that was intended, and I expect many viewers will see Harry as the bad one, for merely expressing honest general opinions and living his own life his own way with multiple consenting partners. The key being consenting, and never mind that he always treats others right. Meanwhile the heroines who are cast to be the likable characters do mistreat him and pay no price for that. Harry accepts it graciously.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 11/24/2022...

Strong start with a plotline stall but came back with lots of curve balls!

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 4/26/2022...

Love the chemistry between Jack and Diane! Very funny movie.

0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Gayle V. from CLARKSVILLE, TN
Reviewed on 11/28/2021...

Love the acting in this movie! Very fun dram-edy for grown ups!

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Keaton Shines in Great Comedy!

Alec Solomita | Lady Lake, FL | 01/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Something's Gotta Give is one of the year's best films and best comedies as it teams up Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, who seemed to love every minute they shared onscreen. Nicholson plays a man who only dates girls under 30 and is shocked to find he can fall in love with a woman his own age, played by Diane Keaton, who has never looked better. She gives her best performance since she won an Oscar for Annie Hall and should be on her way to another as a very career sucessful woman who has no confidence with men. It is great to see her reaction to both Nicholson's and Keanu Reeves' character. Nicholson and Keaton light up the screen with every scene they are in and Amanada Peet and Reeves do very well in their supporting role, as does the underused Frances McDormand as Keaton's sister. Nancy Meyers, who had a huge hit with What Women Want, does a much better job here and makes for a great adult romantic comedy featuring actors over 50. A great film that will be remembered."

If you're looking for entertainment.....

Jeffrey E Ellis | Naperville, IL USA | 02/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just can't remember laughing so much at a recent movie!I was prepared for a slightly-deranged, lecherous, self-absorbed Jack Nicholson. I mean, what else is new?I was prepared for a sweet, bright, pretty Diance Keaton. She's a sweetheart, right?I wasn't prepared for the flat-out laugh-out-loud humor, irony, and wit of this charming comedy! Just so much fun...my wife and I were still chuckling as we walked out of the theater into the parking lot.I suspect that all baby boomers will get a big kick out of seeing this film - at home or in the theater! A terrific entertainment value."

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT!!!

Jeffrey E Ellis | 01/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Best movie in a loooong time! Just excellent! It'll leave you laughing all the way, and touches you also :) Such a great romantic comedy. Yes, probaly more of a girl movie, but an excellent one you'll wanna see again and again! Can't wait until it comes out on DVD! Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson are a terrfic pair in this movie!"