As the lights dimmed and Something's Gotta Give began, I thought I might be in for disappointing evening. I mean the opening credits of this picture are accompanied by Crazy Town's "Butterfly," so how good could the movie possibly be? Thankfully, this new romantic comedy did prove to be an entertaining experience.

In Something's Gotta Give, Jack Nicholson plays Harry Langer, a sixty-three year old bachelor whose "relationship rule" dictates that he only date women under thirty. Diane Keaton plays Erica Barry, a fifty-six year old playwright who's been avoiding the dating game since a divorce. When Harry and Erica meet, their union starts off on a sour note but then slowly blossoms into something special, bringing to mind a similar movie that just so happens to have "Harry" in the title.

There's a lot to love in this breezy, sweet take on romance after fifty. I loved watching Nicholson and Keaton on screen together. It was a real treat. They do have chemistry, and the moments in which they share conversations about life and love ring true. I also enjoyed their romantic scenes and while a few of their intimate moments are clearly played for laughs, I applaud the actors and the film makers here for putting a little fire and creativity to the proceedings. It was also quite entertaining seeing Nicholson turn into a muse of sorts, as he inspires Keaton to write again, resulting in a very funny climax.

Unfortunately, there are some things that didn't work for me. Nicholson's sudden heart attack worked early on in the picture, but his continuous rushes to the hospital became increasingly tiresome. I also could have done without the constant Viagra gags. They gave the movie an unwelcome sitcom feel. The scenes of Keaton finally breaking down are humorous but a tad too much. One or two such scenes would have gotten the point across but we get far more than that. And as sweet and happy as the ending of Something's Gotta Give is, it somehow left me unfulfilled.

This is clearly a movie about great performances. It is some of the best work Diane Keaton has ever done, and it brings to mind some of her collaborative efforts with Woody Allen in the early days. Keaton lends depth to her role as a woman who refuses to let herself fall in love until she finds romance in the most unexpected man. Her nervous gestures and neurotic tone are endearing, but it is her inner strength that really make this character soar. The sequence in which she begins to sob uncontrollably runs far too long, but this glorious actress gets an A for effort.

Ms. Keaton also has the guts to drop her robe, and I must admit, she's one foxy lady. Jack Nicholson remains one of the all time greats, and once again he delivers. What's most interesting about him here is that he has the courage and sense of humor to play off of his own public persona as the ultimate bachelor. And like Keaton, he isn't afraid to show a little skin. Something's Gotta Give also features some wonderful supporting turns. Amanda Peet delivers her best performance as Keaton's high spirited but unlucky in love daughter. Keanu Reeves is subtle and likable as one heartthrob of a doctor who develops a crush on an older woman. And rounding out the cast is the charming and incredibly underused Frances McDormand who shows up as Keaton's says-what's-on-her-mind sister. I really wanted to see more of her in this picture, but she remained mostly McDormant.

Something's Gotta Give was written and directed by Nancy Meyers (What Women Want), and she's fashioned a couple of really interesting characters here. Much of the dialogue in this picture has a Woody Allen-esque feel to it (particularly the play within the movie sequence), but mostly, it reminded me of the goings on in Rob Reiner's When Harry Met Sally. Happily, the director is working with a couple of seasoned pros, so the familiar is transformed into something equally charming and thoughtful.

I didn't love Something's Gotta Give, but I really enjoyed it. Nicholson and Keaton are a dynamite team and give two of the best performances of the year--which certainly makes this movie worth seeing.