Review of And So It Goes (2014) by Jeff B — 29 Jul 2014
Hitting its target demographic square in the AARP, Michael Douglas's latest lobs a softball romantic comedy at older audiences that's safe at home because it never attempts to leave the plate. God bless Nora Ephron. She birthed the modern rom-com with When Harry Met Sally... That particular film displayed great edge and wit while still adhering to the classic man-meets-girl H'Wood formula. Then there's Nancy Meyers, who birthed a sub-genre comprised of overlong pensioner love stories with dated expressions for titles that WISH they were When Harry Met Sally... (Something's Gotta Give, It's Complicated). With And So It Goes, she's nowhere in sight but her fingerprints are all over it. It's not nearly as smart or funny as those aforementioned flicks but it does get one thing right: At just under 100 minutes, it's lean and keen. Unfortunately, the script plays it painfully safe. Predictable and full of situations recycled from other comedies, you can call the movie's shots like a seasoned billiard player. Still, the stars somehow make it like able even if you've already connected the dots straight through to the end.
In this PG-13-rated comedy, a self-absorbed realtor (Douglas) enlists the help of his neighbor (Keaton) when he's suddenly left in charge of the granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) he never knew existed until his estranged son drops her off at his home.
When did Meathead become the Head Chef of the Easy-Bake Oven? The great Rob Reiner directed When Harry Met Sally... 25 years ago. Now, he's helming a paler imitation. And granted, even a polishes gem like The American President proves paler in comparison than that modern classic. Still, in following The Bucket List with this, he pretty much boils down his formula to: Add Water and Mix. At least with Alex & Emma and Rumor Has It, he took chances. This fan hopes he does again. At least his supporting turn bears some comic fruit. The same can be said of Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton in spades. Boy, does he look more like his father with every flick (not a bad thing even if the similarity skews more Tough Guys than Spartacus these days). But he pulls off The Grumpy Old Man shtick like a seasoned pro, while she gives us a reminder of why we fell in love with her in Annie Hall, lounge singing and all.
Bottom line: Feeble Attraction.
This review of And So It Goes (2014) was written by Jeff B on 29 Jul 2014.
And So It Goes has generally received mixed reviews.
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