The ‘It’ of the title of this pleasant-enough rom-com refers to the surprises in life that may seem troubling and difficult but in fact teach lesions and make everything better. The title is incidental, as it everything else about this softly-edged story about and for those of a certain age.

Not surprisingly, this tale from Rob Reiner that follows the highs and let’s say, not quite lows of some upper-middle class folks is fluffy and fine, slightly charming but none-too-effective.

Oren Little (Michael Douglas) is a lifetime realtor with penchant for being the ever-cranky, accidentally racist old man. His wife has passed, he is trying to sell his expansive mansion for a hefty price, and suddenly his estranged son is heading back to jail and needs a babysitter.

The last part is the surprising news to Oren, a man who already doesn’t care about kids whether they are growing up (he yells at those of the neighbours playing in the front yard of his new, smaller, waterfront home) or on their way (he doesn’t mind taking up a pregnant neighbour’s parking spot). Another neighbor is Leah (Diane Keaton), a lounge singer who cries often reminiscing about her deceased husband but can also make some tasty pasta.

So it goes…towards predictable ends, with Sourpuss and Mushy becoming unlikely friends – though first professional partners, as Oren is an agent who can get her gigs – as well as sudden parents to a precocious girl that melts her grandfather’s icy heart.

Reiner’s formulaic, cookie-cutter film has little to say, and there is so little to say about it. Both leads are enjoyable to watch on screen, and Douglas, does well as the grump-turned-almost-gentleman.  Maybe then the title refers not to the way love comes into your life, but the way in which those who’ve worked hard and done well for a career just want to take a breather and head to the Atlantic to film a movie.

[star v=25]