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Two Can Play That Game (2001)
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Reviews Counted:63
Fresh:27
Rotten:36
Average Rating:4.9/10
Consensus: As a romantic comedy, Two Can Play That Game is more mean-spirited than romantic. Also, some critics say the movie is misogynistic in its attitudes and has too many blatant product placements.
Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: When it comes to matters of the heart, keeping her man happy and committed is all in a day's work for Shante Smith (Vivica Fox). Shante is so adept at navigating the waters of romance that her... When it comes to matters of the heart, keeping her man happy and committed is all in a day's work for Shante Smith (Vivica Fox). Shante is so adept at navigating the waters of romance that her best girlfriends Diedre (Mo'Nique of The Queens of Comedy), Karen (Wendy Raquel Robinson) and Tracye (Tamala Jones) depend on her for advice whenever "man trouble" clouds the horizon. But when Shante's boyfriend Keith (Morris Chestnut), is caught red-handed stepping out with her arch-rival Conny (Gabrielle Union), Shante institutes her "Ten Day Plan" to get him back in line. Whether its sexy lingerie or good home cooking, Shante has an arsenal of weapons designed to bring a man to his knees...and back to her. She's not above playing the damsel in distress or using the ever-reliable grapevine to get Keith's attention. It's all good, because getting her man back - by any means necessary - is all that matters. Unfortunately the happy ending that Shante expects goes sideways when Keith begins following the advice of his buddy Tony (Anthony Anderson), who brings a player's perspective to the games girls play. In this comedic battle of the sexes, Shante's about to discover that not only are there no rules - she's not the only one playing. With her relationship at stake and friends checking her every move, Shante has to think fast and stay a step ahead of Keith if she has any hope luring her man back...with her pride intact. Screen Gems presents the comedy Two Can Play That Game starring Vivica A. Fox (Kingdom Come, Set It Off), Morris Chestnut (The Brothers, The Best Man), Anthony Anderson (Romeo Must Die), Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Steve Harvey Show), Tamala Jones (The Brothers), Mo'Nique (The Parkers) and Gabrielle Union (The Brothers, Bring it On). Two Can Play That Game is written and directed by Mark Brown (co-writer of Juanaman and How To Be A Player). The film is produced by Doug McHenry (Kingdom Come, The Brothers, Jason's Lyric) and Paddy Cullen (The Brothers, Bring It On, Go). Alexander Gruszynski is the director of photography and Debrae K. Little is the costume designer. Two Can Play That Game will be released on September 7, 2001. -- © 2001 Screen Gems [More]
Starring: Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Tamala Jones
Starring: Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Tamala Jones, Mo'Nique, Bobby Brown
Director: Mark Brown
Director: Mark Brown
Screenwriter: Mark Brown
Producer: Doug McHenry
Studio: Screen Gems
Reviews for Two Can Play That Game
A smorgasbord of likable performances, a dollop of sassy humor, and a helping of useful insights into modern relationships make the movie a palatable, if not exceedingly satisfying morsel.
Populated by pathetically shallow "players" of both sexes and very talented actors trapped by their skin color in a tired genre of self-perpetuating stereotypes.
Despite its hip veneer, there's something agreeably old-fashioned about this film.
There's little creativity or surprise to go along with all the on-screen passions and humiliations.
Little more than a naughty-talking, ninety-minute commercial for cool refreshments and prehistoric gender stereotypes.
A feature-length movie demands a story, and this one barely has the substance of an anecdote.
Brown ... doesn't create satirical sex comedies so much as etiquette guides out of Dale Carnegie or Anthony Robbins.
More often than not ... the characters resort to painfully stereotypical behavior and commentary.
An endearing romantic comedy that pokes fun at the ridiculous things people do for love.
It's got the kind of friskiness that makes you exchange glances with the stranger seated next to you because both of you know how many things it gets right about relationships.
It's too bad that Shante and Keith are the movie's designated couple who must get back together, because the movie misses the opportunity to do something different.
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