User reviews

A smart and sassy ad exec, Shante ( Viveca Fox looking very hot ) wants to keep her man, Keith ( Morris Chestnut also looking pretty fine ) in check after he messes up by saying he is "working late" and ends up taking another woman to "their" restaurant for some drinks and dancing. What happens next is Shante's 10 day rules of putting you man in check. We're taken along for hilarious ride as Shante and Keith match wits to see who can get the upper hand. The movie depicts very honestly, and in a humorous way, the games men and women play with each other. Anthony Anderson is a riot as Keith's friend, Tony, who helps Keith battle the very sly Shante at her game. Shante's gal pals, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Mo'Nique, and Tamala Jones, are also pretty funny. Gabrielle Union makes a sexy turn as Shante's nemesis who is after Keith and isn't shy about it. This battle of the sexes romp is hilarious and witty and should just be enjoyed for what it is; a real good time. A great friends get together flick.

There are just wayyy too many cliches to take this movie seriously, but if you're up for a few laughs, you could do worse than to watch this romp.

This film may perhaps be Anthony Anderson's coming-out movie, because he not just steals the show, he dominates! After playing the bumbling type in both Kingdom Come and Romeo Must Die, here in TCPTG he is the driving force. (Granted, I haven't seen every film he's done, so he might have had other parts that demonstrated his talent; but note that after this movie he did Barbershop and appears lined up to appear in no less than 4 movies in 2003).

And, a tip of the hat to Mo'Nique Imes-Jackson, she's a riot too.

I must admit, I think the significance of The Cosby Show, depicting upwardly-mobile urban black professionals, has played itself out so that we don't need to forcefeed images of rich black people (in this vein, the homey feel of Eddie Murphy's The Klumps as well as his unfortunately discontinued The PJs was ironically refreshing - I wish I could digress fully and explore this thought; if you want to follow up, email me).

Anyway, there are some golden moments in this movie. The first-person narrative was almost irritating at the beginning, but if you can endure the first 10 minutes of it, it is developed nicely into a decent tool to set up some of the coming laughs.

As a romantic comedy, I remember how much I enjoyed The Money Pit; my wife can't see what I see in that film. But, as an 80s comedy, it was both silly yet touching. And then there was the more mature Other People's Money, which had enough business tension that it was almost not a comedy, except for Danny DeVito. In other words, there are many ways in which to approach "the romantic comedy," and as such, there's plenty of room for TCPTG, if you are willing to give it the same slack you might give any other romantic comedy (Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, etc., etc.,).

You know, it sorta sounds like I'm apologizing for this film. In a way, I am, because the elements of it that the average person will notice and have difficult with are the same elements the average person is blind towards in other movies.

Bottom line, for light-hearted fun, you won't be wasting your money to rent it.

Just wanted to say that I think that a lot of viewers are really hard on this fun romp between African-American Professionals. You see, if you don't like it, you probably can't relate to relationships, or African-Americans. If you are African-American and you don't like it, well, all I can say is that you must be young. Anyone over the age of 35, would probably enjoy this light-hearted matching of wits between Shante'(Vivica Fox) and Keith (Morris Chestnut). The reason that age comes into view, is because growing up in the 60's, there were plenty of light-hearted romance comedies to enjoy. With one exception. You didn't see African-Americans in those movies. In the 70's, people like Richard Pryor provided us with plenty of funny movies, along with Veteran's such as Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier. Romance comedies never quite made an impact within our community. And the love stories that did make it, such as "Melinda" starring Richard Roundtree and Vonette McGee, were dubbed blaxploitation movies and not given the exposure that movies garner today. I enjoy African-American films that are light-hearted, because the urban experience is often depicted as violent, drug-related, and unintelligent. We have plenty of movies for our children to see that offer no intelligent plot, and continue to perpuate stereotypes that we have been trying to tear down forever. Seeing African-American professionals deal with some of the challenges of nurturing a relationship in the 2000's was a lot of fun. That is, if you are looking for a little break from the shoot 'em up, drug-smoking, genre's. Women do have a tendency to expect certain things from men, and vice versa. Any game can be taken too far, which is what the movie depicts. No, it couldn't and should not have been an "Academy Award Nominee" by no stretch of the imagination, but it is highly entertaining and does have it's comedic moments. When movies are being made with names like Dumb and Dumber, and How High? I think I'll keep my viewing priorities straight and preference a movie like this over them.

This would be standard middle-brow entertainment were it not for three factors that I'll discuss in a little bit. The concept, that women can be as deft "players" of the field as men, is certainly not new to most. It may be new to A level films, and it probably is new to director/producer Mark Brown, the creator of HOW TO BE A PLAYER. But it is not a concept new to almost any B level direct-to-video thriller, anything on Cinemax after 11pm, or to any newspaper. Women have almost always been better players (see Anna Nicole Smith, Leona Helmsley, that maid that married the Johnson & Johnson fortune, and almost all of the guests on either Jerry Springer, Jenny Jones, or Ricki Lake). But, this movie does have an easy going pace and sound track that combine to make it as smooth as a ride in Shante's convertible Jaguar. What makes the film stay slightly above average is the presence of the three lead thespians. First of all, let it be said that Anthony Anderson does in fact walk away with this film. He simply owns every second that he is on screen (including the out takes at the end). His natural and easy manner combined with impeccable comic timing simply makes him the de facto owner of the material, the screen, and the film as a whole. Next, Morris Chestnut, whether given a lot or a little (like here) to do simply comes off as likable. And in the main role, few actresses - good looking or not - could carry off the part that Vivica A. Fox plays. The film would not be believable were it not for this particular actresses commanding presence and astonishing good looks. She, like her character, is someone who has worked her looks and her intelligence to get exactly what she wants out of life, and she is not afraid to show it. So, if you go in not expecting too much, you will come out pleasantly surprised. A 7 out of 10.

This film offers just a bit of insight to the relationship game. This is not really anything new, but it's still entertaining and the acting worked for me. So, don't run out of your way to see it, but if it's on, go ahead and you should enjoy it.

Relationships are a challenge at the best of times, what they are not are games and that's how our leads treat one in this dumb little tale.

Vivicia Fox & Morris Chestnut are a couple having all kinds of problems, instead of rectifying them like adults they both play mind games with one another and demonstrate exactly how pathetic some people are when it comes to such things.

The very concept is offensive to anyone with 2+ brain cells to rub together and is a fantastic example of why divorce rates are so high if folks really do approach relationships in this way.

Also starring Gabrielle Union this sure as hell isn't a romantic comedy due to the lack of romance and absolutely no comedy whatsoever.

The Good:

Nothing springs to mind

The Bad:

Stupid concept

Fox is still terrible

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

People are stupid.....wait.....no already knew that

Come On People, This movie was fun for me. I'm not for girlie movies but Vivica Fox happens to be one of my favourite Black Actresses and she "SHONE" in this simple but classy role!

For the brothers out there dissing her, don't you wish you were the one slamming your girlfriend on your desk during lunch. She did what some smart women don't do, she planned and we(hate)her for being that smart.

Hey the babe didn't want to lose and her boyfriend was beginning to cheat on her, when you've got it all like THAT!! what more do you need? like Shante says men are like dogs, "you need to leash them" and her boyfriend proves her right.

Remember nice girls & boyz finish last.

Shante went overboard in her planning but in real life, her boyfriend when they get back together would respect her for it!! All of us guys like a woman who knows what she is doing and who can work around us so all we really have to is bring home the bacon.

Well! Wake Up Y'all!!!

This movies sizzles with excellent chemistry, laidback humor and on the spot comic delivery.

Fox, Chestnut and Anthony Anderson deliver standout performances !!! Not Oscar worthy but classic and enduring.

I'll be watching this movie 10 years from now and still having a swell time.

7/10...

Two Can Play that Game stars Vivica A. Fox (she is hot, by the way for you guys) as a woman who lives by a set in place (I've never heard it though) rules of breaking up, and getting back with a man. This comes into effect when she discovers her boyfriend (Morris Chestnut) is cheating on her. While some might find it entertaining and/or funny (really depends on who you are), it will be hard for some (as it was for me) to care about some of these characters after a while. The humor also is too simplified. C-

I knew this movie wouldn't be a classic by any means. Unfortunately, I had seen everything that looked appealing at the theater so I had to turn to this. It was worse than I expected. I thought it would be one of those mediocre comedies which has a few laughs scattered throughout. I distinctly remember nothing funny...at least nothing funny enough to make me laugh. The story was completely predictable. Absolutely NO surprises. Fox and Chestnut displayed no chemistry. I seldom look at a watch during the movie...I did so four times in the midst of this one. An uneventful story combined with laughless dialogue resulted in the most boring movie I've seen all summer. If you have to see it, wait for video.

A great movie for entertainment purposes, you obviously dont have to follow the relationship guidelines that she talks about in the movie. Although, it was all for fun and laughs, some of the tips and advice she gives is actually worth listening to.

Personally, I didn't think much of this film. The way that a lot of the film came across - as a monologue by the main character - didn't make the story believable, and took away from the enjoyment from the film, as it made it quite irritating as the scene would be good, and then interrupted by her talking to the camera.

I also didn't think a lot of the cast, and I think that the characters were too irritating to be likable, especially in a story like this. Though I didn't like their characters, two actors that I liked were Anthony Anderson, as he is a strong favourite of mine, and is a brilliant actor, and Mo'Nique, who did very well in her role.

Over all, I don't think I would recommend this film to people, and if I was given the opportunity to watch it again, I think I'd turn it down.

Two Can Play That Game is a great take on the battle of the sexes. Vivca A Fox is great in the lead role as Shantel. Anthony Anderson who is always good is great here as the comic relief and Morris Chestnut plays his standard pretty boy role. All in all this was a great film that I would recommend.

In "Two Can Play That Game", an upwardly mobile Afro-Am professional woman, Shante (Fox), lays out the "rules" for playing the mating game as she takes the audience step by step, talking to the camera, through her own foible fraught relationship one rule at a time. Meanwhile her befuddled boyfriend (Chestnut) gets his own dose of rules and countermeasures from a know-it-all best friend (Anderson). The 95% comedy in this lively little romp comes from the interaction of the pair of protagonists with their kookie friends. The 5% romance comes at the end when the flick finally gets real. Fun stuff which gracefully straddles the black/white divide and avoids "ghetto", this flick will likely appeal most to females, particularly African-American females. (C+)

I can't understand why everyone is hating on this movie because its not supposed to be taken so seriously. Im watching this movie for the second time and I thought hey! this movie is pretty good! Vivica Fox and Gabrielle Union are so beautiful and are very entertaining! I like how Vivica talks to the camera and i feel that is what makes it different from a lot of other romantic comedies and makes it more personal. I'ma give this movie a break and give it a 8/10 because its not meant to be a serious drama or anything. Some people just need to learn how to watch different types of movies and enjoy them, from Star Wars to Pulp Fiction to Finding Nemo and to something like this! :)

Just saw this movie on Family Channel last night. Interesting that it was on Family, but oh well. Not a deep movie, really just one plot - romance. Lighthearted and fun. The acting was pretty good, the scenes moved well - I liked the narrative from Shante, speaking to the audience. Not familiar with these actors, but thought they all did a good job.

One cliché - the buxom, feisty girlfriend. She was good, and clichés do exist. Not too much detail about the girlfriends and their lives, they seemed more like props. But this wasn't a deep movie with multiple plots. They served their purpose well. Oh, another cliché - the Chinese man delivering an order. But that's a reality, too.

There were some great lines. Some good writing. Good job, Mark Brown. One line that stands out: "You play more games than the NBA." (something similar) Wish I could remember the others! Hope this writer is writing more.

I don't watch a lot of movies ... just stumbled upon this one. It was good to have a movie with all the principals being African-American.

I'm not African-American (Caucasian), so I can't relate to some nuances. But romance is romance, regardless of race, ethnicity, etc. We've all been there!!!

I didn't know what to expect when I rented "Two Can Play That Game," but it turned out to be the best random DVD I have rented in a long time. The writer/director Mark Brown really studied his classic romantic comedies, and it pays off. The story moved quickly. The film was consistently funny. There was sexual tension. The 4th Wall technique reminded me of "The Seven Year Itch," and it made the movie. Brown also had a classy, visual sense. Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chesnut, and Anthony Anderson were uniformly excellent. I never would have guessed I would have liked this film as much as I have. I have already seen it three times.

If you want to see what happens when both parties in a relationship are more concerned about "winning", rather than having a deep and moving partnership, watch this movie.

Shanté Smith (Vivica A. Fox) is a confident, successful, beautiful woman. She knows how to handle her man, she knows how to navigate the shark-infested business waters, and she knows how to dress for success in both the bedroom and the boardroom. Shanté is the envy of her best girlfriends Diedre, Karen and Tracye (Mo'Nique, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and Tamala Jones), who always turn to their wise mentor for romantic advice. But what happens when the teacher unexpectedly becomes the student? Shanté has a few things to learn, she realizes, when she catches her man Keith (Morris Chestnut) in the arms of her business rival, Conny (Gabrielle Union). Shanté immediately puts her step-by-step "Ten Day Plan" into action to get him back in line and back to her. Unfortunately the happy ending that Shanté fully expects goes upside down when Keith begins following the advice of his buddy Tony (Anthony Anderson), who brings a player's perspective to the games girls play. Fox carries Two Can Play That Game, and she carries it well. She is able to play her character in the traditional manner, and directly address the audience with sassy little asides. Doing this is risky and it usually doesn't work, but in this case Fox as Shanté is so likeable she easily draws the audience into her world and makes us feel that we're a part of it. First-time director Mark Brown (producer of "How To Be A Player") should be commended for being able to strike this precarious balance. So too should the scribe -- hey, it's Mark Brown again! -- who wrote a witty, enchanting script. There's all-out comedy (when Shanté is on the sixth day of her Ten Day Plan, she must get out there and date. you've never seen an assembly line of so many hilarious losers) balanced with believable, heartfelt romance.

While Fox does carry this comedy of the heart, she is well-supported by a standout cast of talented, likeable actors. Morris is almost as foxy as Fox as they love and spar; Anderson is so laugh-out-loud funny you'll need to bring tissues to the theatre; Mo'Nique is so cool you'll want her for your own best friend; and the smooth, sexy singer Bobby Brown is practically unrecognizable in a cameo appearance as a buck-toothed mechanic in desperate need of a makeover. Most of the characters in Two Can Play That Game are in need of a little "makeover" -- particularly when it comes to how they look at love and romance. But the movie itself needs no such makeover. It's perfect just the way it is.

I enjoyed this movie because it describes our female need to be in control of a relationship that as taken a really bad turn.I'm really fond of this movie simply because I can relate to it.I found myself watching this movie when my boyfriend step out of line.But not to get relationship advise but to remind myself that yes two can play the game,but when a relationship as gone bad games are not always the "Grown up" way to deal with the situation.I guess the only true way to describe this movie is "Simply Irresistible"

This movie is funny in abundance. It succeeds in all the areas B.J Diaries was hyped of succeeding but DIDN'T. Extra point for the Jag. The humor is on the edge of being targeted a little too much for the American audiences. Even if you aren't from "the States" but you are familiar with black American culture you'll get the jokes.

This movie had the potential to do something great, but failed. Vivica Fox was decent in her first starring role (was it a starring role?) as Shante. She is a great actress who doesn't get great roles (like most black actresses) but she put accurate effort into the character. The problem was that the movie relied too heavily on Shante's in-your-face-dialogue. And the game itself was a bit too farfetched. Of course women play games, but the lengths Shante went to just to teach Keith a lesson wasn't realistic. And is it just me or was practically everybody from The Brothers in this movie? (Morris Chestnut, Tamala Jones, Gabrielle Union). Good note - Monique was hilarious in her role as she should be. I did like this movie, but it would be nice to see a black movie that doesn't always rely on humor and battle of the sexes-type themes. What I would give to see a serious movie about African-Americans again. Another Soul Food-esque film would be excellent.