It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a light-hearted yet thought-provoking romantic comedy movie produced in 1988. The director, David Beaird, tastefully brings to the screen a story that balances endearing romance, situational comedy, and a real-life dilemma that grapples the characters. The film stands out for its memorable performances by a well-orchestrated cast led by George Newbern, Leslie Hope, and Kimberly Foster.

George Newbern, known for his versatile acting skills, plays the lead role of Travis Rogers. A committed, diligent, and reliable man, Travis is the finance executive for a multinational corporation tasked with fierce corporate duties. His life is well planned and streamlined, with everything in place, except for his commitment to a romantic relationship. The corporate world engrosses him so much that he doesn't realize he is missing a significant ingredient in life - a life partner.

Leslie Hope graces the screen with her ineffable charm and effervescent energy. She steps into the shoes of Stephanie Lawrence. Leslie Hope's character, Stephanie, is Travis's neighbor, an equally focused woman living next door. A pediatrician, she's devoted to her discipline and work. Similar to Travis, she also lives a life methodically planned and geared towards her career so much so that she almost forgets about the love life she should have.

Kimberly Foster, a remarkable actress, plays the role of Jonni Tigersmith, an unpredictable and free-spirited woman who lives life on her terms. She lives and loves in the moment, keeping herself as the priority. Her character contrasts sharply with the work-centric lives of Travis and Stephanie.

As the movie unfolds, Travis Rogers and Stephanie Lawrence lead a perfectly systematic life in an upscale two-story condominium in Dallas. Unknown to each other, both are engrossed in their high-profile jobs, paying no heed to their love lives. Though staying next door, their paths barely cross due to the different routines they follow. Their professional commitments overshadow any possible chance of a relationship.

However, their lives take an interesting turn when they become enmeshed in the unexpected drama induced by the vibrant character of Jonni Tigersmith. Jonni, who's a model by profession, is their condo partner who lives upstairs. With her flamboyant and vivacious personality, she comes as a whirlwind into the lives of the otherwise work-focused duo. The movie then leads us through a series of entertaining and humorous situations that organically weave romance and emotions into their lives.

Travis and Stephanie, while associated with Jonni in different ways and circumstances, start to experience the elusive taste of love and relationships they've been missing in their otherwise perfect lives. The unexpected twists and turns in their life, such as unexpected meetings, arguments, humorous misunderstandings, form the core of the story.

At the same time, Jonni's free-spirited, live-in-the-moment attitude acts as a reflection of their own shortcomings. Through Jonni's character, they realize what they're missing in their color-coded, high functioning professional lives. They begin to discover there is more to life than going over spreadsheets and medical journals.

The movie engages the audience through its fluctuating mood swings from comic relief to serious thoughts about relationships. It takes on the theme of how the protagonists, from their controlled and restrained lives, take a plunge into the chaos and unpredictability that comes with love and relationships.

In conclusion, It Takes Two is a delightful romantic comedy that touches upon different facets of urban lifestyles. Its unpredictable storyline, entwined with romance, comedy, and real-life issues, leaves the viewer in anticipation of what's to come next. The performances of George Newbern, Leslie Hope, and Kimberly Foster add depth to the script and make the movie a joy to watch for all ages. It is an entertaining watch sure to leave you with a smile yet get you thinking about making some necessary changes in life.