Two Can Play That Game

Two Can Play That Game is a 2001 romantic comedy film that delves into the many facets of the game of love, exploring relationships, dating rules, and the never-ending battle of the sexes. The cleverly strategic chess match of modern-day romance is skillfully directed by Mark Brown and presents a strong leading cast including Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, and Anthony Anderson.

Vivica A. Fox portrays the no-nonsense Shanté Smith, a successful career woman working in advertising in Los Angeles. Her character is notable for maintaining a particularly robust grip on her relationship as well as effortlessly keeping her charming, handsome and ever-so-smooth boyfriend, Keith Fenton (Morris Chestnut), at her whim. A covetable bachelor and high-profile lawyer, Keith's character, smoothly portrayed by Chestnut, proves he too can play the game of love.

The movie initially introduces Shanté as a woman who seems to have it all - a thriving career, a committed relationship, and the admiration of her peers. She is viewed by her friends as a guru in matters of the heart. At the beginning of the film, Shanté is confident that she has the upper-hand in the love game and can control Keith as she pleases with a practiced set of rules she systematically deploys to keep him in check.

However, this seemingly ideal relationship begins to hit rocky times when Shanté catches Keith flirting with another woman at a party. Shanté, feeling betrayed and livid, determinedly decides to make Keith pay a hefty price for his transgressions by leveraging her ten-day, foolproof plan to get her man to fall in line. Vivica A. Fox exhibits excellent acting skills as she breaks the fourth wall and walks the audience through each specific day of the plan designed to make Keith regret his attempted dalliance.

Meanwhile, it's refreshing to also see the male perspective of the dating game through the lens of Keith, who doesn't falter in subtly expressing his perspective on the situation. Feeling manipulated and cornered by Shanté's clever tactics, Keith decides to turn to his friend Tony (played by the hilarious Anthony Anderson). Tony, who is more experienced in dealing with the wiles of the opposite sex, decides to coach Keith on how to counteract Shanté's plans, offering the audience amusing and bittersweet scenarios to enjoy as the two parties jockey for power in their relationship.

What makes the movie noteworthy is the film's ability to flip the typical rom-com script by granting women the knowing, sage voice typically held by the male protagonist to guide the audience through the ins and outs of relationship maneuvering. Vivica A. Fox embodies modern confidence as Shanté Smith, delivering no-nonsense directions on handling men, effectively breaking the stereotype of women as clueless victims in matters of love.

Mark Brown, the director, is brilliant in creating a film that celebrates love, relationships, and the art of maintaining the balance of power within them. His approach takes viewers through a heartfelt journey of camaraderie, rivalry, vanity, jealousy, forgiveness, and ultimately love. This film is an energetic, up-front, and often hilariously relatable excursion into the trials and challenges that make modern love both frustrating and exciting.

The supporting cast features a line-up of recognizable faces, including Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tamala Jones, and Bobby Brown. Each actor adds something special to the unfolding story, further strengthening the film's comedy and romance aspects. When combined with a vibrant soundtrack with pounding acoustics and smooth R&B selections, the overall package is a cinematic delight for the eyes and ears.

In short, Two Can Play That Game is a delightful, funny, and insightful film that showcases the power dynamics in relationships. The film, while distinctly 2000's in its tone and style, manages to feel timeless due to its exploration of universal themes. For fans of romantic comedies, this film is a definite must-see and serves as a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and important life lessons.