Two Much

"Two Much" is a delightfully entertaining romantic comedy that hit the screens in 1995. Directed by Fernando Trueba, an Oscar-winning Spanish director known for his unique blend of comedy, charm, and wit in storytelling, this movie has attained some degree of cult status among fans of the genre. Featuring an extraordinarily talented cast that includes Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, and Daryl Hannah, "Two Much" provides a rich offering of hilarious situations, captivating performances, and a nuanced exploration of love and relationships.

The film centers around Art Dodge, played by the charmingly charismatic Antonio Banderas. He is a suave yet struggling art dealer, trying to keep his business afloat in sunny Miami. However, Art is not just your typical art dealer. He has a knack for innovative yet morally questionable business tricks. This involves selling replicas of great artworks masked as the real deal to unsuspecting, wealthy elderly ladies. Despite his somewhat checkered business morals, Art's charm is irresistible, and he becomes a character whom audiences can't help but root for.

Melanie Griffith stars as Betty Kerner, a cheerful, passionate, and slightly quirky divorcée who happens to have a considerable fortune to her name. When she walks into Art's gallery one day, a whirlwind romance ensues. Griffith delivers a captivating performance as Betty, infusing her character with a winning mix of vulnerability and assertiveness that is both appealing and comic. The chemistry between Griffith and Banderas is palpable, adding an extra layer of believability to their on-screen romance.

However, the plot takes an exciting twist when Art also falls for Betty's younger, and arguably more sophisticated sister, Liz Kerner, played by Daryl Hannah. Liz is the polar opposite of her sister Betty - she's a serious, independent woman who works as a museum curator. Hannah's portrayal of Liz is both moving and authentic, capturing her character's intellectual elegance and understated beauty perfectly. Intriguingly, the very traits that make Liz the antithesis of her sister Betty also make her exceedingly attractive to Art.

Now in love with two sisters, Art finds himself in a classic comedic conundrum. Eager not to lose either woman, Art assumes a dual identity, an imaginative ruse that results in a series of hilarious misadventures, comical misunderstandings, and romantic escapades. The trouble is Art must flit between being himself and his fictitious, made up twin brother, Bart, to keep up the pretense. As the saying goes, "Oh! what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."

The film successfully blends various elements of slapstick, farce, screwball comedy, and romance, keeping the audiences on their toes, while Banderas' virtuosity in seamlessly transitioning between two personas is nothing short of spectacular. Similarly, the performances of Griffith and Hannah epitomize the perfect blend of comedy and romance, portraying their characters' complex emotions with incredible precision and charm.

"Two Much" also boasts a top-notch supporting cast, with Eli Wallach, Joan Cusack, and Gabino Diego, among others, turning in wonderful performances. The film’s director, Trueba neatly binds this large ensemble and the many comedic subplots together. Additionally, the movie's colorful backdrop of Miami lends a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's lively narrative rhythm. The music composed by Michel Camilo, further enhances the movie’s light-hearted mood.

"Two Much" is indeed a delightful romp filled with enchanting characters, hilarious misunderstandings, and delightful comedic set pieces. It's a charming tale of love, deception, and the lengths one man will go to for love. With its talented cast and fun premise, coupled with brilliant direction and a light-hearted narrative style, "Two Much" stands as an enjoyable watch for fans of classic romantic comedies.

However, like other films of its genre, it may require viewers to suspend their disbelief at certain points. So, if you're up for a laughter-filled, feel-good experience and willing to take the ride, "Two Much" definitely delivers a double dose of fun, wit, and romance. Despite its title's suggestion of excess, this movie is a perfectly measured cocktail of romance and comedy, served with a side of Art and Bart's twin troubles. One to enjoy when you’re in the mood for laughs, romance, and a little bit of mischief.