Two Can Play That Game (2001) User Reviews

play the game...its fun

[leorican · 7/10 · 22 October 2005]

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.

Nicely done romantic comedy

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 20 September 2016]

This is a neat little romantic comedy that is based on the battle of the sexes when the man sorta steps out a bit one night and there is plenty of plotting to see who suffers the consequences. What really works here is a technique that is not always done well in films -- the main character "narrating" the story line.

Vivica Fox plays the professional woman who gives the audience advice on how to keep a man (attorney Morris Chestnut) at heel. Chestnut, however, is being coached by his colleague (Anthony Anderson) as to how to take charge of the situation. As you might guess, they do reconcile, but how they get to that point is all the fun.

Vivica A. Fox, who I can take or leave depending on the production, does very nicely here. Morris Chestnut displays a real talent for light comedy here; frankly, he's one of my favorites, although I usually think of him more in terms of dramas. A real plus is the best friend Anthony Anderson...funny as heck here, but also at his pudgiest! It ain't Shakespeare, but it's a fun and entertaining film that's all in good taste.

silly fun

[MovieMusings · 5/10 · 5 January 2003]

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.

Give this movie a break and a laugh.

[ms_chele7 · 17 June 2003]

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.

Above Par

[Big O-7 · 7/10 · 27 September 2001]

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.

Not too bad. A six.

[deadsenator · 6/10 · 10 February 2002]

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.

Two Can Play That Game but only one can be this fine, Vivica A. Fox

[tbills2 · 6/10 · 3 June 2018]

Two Can Play That Game is a really nice movie with a seriously bbbb-eautiful black female cast, gorgeous Wendy Raquel Robinson from The Steve Harvey Show, red hot Tamala Jones reconnecting with foxy Vivica A. Fox from Booty Call, hot Mo'Nique from The Parkers, plus super crazy sexy cool Gabrielle Union from Bad Boys II and Bring It On, then I guess he's good looking Morris Chestnut from The Best Man plus Boyz n the Hood and a sexy Anthony Anderson from The Departed plus Hustle & Flow for the females, with really great and very informative narration by Vivica! I learned a lot and I wrote it all down.

Vivica Fox looks so great in Two Can Play That Game it's not even fair. While it's definitely true that two can play that game, only one woman can play this part, Vivica A. Fox, and be so damn fine doing it I said d-d-d-d-daaaaaaammmnn! I love this movie and I love Vivica!

Two Can Play That Game: A demonstration of what NOT to do in a relationship

[Platypuschow · 3/10 · 14 May 2018]

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

VIVICA SPARKLES!!!!

[nifabs · 8/10 · 8 August 2003]

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...

Let the game play itself

[Quinoa1984 · 6/10 · 28 September 2001]

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-

Boring, not funny....wait for video if you have to see it

[orion560 · 1/10 · 19 September 2001]

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.

Great movie and great advice

[djcarter-926-246180 · 10/10 · 15 July 2018]

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.

Irritating delivery, and weak characters

[TheArgentWolf · 4/10 · 3 February 2007]

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.

Very funny film

[DunnDeeDaGreat · 8 January 2002]

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.

No pain, no gain.

[=G= · 5/10 · 27 July 2002]

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 wish all romantic comedies were this good.

[jtsmoore · 9/10 · 27 February 2002]

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.

Cute, entertaining

[cindymop · 5/10 · 8 February 2006]

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!!!

Simply Irresistible!

[tammy1916 · 10/10 · 4 March 2003]

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"

Are you kidding me?

[rich7354 · 3/10 · 24 October 2020]

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.

Let the games begin!

[stacilayne · 6 September 2001]

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.

This is one of the stupidest movies of all time!

[temperamint-1 · 3/10 · 21 April 2009]

Is it me, or do the writers of some comedic shows and movies, try too hard to get a laugh? I found a lot of fault with this movie. Early in the movie, Shante says that if men acted right, women would give them all the love and respect they deserved. Please! Now we all know that this is not always true, on either side. A person could be as compassionate, considerate, loving, loyal, faithful and respectful as ever, and in return they get nothing but hate, disrespect, and a barrage of blows, physical, verbal and psychological.

There is more stupidity throughout the film. There is the scene where her friend has a man who is cheating. This is where Shante advises women to plant an underwear somewhere and confront the man with this "evidence". Now, don't you think I ought to remember who I slept with last night, and what color underwear she was wearing? If she wore any at all? The fool in this movie falls for this "trick" and makes up a lie about the underwear being his sister's. That part was ridiculous.

Now, are most men still this stupid? Are they still stupid enough to bring other women into their homes, which they may share with their wives or girlfriends? Have they not seen "How to be a player"? Did they not all learn that you do NOT bring the sidepiece to the home? Did they not learn that you have to be discreet? The fool apparently didn't.

The other thing is, why confront me about something I didn't do? That whole part was pretty absurd, just like some women's habit of destroying property when a man does wrong.

The only parts I enjoyed are when Keith starts playing some games of his own. Oh, and this disgusted me. Shante slept with Keith on the first night. Very slutty and tacky indeed.

The movie makes Shante seem too full of herself. Does she really believe that her man would call her that many times after she breaks up with him? Does she really think that he would that depressed? Like Keith was in this movie?

Lighthearted fun

[le-isabelle · 8/10 · 24 May 2011]

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! :)

Still Fun, Funny & Fabulous after all these years

[gsaidit · 9/10 · 5 December 2015]

I love pulling this movie out of my DVD archives & watching it when I'm feeling down about relationship issues or just need some good laughs. I laugh out loud every time! It actually has some valuable romantic relationship tips. I find myself referring some of "Shante's" advise or to a scene in the movie when considering what to do in a real life situation. However, always remember the morale of this story. There are so many scenes that almost anyone could relate to. I have adopted several of Shante's (Vivica F.) and Tracey's (Gabrielle U.) gestures. All of the actresses are beautiful and funny. Keith (Mmmorris C.) is fine & intense as could be & Anthony A & other actors are hilarious! I found it amazing how brilliantly the movie had a mix of down-to-earthiness, fantasy, comedy and romance. This cast had great chemistry, which really made it work. It's a classy, fun and hilarious (and under-rated) flick. I'm very glad I have it on DVD.

Enjoyable...watchable...but hardly memorable.

[Ozyre Cekda · 1 August 2002]

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.

If You Are Game For Fun . . .

[zardoz-13 · 8/10 · 27 June 2007]

"Independence Day" actress Vivica A. Fox stars in the breezy, lightweight comedy "Two Can Play That Game" as a sexy but savvy senior advertising executive with a surefire ten-day strategy for manipulating errant boyfriends who step out on their women.

This predictable but hilarious Anne Landers-like war-of-the-sexes situation comedy combines elements of Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It" (1986) and Forrest Whitaker's "Waiting to Exhale" (1995). As Shante Smith, Fox often turns to speak directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall as it is called, to amuse us with insights in much the same way that Matthew Broderick did in John Hughes 1986 teen comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Shante addresses the camera while her companions appear blithely oblivious to these artificial asides. Although the humor occasionally qualifies as raunchy, first-time director Mark Brown has penned a harmlessly entertaining emotional epic that should keep both sexes laughing out loud at the antics of an exceptional ensemble cast featuring debonair Morris Chestnut and comic genius Anthony Anderson. Incidentally, Brown knows the romantic ropes rather well because he co-scripted director Lionel C. Martin's "How to Be a Player" (1997) about a playboy who gets his comeuppance from all the women who he cheated on at a party.

"The first time your man messes up," Shante advises, "no matter how minor the infraction, punish him. Punish him hard." Our heroine coaches a trio of soul sisters, Diedre (Mo'nique of "3 Strikes"), Karen (Wendy Raquel Robinson of "Miss Congeniality"), and Tracye (Tamala Jones of "Blue Streak") all of whom find themselves at the mercy of their errant men. Meanwhile, Shante endures none of their woes as she woos her boyfriend, Keith Fenton (Morris Chestnut of "The Brothers"), a successful, upscale, white-collar attorney. Moreover, Keith has never cheated on her. Shante's world shatters when Keith breaks a dinner date to work late at the office. Earlier, Shante had warned her friends that a man's most popular excuse for philandering is working late at the office.

Nevertheless, Shante confides to the camera/audience that you never let your friends know if you are having trouble. Instead, Shante and her posse head off to their favorite restaurant nightspot where she catches Keith red-handed in the arms of another woman from his office. Predictably, Keith and his date scram, while an outraged Shante declares war on him with a foolproof ten-day plan to win him back. One of the best jokes here is the lingerie test. Shante tells her gal pals to buy lingerie a couple of sizes larger than their own and wedge it into the cushions of the couch at their boyfriend's apartment then extract the imitate item his presence and see what lies he conjures up on the spot to get himself out a jam.

Shante isn't prepared for Keith's nimble-minded sidekick Tony (Anthony Anderson of "Me, Myself, and Irene") who furnishes shrewd guidance from a player's perspective. Sometimes, Tony manages to outsmart Shante, but he warns Keith that even the Central Intelligence Agency has nothing on a woman with a plan. Keith struggles desperately to maintain his composure, ringing up Shante who refuses to answer his phone calls. When she plays hard to get, rival businesswoman Conny Spalding (foxy Gabrielle Union of "Bring It On"), moves in on Keith, and an exasperated Shante pursues another guy. The irony of "Two Can Play That Game" is that Shante has a solid game plan, but she lacks the control over Keith that her girlfriends exert over their men. Furthermore, by the end of this nonsense, Shante learns a valuable lesson that she cannot control men with her rules.

Nothing about "Two Can Play That Game" is, of course, remotely believable, but the jokes are fast and furious, and the cast looks like they enjoyed themselves to the utmost. Comedian Anthony Anderson steals every scene he has, while Whitney Houston's former husband Bobby Brown appears in a cameo as Karen's buck-toothed boyfriend. Black and white alike can enjoy this pre "Hitch" love comedy.