Two Can Play That Game (2001) Movie Review: A Sassy Showdown of Love and Wit
- Joao Nsita
- Mar 9
- 6 min read
Released in 2001, Two Can Play That Game is a feisty romantic comedy that turns relationship drama into a hilarious chess match. Directed by Mark Brown, this battle-of-the-sexes romp stars Vivica A. Fox as the fiercely confident Shante Smith and Morris Chestnut as her wayward boyfriend Keith Fenton. With its sharp humor and playful take on love’s power plays, the film delivers a lighthearted escape that’s as entertaining as it is empowering. Here’s why this underrated gem still holds up as a fun spin on romance.
Plot and Performances: A Game of Trust and Triumph
The story kicks off when Shante, a successful ad executive, catches Keith stepping out with another woman (Gabrielle Union in a brief but memorable role). Unwilling to let him off easy, Shante launches a 10-day plan to “fix” him, using a mix of mind games, wardrobe warfare, and dating rules she narrates directly to the audience. Keith, a smooth-talking lawyer, counters with moves of his own, turning their breakup into a comedic tug-of-war. Friends like Tony (Anthony Anderson) and Diedre (Mo’Nique) add extra laughs as Shante’s cheerleaders.
Vivica A. Fox is the film’s MVP, radiating charisma and sass as Shante. Her fourth-wall-breaking monologues—dispensing advice like “Keep your man on a short leash”—are pure gold, blending confidence with just enough vulnerability to keep her relatable. Morris Chestnut matches her with his laid-back charm, making Keith a worthy opponent rather than a villain. The supporting cast, including Bobby Brown as Keith’s goofy pal, keeps the energy bubbly, though they’re mostly there to amplify the leads.
Strengths and Flaws: A Playful Punch with Predictability
Two Can Play That Game shines in its humor and pacing. At a tight 1 hour and 30 minutes, it zips along with snappy dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments—like Shante’s dramatic strut in a red dress to make Keith jealous. The film’s lighthearted take on relationship dynamics is refreshing, framing love as a game where both sides can win. Fox’s narration adds a unique twist, turning Shante into a self-aware strategist we root for.
On the flip side, the plot leans heavily on rom-com tropes—misunderstandings, grand gestures—and the resolution feels a bit too pat. Keith’s infidelity gets glossed over quickly, and some side characters lack depth. Still, the film’s charm and Fox’s star power outweigh these quibbles, keeping it a fun ride from start to finish.
Visuals and Direction: Early-2000s Flair
Mark Brown’s direction keeps things bright and bold, with a distinctly early-2000s vibe—think flip phones, chunky jewelry, and glossy urban sets. The costumes are a highlight, from Shante’s power suits to her revenge-ready outfits, amplifying her larger-than-life persona. The film’s sitcom-esque style suits its playful tone, though it doesn’t push cinematic boundaries. It’s straightforward and effective, letting the cast carry the show.
Conclusion: A Winning Rom-Com Play
Two Can Play That Game is a delightful romp that proves love can be a game worth playing—and winning. Vivica A. Fox’s commanding performance, paired with Morris Chestnut’s easy charm, makes this battle of the sexes a joy to watch. It’s not deep or groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be—this is a film that embraces its silliness and delivers laughs with heart. Perfect for a night of light entertainment, Two Can Play That Game remains a sassy, underrated entry in the Black rom-com playbook. Cue it up and enjoy the showdown.
10 FAQs About Two Can Play That Game (2001)
What is Two Can Play That Game about?
It follows Shante, who uses a 10-day plan to outsmart her cheating boyfriend Keith in a comedic battle of wits.
Who stars in Two Can Play That Game?
Vivica A. Fox plays Shante, Morris Chestnut is Keith, with Anthony Anderson and Mo’Nique in supporting roles.
What’s Shante’s strategy in the film?
She employs dating rules and mind games—like ignoring Keith and looking fabulous—to win him back.
Does Shante talk to the audience?
Yes, she breaks the fourth wall to narrate her plans and offer relationship advice.
Did Two Can Play That Game win any awards?
No major wins, but it’s gained a cult following for its humor and Fox’s performance.
Who directed Two Can Play That Game?
Mark Brown, who also wrote the script, directed the film.
How long is the movie?
It runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes, keeping its pace brisk and fun.
What’s a standout moment in the film?
Shante’s red-dress revenge scene, designed to make Keith jealous, is iconic.
What’s the tone of Two Can Play That Game?
It’s lighthearted and comedic, with a playful take on love and relationships.
Why is it considered underrated?
Despite its strong leads and laughs, it didn’t get the mainstream buzz of bigger rom-coms.
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Explore These External Links FOR ANY FILMS INCLUDING ROM COMS!
🎥 Your Film Critic HubDive into the world of movie reviews and ratings! With its iconic Tomatometer, Rotten Tomatoes helps you quickly determine if a film is a "fresh" masterpiece or a "rotten" flop.
🎬 The Ultimate Entertainment DatabaseThe Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a treasure trove of information. Discover cast lists, trailers, trivia, and fan reviews for your favorite movies and TV shows.
⭐ Critic Scores at a GlanceMetacritic aggregates reviews from top publications to give you a clear, weighted score—helping you decide if a movie is worth your time.
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🔍 The Review AggregatorExplore the web’s largest collection of movie reviews. Search for any title and access critiques from across the internet, all in one place.
🎥 The Legacy of a LegendCelebrate the legacy of Roger Ebert. Discover classic reviews, current film critiques, and thought-provoking articles about the deeper meanings of cinema.
🎞️ In-Depth Film AnalysisEnjoy thoughtful analysis and insightful features on the art and craft of filmmaking from one of the most respected film journals.
📰 Latest Film News & ReviewsStay updated with news, reviews, and opinion pieces. The Guardian’s film section offers trusted insights on movies from around the world.
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