It Takes Two
It Takes Two may refer to:Films
1988 film
It Takes Two is a 1988 American romantic comedy film directed by David Beaird, following the 1988 comedy Pass the Ammo. The screenplay was written by Richard Christian Matheson and Tom Szollosi, who had previously collaborated on the 1987 teen comedy Three O'Clock High. The film stars George Newbern as Travis Rogers, a naive young man from a small Texas town; Leslie Hope as his fiancée Stephanie "Stephi" Lawrence; and Kimberly Foster as Jonni Tigersmith, a fast-talking car saleswoman. Supporting roles include Barry Corbin as Travis's father and Anthony Geary as a sleazy used-car dealer. It was released theatrically in the United States on July 13, 1988, by United Artists, with a runtime of 79 minutes and a PG-13 rating.[1] The plot centers on Travis, who is set to marry his high school sweetheart Stephi just days after quitting his job to join her wealthy father's business. Overwhelmed by pre-wedding jitters, he travels to Dallas to purchase a flashy red sports car as a symbol of his new life, only to be swindled by Jonni into buying a faulty imitation Lamborghini for $5,000. When the car's engine fails immediately, the fired Jonni joins Travis on a chaotic road trip back to retrieve their money from the dealer, sparking an unexpected romantic tension amid chases, mishaps, and revelations about their contrasting backgrounds—Travis's wholesome small-town roots versus Jonni's street-smart urban hustle. Meanwhile, Stephi grows increasingly suspicious as Travis misses wedding preparations, forcing him to confront his doubts about maturity, commitment, and desire.[2] Produced on a modest budget by Outlaw Productions and released to a limited number of theaters, It Takes Two grossed just $344,375 at the domestic box office, reflecting its underwhelming commercial performance amid competition from major summer blockbusters.[1] Critically, it received mixed reviews, with an audience approval rating of 41% on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 250 ratings that praised its energetic pace and lighthearted banter but critiqued the formulaic script and underdeveloped characters.[3] Los Angeles Times critic Michael Wilmington called it a "snappy surprise" with "real comic vigor," noting its appeal as a sexier, funnier alternative to bigger-budget comedies despite a "frowzy plot."[4] Over time, the film has garnered a niche appreciation among enthusiasts of 1980s romantic comedies for its breezy tone and Newbern's earnest performance, though it remains obscure compared to more prominent titles of the era. In 2023, the film received a Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber, enhancing its accessibility to modern audiences.[5][6] The title is derived from the 1966 Motown duet "It Takes Two" by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston.1995 film
It Takes Two is a 1995 American family comedy film directed by Andy Tennant and written by Deborah Dean Davis.[7] The film stars Kirstie Alley as Diane Barrows, a social worker; Steve Guttenberg as Roger Callaway, a wealthy executive; and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as identical strangers Amanda Lemmon and Alyssa Callaway, respectively.[8] Produced by Rysher Entertainment, Orr & Cruickshank Productions, and Dualstar Productions, it was distributed by Warner Bros. and features key scenes set at a summer camp where the protagonists meet.[9] The plot centers on nine-year-old Amanda, an orphan from a foster home facing an unwanted adoption by an abusive couple, and Alyssa, the spoiled daughter of a billionaire whose father is about to marry a scheming woman.[10] The two girls, who look identical, meet by chance at a summer camp for orphans located across a lake from Alyssa's family estate and decide to switch places.[10] Their scheme aims to thwart the bad adoption for Amanda and the unwanted marriage for Alyssa, while ultimately conspiring to bring together Diane, who oversees Amanda's case, and Roger, Alyssa's father, as a romantic pair. Inspired by Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper, the story unfolds through comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments as the girls navigate each other's worlds.[10] The film was released in theaters on November 17, 1995.[11] It earned $19,474,589 at the domestic box office, marking a modest success given its family-oriented appeal and home video sales that contributed to its profitability.[11] The closing credits feature the 1966 Motown song "It Takes Two" by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston.[12] Critically, It Takes Two received mixed reviews, with praise centered on the Olsen twins' engaging performances as the leads, which avoided the pitfalls of trick photography in dual-role films and brought charm to the proceedings.[10] Roger Ebert noted the film's lightweight and predictable nature but found it harmless and amusing, particularly highlighting the twins' ability to carry the story.[10] It drew comparisons to The Parent Trap for its body-swap premise involving look-alike children scheming to unite adults, though it emphasized family themes and child-centric comedy.[10] On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 8% approval rating from critics, reflecting divided opinions on its formulaic script, but it has been appreciated for its lighthearted entertainment value.[13]Music
Albums
The debut studio album by American hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, titled It Takes Two, was released on August 9, 1988, by Profile Records.[14] Recorded at Hillside Sound Studio in Englewood, New Jersey, the album embodies late-1980s hip-hop with its upbeat production, sampling Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)" on the title track, and themes of partying and relationships. It features 9 tracks, including the platinum-certified single "It Takes Two" and "Joy and Pain." The album peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, eventually earning platinum certification from the RIAA for over one million units sold. DJ E-Z Rock died on October 28, 2014.[15][16]| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | It Takes Two | 5:00 |
| 2 | Joy and Pain | 3:45 |
| 3 | Don't Sleep on It | 4:02 |
| 4 | Check This Out | 2:59 |
| 5 | Crush | 5:31 |
| 6 | Get on the Dance Floor | 4:25 |
| 7 | Times Are Gettin' Ill | 4:15 |
| 8 | Keep It Going Now | 4:10 |
| 9 | If I'm Not Your Lover | 4:20 |
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bad Boy | 5:25 |
| 2 | It Takes Two | 3:48 |
| 3 | Love Is Good Enough | 5:13 |
| 4 | Slow Dancing | 4:45 |
| 5 | Nobody But You | 5:25 |
| 6 | Sugar Free | 4:33 |
| 7 | Stay with Me | 4:50 |
| 8 | Forever and Ever | 4:15 |