It Takes Two (1995)

Directed by: Andy Tennant | 101 minutes | comedy, family, romance | Actors: Kirstie Alley, Steve Guttenberg, Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Philip Bosco, Jane Sibbett, Michelle Grisom, Desmond Robertson, Tiny Mills, Shanelle Henry, Anthony Aiello, LaTonya Borsay

Andy Tennant, a former dancer and writer, previously directed mainly television series such as “Ferris Bueller” and “South of Sunset”. After his flop ‘The Amy Fisher Story’ starring Drew Barrymore, he turns the tide with the family film ‘It Takes Two’. A sweet story in which the Olsen Twins, known from the series “Full House”, come into their own.

At the age of 9 it is the first time for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen that they can be seen together on the silver screen in the Netherlands. With their quirky characters, their blond hair and their big blue eyes, they are a favorite of every film lover. In ‘It Takes Two’ they play two very different girls with an even bigger difference in background. Both know how to portray their characters with a lot of persuasiveness.

Although the twins take on most of the story, the roles of Kirstie Alley and Steve Guttenberg are indispensable. Alley (Look Who’s Talking Now), who plays the role of social worker Diana, portrays a believable character with her friendly but somewhat stressed appearance. In this role, she clearly shows the viewer how grateful a role as a social worker can be. Guttenberg (‘Three Men and a Little Lady’), who plays the wealthy Callaway, once again shows how good he is with children. A busy man who, because of his job, more than once neglects to pay attention to his daughter. An image that he knows well how to convey to the viewer.

The story revolves around two identical yet very different girls who conspire to get their parents together. Although a similar story has often been filmed, the film still has a very contemporary touch by touching on the adoption problem. The main theme of the story is the contrast between rich and poor. Money doesn’t buy happiness has certainly been a starting point for this film. The rich Alyssa who misses the warmth and attention of her busy and rich father Roger compared to the poor Amanda, who does not want to leave the orphanage because of the excess of attention she receives from Diana.

An old-fashioned family film with a contemporary twist. Not surprising, but certainly a fun story for the whole family.

Editorial Cinema magazin