It Takes Two
Directed by Andy Tennant
- comedy
- family
- romance
The story
Identical 9-year-olds from very different backgrounds: orphaned Amanda and wealthy Alyssa meet at summer camp and decide to switch places -- and play matchmaker between Alyssa's dad, Roger, and the kind social worker who cares for Amanda.
What it’s like
Bright, sunny, mid-1990s studio comedy: saturated daylight in San Francisco and Malibu-style suburban interiors, warm yellows and pastel kitchens, handheld-free but unfussy coverage with plenty of medium two-shots so the twins' faces are always readable. The camera stays close and cheerful, cutting quickly through slapstick set-ups and lingering on pratfalls and reaction shots, while the score is bouncy, orchestral pop-comedy with light synth touches that signal every mix-up before it happens. The mood is sunny, goofy and easy, with a feel-good glow that never turns bitter. Its heart is a pair of nine-year-olds who swap lives and quietly try to reshape the adults around them, so the rhythm is brisk and episodic, with each scheme escalating and resolving in a neat burst. Intensity is very low: some mild peril and sad backstory about orphanhood, handled gently, with no violence, no sexual content and no real cruelty. It suits a lazy Saturday afternoon, a family viewing with kids, or a comfort watch when you want something light and warm. It is for people who want a gentle, funny romance with a sweet streak and a happy ending.
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