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TWO LOVERS (Running Time: 108 min; Rated: R)

Reviewed by Denise Castillón

TWO LOVERS studies the romantic obsession within a love triangle formed by lovers who are drawn to the others’ neediness and their peculiar desire to rescue them. The marvel of this emotionally-masochistic drama is how most of the viewing audience will be able to relate to this tale through their own past, disastrous relationships.

TWO LOVERS acquires an old-fashion appearance from the gloomy and outdated Brighton Beach neighborhood, where Leonard Kraitor (Joaquin Phoenix) lives with his parents (Isabella Rossellini and Moni Moshonov) in their Brooklyn apartment.

After returning home from a mysterious hospital stay, Leonard holds an undemanding job in the family dry cleaning business. His concerned parents set up their brooding son with Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), the lovely, dark-haired daughter of a business colleague. Before the two start their courtship, Leonard meets the luminous, yet self-destructive Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), who’s involved with her married boss. As the intrigued Leonard pursues his infatuation for Michelle, he maintains a “back-up” relationship with Sandra, who’s falling deeply for the wounded Leonard. Meanwhile, Michelle enjoys Leonard’s attentiveness as she cries on his ready shoulders over her hopeless love affair. In the end, Leonard must resolve his future that may or may not include Michelle.

TWO LOVERS stars Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vinessa Shaw (“The Hills Have Eyes”), Isabella Rossellini, John Ortiz (“Before Night Falls”), and Moni Moshonov (“Late Marriage”).

Directed and co-written by James Gray (“We Own the Night”). The screenplay is by James Gray & Richard Menello. Produced by Donna Gigliotti, James Gray, and Anthony Katagas. Executive producers are Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban and Marc Butan. A 2929 Production. Released by Magnolia Pictures.

PLAY THE GAME

Starring: Andy Griffith, Liz Sheridan, Paul Campbell, Marla Sokoloff and Doris Roberts

Directed by: Marc Fienberg

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language

By John Delia

I don’t remember when I have laughed so much at a showing of a movie involving older people. Well, Play The Game did it for me! The wonderful little story took me by surprise, kept my attention throughout and provided me with some great entertainment. To tell the truth I didn’t know Andy Griffith and Liz Sheridan had it in them to pull it off. Pull off what you say? Well it my be gross to some and engrossing to others, but in the world of sex, yes oldsters still do it.

The story goes something like this: Ladies’ man David (Campbell) teaches his dating tricks to his lonely, widowed grandfather Joe (Griffith), while using those same tricks to meet Julie (Sokoloff), the woman of his dreams. While David's foolproof techniques prove to be anything but, the same techniques quickly transform Joe into the Don Juan of the retirement community leading to an unexpected intimate affair with Edna (Sheridan). But soon, it’s up to Joe to teach David that sometimes the best way to win the game of love is not to play games at all.

I liked the feisty little film as all the characters were interesting, the actors on their mark and the directing brilliant. I was totally amazed by the performance of Griffith as the old timer lost in memories in his retirement home. In Play The Game he shows how spry an 82 year-old can be with a memorable characterization that is enchanting and admirable. Check out his very suave dance steps for laughs.

All that have seen Liz Sheridan (Seinfeld) before know what a great comedian she is and in this film she shines even more. I loved her performance as the forward woman that goes after Joe and teaches him some new tricks. But, she’s also the one who brings Joe back to the reality that life has some downfalls as well.

You will probably recognize Doris Roberts from Everybody Loves Raymond. Here she plays the lonely widow that picks up the pieces. Seeing her in this film reminded me of how many times I have seen Roberts in the over 100 appearances in film and TV. She is the consummate actress that most all have come to love.

The film is written and directed by Fienberg who treats the film with a loving hand, making his characters enjoyable to watch. His ability to bring out the best is shown in the performance of both Griffith and Campbell.

The film does contain some sexual material and some brief language, so be cognizant of this when bringing youngsters along.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A great film for those in love and a look at life’s realities. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)