When I used to live in LA in 1995 I went and saw this movie in the theatre. Now, given I was 19 years old at the time (and a guy), it seemed a little odd that I would go see this. Of course, that year I saw so many movies that it bordered on the ridiculous. Although Kirstey Alley has had a spotty movie career, I still like her (remember the ridiculous "Madhouse" with John Laroquette?). I have never liked the Olsen twins. I find them almost creepily unattractive and hammy in terms of their acting (this is prior to their growing into pin-up model).
Anyhow. When I saw this at the Hollywood Galaxy I was surprised how well
done it was for its genre that relies on heavy-handed cliches. Granted, there are so many standard scenes that have been recycled over and over again. Yet, so many films are like that and that should not negate them from becoming
effective viewing experiences. Alley and Guttenberg are quite believable in
their chemistry, and shocking the Olsen twins are cute (even if they have poor delivery in much of their dialogue). This movie is not groundbreaking, but for its use of conventions it works quite well. Even if you are not a family man/women there is enjoyment in this film.
Although the comparison to "Home Alone" is a credibility stretch, it is satisfying if you like that film. I was not sure who directed it until I looked it up and realized it was an Andy Tenant film. He is not necessarily an auteur director, but has had some nice moments in some of his films (which the exception of the
disappointing "Anna and the King;" is it possible to have chosen a less suited director for that film-- Jodie what were you thinking?)
Tonight I saw that "It Takes Two" was on HBO Family and decided to watch it. I thought it would be background noise while I did other chores, but I was
surprised to find myself drawn into the film. Everything I enjoyed about it the first time I saw it over ten years ago worked just as well, and sometimes better. Don't discount this film because of the cast, premise, or even a dislike for Tenant. It is a cute movie that is filled with cheesy charm, cliched scenes, but they all work.
I am shocked, especially given the tightness of the film, that it didn't do too well. It wasn't a flop, but it seems like it should have launched a feature film career for the Olsen twins; instead, they made their fortune on those awful direct to video sleuth films, and eventually tropical locale movies showing off their budding sex appeal (which I don't really get-- but being gay I guess that negates my lustful desires).
Bottom line: See this film if you want some nice cheesy fun and don't mind
family films. It is a good break from watching "Blade Runner," "Punch Drunk
Love," and "Gattaca."
8 out of 10n (for the genre....not comparatively speaking with great filmmaking).
Thanks for reading the longest, most winded commentary on a simple film that
will soon be forgotten in the years to come, unless the Olsen's have a film boom with "New York Minute."
Note: Non-sequitor.... Watch "Idle Hands" with Devon Sawa and "The Hidden,"
a great 80's cop-hunting alien movie with Kyle MacLaughlan.
Take care...... blah blah blah Also: Since "Master and Commander" is not
really doing well in regards to its cost.... go see it. It is one of the best films of the year (Peter Weir's triumph).... "21 Grams" and "In America" are also good. If you like unique unique narrative structures not centered around drama and plots
points, "The Company," Altman's latest is also beautiful.
Long-winded guy is now done.... :P
Anyhow. When I saw this at the Hollywood Galaxy I was surprised how well
done it was for its genre that relies on heavy-handed cliches. Granted, there are so many standard scenes that have been recycled over and over again. Yet, so many films are like that and that should not negate them from becoming
effective viewing experiences. Alley and Guttenberg are quite believable in
their chemistry, and shocking the Olsen twins are cute (even if they have poor delivery in much of their dialogue). This movie is not groundbreaking, but for its use of conventions it works quite well. Even if you are not a family man/women there is enjoyment in this film.
Although the comparison to "Home Alone" is a credibility stretch, it is satisfying if you like that film. I was not sure who directed it until I looked it up and realized it was an Andy Tenant film. He is not necessarily an auteur director, but has had some nice moments in some of his films (which the exception of the
disappointing "Anna and the King;" is it possible to have chosen a less suited director for that film-- Jodie what were you thinking?)
Tonight I saw that "It Takes Two" was on HBO Family and decided to watch it. I thought it would be background noise while I did other chores, but I was
surprised to find myself drawn into the film. Everything I enjoyed about it the first time I saw it over ten years ago worked just as well, and sometimes better. Don't discount this film because of the cast, premise, or even a dislike for Tenant. It is a cute movie that is filled with cheesy charm, cliched scenes, but they all work.
I am shocked, especially given the tightness of the film, that it didn't do too well. It wasn't a flop, but it seems like it should have launched a feature film career for the Olsen twins; instead, they made their fortune on those awful direct to video sleuth films, and eventually tropical locale movies showing off their budding sex appeal (which I don't really get-- but being gay I guess that negates my lustful desires).
Bottom line: See this film if you want some nice cheesy fun and don't mind
family films. It is a good break from watching "Blade Runner," "Punch Drunk
Love," and "Gattaca."
8 out of 10n (for the genre....not comparatively speaking with great filmmaking).
Thanks for reading the longest, most winded commentary on a simple film that
will soon be forgotten in the years to come, unless the Olsen's have a film boom with "New York Minute."
Note: Non-sequitor.... Watch "Idle Hands" with Devon Sawa and "The Hidden,"
a great 80's cop-hunting alien movie with Kyle MacLaughlan.
Take care...... blah blah blah Also: Since "Master and Commander" is not
really doing well in regards to its cost.... go see it. It is one of the best films of the year (Peter Weir's triumph).... "21 Grams" and "In America" are also good. If you like unique unique narrative structures not centered around drama and plots
points, "The Company," Altman's latest is also beautiful.
Long-winded guy is now done.... :P