You are here:

It Takes Two

Name: It Takes Two
Director: David Beaird
Released: 1988
Duration: 78 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

1988

PG-13

Director

David Beaird

Runtime

78 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

It Takes Two stands out for its progressive approach to racial and class-based storytelling. By utilizing a dual-identity premise, the film explores how environment and systemic factors shape identity through the lens of the Black experience. However, the film remains anchored in 1980s romantic comedy conventions. While the central conceit offers social commentary, the reliance on traditional gender dynamics and straight-centered romance limits its broader impact. Ultimately, the film is a study in socioeconomic the way different parts of someone's identity overlap that is tempered by its adherence to standard comedic clichés.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does It Takes Two have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories involving non-straight relationships. Romantic elements follow traditional heterosexual structures.

How does It Takes Two portray gender?

Fair

Jonni plays a significant role as a professional saleswoman, but the story follows conventional romantic trajectories. The film relies on established gender clichés rather than challenging familiar patterns.

How racially and ethnically diverse is It Takes Two?

Good

Mario Van Peebles plays dual roles to explore the Black experience across different socioeconomic environments. This casting disrupts the era's typical homogeneity.

How does It Takes Two represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques the superficiality and performative nature of high-society norms using a 'switch' mechanic to deconstruct upper-class social structures.

Does It Takes Two include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central to the character arcs or the narrative development.

Present on Screen

The dual-role casting of Mario Van Peebles provides a layered commentary on racialized environments.
The narrative effectively uses class friction to critique the artificiality of high-society norms.
The film explores how socioeconomic status influences identity and social performance.

Limited or Absent

The film relies heavily on traditional gender hierarchies and romantic clichés.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight-centered narratives.
The story lacks any meaningful portrayal of disability within its character arcs.

Official Synopsis

Travis is due to marry Stephanie in a few days when he is convinced by beautiful saleswoman Jonni to buy a fancy sports car. The car looks good, but it turns out to be a piece of junk. Travis is determined to get satisfaction and he and Jonni hit the road to confront the crooked car dealer.

How are these scores produced? →