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Three Can Play That Game DVD Review

by Kam Williams

Vivica Can't Carry Sequel Alone

Two Can Play That Game was a side-splitting battle of the sexes sitcom narrated by Vivica A. Fox and featuring a talented ensemble comprised of Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique, Morris Chestnut, Anthony Anderson, singer Bobby Brown, Tamala Jones, Wendy Raquel Robinson and David Krumholtz. Unfortunately, the only star reprising a role in the sequel is Vivica as Shante' Smith, but even her character has now been overhauled into a relationship guru with a best seller entitled "How to Get Your Man to Behave."

The biggest names among the cast newcomers are Kellita Smith, Jazmin Lewis, Terri J. Vaughn and NFL cornerback Lawyer Milloy, not exactly the caliber of the folks they've been asked to replace. The picture was directed by Mody Mod, though the script was again written by Mark Brown, the Brit from Birmingham, England responsible for a string of blaxploitations flicks including How to Be a Player, Barbershop 1 & 2, The Seat Filler and The Salon.

Rated R more for profanity than sexuality, the expletive-laced Three Can Play That Game is set in Atlanta where we meet Byron (Jason Winston George), a buppie who has just won "The Trainee," a reality-TV series similar to Donald Trump's "The Apprentice."

He soon lands in trouble, however, when his devoted girlfriend, Tiffany (Lewis), catches him in a compromising position with his sexually-insistent and well-preserved boss, Carla (Smith). So, Tiffany cries on the shoulder of Linda (Vaughn) who claims to have her boyfriend, Gizzard (Tony Rock) well trained. And while the girls turn to Shante's book for advice about how to keep their men in line, the guys bond and follow a guide of their own called "The Game: The Ultimate Guide to Pimping, Pandering and Philandering."

Sassy sisters scheme against jive brothers, only sans any sizzle or flava'.

Sorry, Vivica, one can't play this game.

Fair (1.5 stars)
Rated R for profanity and sexuality.
Running time: 91 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Deleted scenes.