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When it comes to relationships, Shante Smith (Fox) seems to have everything under control.

She knows what men want and how to get what she wants out of them. That's why, predictably, "Two Can Play That Game" begins when her own man (Chestnut) goes astray, prompting her to initiate the "Ten Day Programme" to win him back.

And boy is this woman uncompromising. Rigidly following rules such as 'the first time your man messes up, no matter how minor the infraction, punish him, punish him hard", she lies to, manipulates and spies on her ex, all in the name of, um, love.

But soon enough, her man is onto her tricks, and does a little manipulation of his own.

Writer/director Mark Brown obviously had a copy of Ellen Fein's dating bible "The Rules" to hand when he penned the film, dramatising the games of psychological one-upmanship that couples play when trying to salvage not only their relationships but their egos.

Topical, maybe, but by hanging his plot from such a well-worn set of situations, Brown has created a drawn out and predictable film which never really delves into the reasons why professional and responsible adults resort to such convoluted and childish games.

There is hope, however, in the curvaceous form of Vivaca A Fox, who has the charm and watchability to outshine the script and its irritating habit of making her talk directly to the camera.

Morris Chestnut is equally suave as the boyfriend, along with Anthony Anderson as his hilarious, scene-stealing side-kick, giving the only impact in an otherwise featherweight romantic comedy.