Jim's Review of “TWO LOVERS” – Actually 4, & most of them are CONFUSED! =

(Based on an advance preview:) The synopsis I read didn’t give me a very favorable anticipation of this— but it was considerably BETTER than expected. JOAQUIN PHOENIX (in purportedly the “last” acting role he’ll agree to do) plays a troubled (seemingly bi-polar type) guy in NY who’s looking for a new love in life as he lives at home with somewhat “hovering” parents (ISABELLA ROSSELLINI & MONI MOSHONOV) whom he works for. His Dad’s friend has a daughter (VINESSA SHAW) who seems to fall for him— but he’s attracted to a neighbor woman (GWYNETH PALTROW) who has drug problems and is involved with a married guy (which causes Joaquin to almost stalk her at times). There are a surprising number of humorous little incidents weaved into the film as Joaquin (who does a FINE job) flips back & forth between the women in his life. I found a number of twists in this frequently believable (but sometimes sad) story. Overall, it’s a well done (even if not great) melodrama about often-befuddled relationships. Rating: 4 of 5 stars.