Dickens & Rumi
Cover of It Takes Two

film

It Takes Two

1995

Identical 9-year-olds from very different backgrounds: orphaned Amanda and wealthy Alyssa meet at summer camp and decide to switch places -- and play matchmaker between Alyssa's dad, Roger, and the kind social worker who cares for Amanda.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? The PG film is aimed at families, with mild comic conflict and emotional references to orphanhood. Romance is light and nonsexual, but younger children may need reassurance about family separation and adult relationship conflict. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Generic background products, but not heavily commercial.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist is an orphan, but no on-screen deaths occur.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, mostly playful insults.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Adult romance and matchmaking are central to the plot, while the children’s involvement remains playful and age-appropriate.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor instances, typical of PG rated family films.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild slapstick comedy and harmless mischief typical of children's movies.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters take risks to improve their situations.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The identity-switch premise and inventive matchmaking plan encourage imaginative problem-solving and playful role-play.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts different economic backgrounds.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Highlights social dynamics and helping others.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

A kind social worker cares for Amanda, and the girls work toward a more loving and supportive family situation.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports family connection, empathy across class differences, and resisting unfair treatment or loveless arrangements.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display resilience and care for one another.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in It Takes Two would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in It Takes Two, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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