It Takes Two

Former model and dance devotee Chen brings a lusty exuberance to this telenovella-like tale of a 50-year-old writer who, stuck in a staid marriage and a boring New York life, retools in Buenos Aires and in short order nails love with a handsome, younger doctor, friendship with like-minded women and gorgeous young dancers, and the tango. “I can't believe I'm the same Francesca who only a week ago sat terrified and intimidated in a corner,” the liberated ex-Manhattanite gasps. Falling in love with Roberto, whose marriage is on the rocks, awakens Francesca's sexual desires, bringing her to new orgasmic heights that, even if they don't make much sense, are pretty hot, anyway. Chen takes her adventure over the top with this breathless, lush take on middle-aged romance, sex and happy endings; people “inhale” their food, are “consumed” and “pulsing” during sex and “shiver and cry inside” from happiness. Sure, it's cheesy, but there's an undeniable charm to the optimism. (Nov.)