Chapter Two

The success of Neil Simon movies is dispiriting evidence that most people still watch with their ears. 'Seen one, seen 'em all' quite literally applies to his static exercises in theatrical smart-talk and unfailing wit-under-pressure. Chapter Two is no exception: Caan and Mason indulge in a two-hour session of repartee-swapping and painful coming to terms with each other's sense of humour and loss (she's just divo mrced, his wife has just died). Director Moore's ambitions stretch little farther than keeping his actors in frame and earshot, though he occasionally follows them out of chic apartments to chic NY cultural landmarks. The rest is words, words, words - the regular Broadway takeaway.