Two if by Sea (released in theaters on Jan. 12, 1996) is a charmingly abrasive romantic comedy that serves as a vehicle for the sharp-tongued wit of Denis Leary and the undeniable leading-lady charisma of Sandra Bullock.
Directed by Bill Bennett, the film attempts to marry the gritty, blue-collar energy of a heist movie with the scenic, whimsical atmosphere of a New England getaway. It stands as a unique artifact of the mid-90s, capturing a moment when the “tough guy” and the “America’s sweetheart” archetypes were frequently pitted against one another to find comedic sparks.
Frank O’Brien (Leary) is a small-time thief from Rhode Island who is perpetually one bad decision away from disaster.
His long-suffering girlfriend, Roz (Bullock), is a cashier who is reaching the end of her rope with Frank’s criminal lifestyle and lack of ambition.
In a desperate bid to pull off one final “big score” and prove his worth, Frank steals a priceless Matisse painting from a wealthy estate.
To lie low until they can flip the painting to a fence, the couple flees to a picturesque, high-society island off the coast of New England, posing as wealthy vacationers.
The “fish-out-of-water” tension escalates as they try to blend in with the local elite, including the sophisticated and suspicious Evan Marsh (Stephen Dillane), who takes a keen interest in Roz.
Meanwhile, the law is closing in; the tenacious FBI agent O’Malley (Yaphet Kotto) is hot on their trail, assisted by Frank’s bumbling cousin Fitzie (Mike Starr).
As Roz begins to realize she might actually enjoy the refined life Evan offers, Frank must decide if he is willing to give up his life of crime to keep the woman he loves, all while trying to avoid a lengthy prison sentence and navigate the eccentricities of the island’s high-society social circle.
Denis Leary and Sandra Bullock in Two if by Sea (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Two if by Sea
Two if by Sea grossed $5.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing tenth at the box office.
The film would gross $21 million worldwide.
Legacy
Two if by Sea is remembered as a 90s star vehicle that showcased the unexpected chemistry between its two leads.
While the film was a modest performer at the box office, it has maintained a life as a nostalgic favorite for fans of Bullock, arriving during her incredible run of hits like Speed and While You Were Sleeping.
The film is also remembered for its beautiful cinematography of the Nova Scotia coastline (standing in for New England).
