What Men Want
“What Men Want” is a 2019 American romantic comedy film directed by Adam Shankman. It is a loose remake of the 2000 film “What Women Want.” The movie stars Taraji P. Henson as Ali Davis, a successful sports agent who gains the ability to hear men’s inner thoughts after drinking a mysterious concoction. This newfound ability challenges her professionally and personally as she navigates a male-dominated industry and seeks to understand the men around her.
Plot:
Ali Davis, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, works as a sports agent in a competitive and male-dominated field. Frustrated by being constantly overlooked and underestimated because of her gender, she seeks an edge over her male colleagues. After a bachelorette party gone awry, she gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts. Ali decides to use this newfound skill to her advantage, gaining insight into the minds of men to secure a major deal that could propel her career. Along the way, she discovers the complexities of relationships and the challenges men face in their personal and professional lives.
Cast:
- Taraji P. Henson as Ali Davis
- Aldis Hodge as Will
- Richard Roundtree as Skip Davis
- Tracy Morgan as Joe “Dolla” Barry
- Wendi McLendon-Covey as Olivia
- Josh Brener as Brandon Wallace
- Tamala Jones as Mari
- Phoebe Robinson as Ciarra
Release and Reception:
“What Men Want” was released in the United States on February 8, 2019. The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Taraji P. Henson’s performance and the film’s comedic elements, others found the plot predictable and the execution lacking compared to the original film. Nevertheless, it found an audience and resonated with viewers interested in a lighthearted take on gender dynamics and relationships.
Achievements and Awards:
“What Men Want” received a Teen Choice Award nomination in 2019 for Choice Movie: Comedy. While the film didn’t win any major awards, it gained attention for its lighthearted take on gender dynamics and its lead actress Taraji P. Henson’s performance.
Interesting Facts:
- “What Men Want” is a loose remake of the 2000 film “What Women Want,” which starred Mel Gibson in a similar premise where his character gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts.
- The film’s release was timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, aiming to attract both romantic comedy enthusiasts and those looking for a fun date night movie.
- Taraji P. Henson’s portrayal of Ali Davis was praised for its comedic timing and relatable depiction of a woman navigating a male-dominated industry.
Runtime:
The runtime of “What Men Want” is approximately 117 minutes.
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Ratings:
The movie received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a rating of around 42% based on reviews from critics, with the consensus stating that the film “squanders a worthy premise with a frenetic, unfunny take on the battle of the sexes.” However, the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is higher, indicating that viewers found enjoyment in the film’s humor and themes.
On IMDb, “What Men Want” has a rating of around 5.3/10, reflecting a range of opinions from audiences.
Controversies:
There weren’t any major controversies directly associated with the film “What Men Want.” However, it’s worth noting that the movie explores themes related to gender dynamics and workplace challenges in a comedic manner. Given the nature of these topics, some discussions and debates might have arisen around how the film portrays these issues.
It’s also possible that the film’s comparison to the original 2000 film “What Women Want” might have led to discussions about the differences in portrayal, the relevance of the premise in the modern era, and the overall execution of the remake.
As with any film that touches on social and gender-related themes, individual opinions and interpretations can vary, leading to discussions and debates among audiences and critics.