Based on the Mel Gibson 2000 movie What Women Want, the obvious, though appropriately titled What Men Want flips genders by positioning the hugely talented Taraji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow) in the lead. Henson is Atlanta-based sports agent Ali Davis, an accomplished, though highly strung woman struggling in a male-dominated working environment, career-blocked due to her issues with connecting with male clients. During a friend’s bachelorette party, Ali downs a potent concoction given to her by a mysterious psychic, a beverage which has seemingly given her the ability to hear men’s thoughts. When the opportunity presents itself to sign basketball stars and ‘next big thing’ Jamal Barry (Shane Paul McGhie), Ali uses her new gift in an attempt to sign him to her agency and score herself the position of partner.
What Men Want take its time in getting going, early scenes bordering on the cliche and hugely predictable but thankfully, as the story progresses and the film’s central plot device is developed, proceedings become much more interesting and amusing. A lot of this is down to the solid performance from Henson, so good in this hugely comedic role; she’s so watchable in every scene – and clearly, naturally funny (the accompanying gag reel reinforces this). Tracy Morgan also delights, as does Aldis Hodge as the would-be boyfriend material, Will, a single dad with genuine affection for Ali. The stand-out support is Erykah Badu however, so funny in every scene she’s in as the psychic ‘Sister’, something cemented for certain in the end credits roll call.
Related: Red band trailer lands for What Men Want
There are cameo appearances from many American sports stars, most of which will be largely wasted on viewers outside of the U.S., and the film does run at a hefty 117 minutes, but it does hold your attention for most of it. Many scenes are mildly amusing while others fall completely flat, but the film does deliver some brilliant set-pieces later on, a friends’ wedding worthy of mention and a final reel that handles the formula well.
It’s a film that obviously focusses on gender politics at the centre of the story, but a question has to be asked as to whether it pushes the issues as far as it could have. As it is, however, What Men Wants does warrant its existence, a genuinely interesting twist on the original story and a step up from similar releases we’ve been graced with on screen of late. Certainly worth checking out if you’re up for an entertaining, fancy-free night in.
Bonus material
The DVD release comes with just two extras – an entertaining gag reel and a few deleted and extended scenes. Both are introduced by the film’s director, Adam Shankman.
What Men Want is available now on Download & Keep and DVD 22ndJuly from Paramount Home Media Distribution.
