Film Review: What Men Want Shows What Ladies Need
Synopsis: Inspired by the Nancy Meyers hit romantic comedy WHAT WOMEN WANT, this film follows the story of a female sports agent (Henson) who has been constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When she gains the power to hear mens’ thought, she is able to shift the paradigm to her advantage as she races to sign the NBA’s next superstar
Rom-coms are the most lovable film genre because, frankly, we need a little sappiness in our lives. We all need to believe that, in the end, all our struggles turn into complete joys. Yet, there is a new, more self-analytical wind drifting into social consciousness, and What Men Want picks it up. For all that we want money and power, love, and the strength it commands for us to receive it, is not always a top priority.
Taraji P Henson plays Ali, and she is FIERCE! She burns with a ambition and torches through the many men that believe she has only gotten to where she is on some invisible, affirmative action. Meanwhile, they try to sabotage her for being a woman of color. Any lady, especially POC, will cringe with sympathy as they watch Ali’s power and usefulness become dismissed by those that call themselves her colleagues but, somehow, never invite her to poker night. Still, this is a love story, and all that I have told you is a set up for a more important note; just because many men hurt you does not mean there is no “one” to love you.
Written by Tina Gordon and directed by Adam Shankman, both use Ali as symbol that love and ambition do not have to be exchanged, which is such a refreshing, empowering truth for women. Yet, that does not mean that the journey to realizing this fact is not rough or hardening to the heart. Enter Aldis Hodge as Will, whom is a pretty perfect guy. Ladies will be clutching their chest because their heart will crack its embittered shells. With Will, the movie pushes forward that there are men that want love and seek to find an equal partner. Will even reiterates the word “share” to Ali so as to remind her that relationships are done together.
In the same way, What Men Want shows women can be powerful and defend themselves, it also shows men can be sensitive and open about it. Thus, in the end, people are simply “people;” human beings deciding where they want to fall in the “happiness” scale. With this in mind, the film has a lot of characters that will make you happy. Brandon Wallace as Ali’s assistant, Josh, is a noble scene -stealer, and his relationship with Danny (Pete Davidson) was a YES! from me. Moreover, Ali’s girls are proof every woman NEEDS female friends. Phoebe Robinson as Ciarra is boho chic and funny, Wendi McLendon Covey loves Jesus but is hella witty, and Tamala Jones’ Mari really gets her chance to “shine” in a credits scene with the HILARIOUS Erykah Badu’s Sister. Personally, I love when actors make a “character;” a figure that feels both ridiculous and relatable or rather insane but wise. Badu achieves this as well as Tracy Morgan’s Joe Dolla.
Tracy Morgan is so funny. Going into the film he felt like a guaranteed laugh; as if the film could not be deemed unfunny because of Tracy. Of course, walking away, you are going to wish the movie had more of him. Joe Dolla is a completely lovable, outlandish character, and makes you laugh out loud with his nonsense. He, along with Ali’s friends, bring the jokes, while the film, surprisingly, uses Taraji as a physical comedienne; having get in some literal, funny positions. Yet, altogether, What Men Want is a comedy that relies on its sweetness to thrive.
While What Men Want has its laughs throughout its 2 hour run, it really is more of a sweet, brisk love story than a comedy. It focuses more on building Ali’s need to grow as a person and see that the “right guy” will never treat her dreams for herself as wrong. Thus, you become more enthralled seeing this person become a better human being and simply enjoy the comedic moments that get her there. What Men Want Comes Out In Theaters February 8.
