Today’s quick review: What Women Want. Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson), a smooth-talking ad executive, has always had a way with women. But as charming as he can be, he doesn’t understand the way women think, at least until a freak accident leaves him with the ability to hear women’s thoughts. Nick uses his power to undermine his new boss, Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt), but in the process finds himself developing a new perspective on life.
What Women Want is a romantic comedy about a man forced to get in touch with his feminine side. Years of caddish behavior have left Nick Marshall with a comfortable job in advertising and fraying relationships with every woman in his life, including his daughter Alexandra (Ashley Johnson). The movie follows the drastic shifts in Nick’s personal life, career, and behavior when he finally gets firsthand knowledge of what they’re thinking.
What Women Want makes good on its premise. Nick’s mind-reading ability is integral to the plot and his transformation as a person. It ties in well with his job in advertising, and it adds layers to what would otherwise be an antagonistic relationship with Darcy, his boss and rival. The movie lets Nick use and abuse his power in a wide range of scenarios, and in doing so it covers a large cross-section of interpersonal relationships.
Going beyond its premise, What Women Want is a simple, solidly constructed comedy. The story doesn’t pack any real surprises, but it has enough variety for it to feel worthwhile, even at its most predictable. Mel Gibson is a good fit for the role of Nick, capturing the highs and lows of his character quite nicely. The jokes flow naturally from the characters and the premise, and they mainly deal with Nick talking his way into and out of problems.
Still, What Women Want won’t be for everyone. The movie relies heavily on Mel Gibson’s performance, and viewerse who aren’t at least a little bit amused by his charm won’t get much from the experience. The movie tries to keep an even hand when commenting on the relationsip between men and women, but the topic won’t appeal to some viewers. What Women Want is also missing the emotional resonance of a more dedicated romance.
What Women Want is a fun pick for viewers in the mood for a light, original comedy that actually explores its premise in some depth. Its lead character and general story will be hit-or-miss, but anyone who likes Mel Gibson or romantic comedies in general should give it a shot. For another romantic comedy about a shallow womanizer given a supernatural chance to mend his ways, try Ghosts of Girlfriends Past or The Family Man.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for an original premise and a solid script.