Review of What Women Want (2000) by Russell G — 17 Sep 2014
As far as chick-flicks go, this is one of the better ones. It is surprisingly enjoyable. The concept of a man blessed, or haunted, by hearing what the women around him are thinking is both funny and original.
Mel Gibson is right for the lead role. He transitions from a smug, chauvinistic, womanizer to a caring individual who listens and cares about his daughter, his co-workers, even strangers he meets. It is a fun character evolution to watch, and it helps that it maintains humor all along the way.
Perhaps the change takes it one-step too far, but maybe that is what women want. One reason this works better than other romantic-comedies is that the romance between Helen Hunt and Gibson is secondary to the issue of the female voices that Gibson hears.
Hearing women's thoughts go beyond just affecting the protagonist's romantic life, it influences every aspect of his life, which is much more fulfilling and interesting. This makes for supporting characters and side stories that add complexity and have a real purpose to the story.
For the most part, it does not delve into needless irrational drama, until the climax, that is. The climax feels a little too standard for a romantic comedy for a movie this good. At least it does not drag its heels through the process like countless other movies.
If it is your wife or girlfriend's turn to pick a movie, you could do far worse than this one. In fact, guys may even want to watch it on their own, enjoy it and then never admit they saw it again.
That is what we call a guilty pleasure.
This review of What Women Want (2000) was written by Russell G on 17 Sep 2014.
What Women Want has generally received positive reviews.
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