What if you could hear what women are thinking? How would you take advantage of that? There are two ways a concept like that can be exploited in a movie. It could be a drippy, predictable, chick flick romantic comedy, or it could be a vulgar, politically incorrect, hilarious comedy. I woulda loved to see the vulgar comedy. But no. I sat for over two hours watching a chick flick. Ugh. Such potential, I tellya. Like "Hollow Man," "What Women Want" is a great concept that was mishandled.
Mel Gibson stars in this movie, and to be honest with you, he kicks ass. He's a great actor, and he doesn't often do comedy, but he really does it well. It's a shame that he wasn't given something better to work with. Then again, being that his production company helped make the movie, maybe he IS at least partially responsible. Also in the movie is Helen Hunt, who's had a busy year. She was recently seen in "Pay It Forward," and she has "Cast Away" coming out in a week. I think she's a good actress, but she often seems to play the same character. Remember Marisa Tomei, the Academy Award winner who stole "My Cousin Vinnie" from Joe Pesci? Well, she's in this movie, and she looks really cute. She has a small role, but it's a good one. I hope this is the start of a comeback for her.
"What Women Want" was directed by Nancy Meyers. The only other movie I know of that she did is the recent remake of "The Parent Trap," which I never saw. As for the writers, it was the team of Josh Goldsmith & Cathy Yuspa (writers of the TV show, "The King of Queens") and Diane Drake (she wrote "Only You," the movie with Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei).
I don't think this movie was terrible. I laughed a few times, and Mel Gibson is really good, but it was just so goshdarn cutesy. Also, to be quite honest, I don't think it was very realistic. Call me cynical, but truth be told, ALL men are pigs. Trust me, ladies. The guy who you think is sweet, sensitive, and understanding is putting up a facade. It's part of an act to get into your pants, and if you think otherwise, you're being naïve. Assuming that he's heterosexual, of course. Sure, there are some cases where a guy really IS sweet and sensitive, but inside beats the heart of a man who wants to tear your clothes off. Even li'l ol' me, your friendly neighborhood film geek, I'm often considered to be this sweet, sensitive guy, and I am. But make no mistake, I have that side to me. As does every other guy.
This woulda
been a great movie if it was handled by The Farrelly Brothers (the guys
who brought us "There's
Something About Mary," "Kingpin," and "Me,
Myself, & Irene"). They woulda had a ball with this kinda movie.
Oh well. I dunno, if you wanna see Mel Gibson without a shirt, and if you
like cheesy chick flicks, then this is your kinda movie. Otherwise, keep
away. Far, far away.
Scale of 1-10: 4