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What Women Want Customer Reviews (19 - 21 of 55 Reviews)

Is This What Women Want?
Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt in a romantic comedy might have been something to look forward to, but once again Hollywood underwhelms us with it acumen. Directed, mostly written, and co-produced by women, what they seem to have wanted is a lot of Mel Gibson surrounded by mostly one dimensional female characters. The conceit, that a man somehow becomes privy to the thoughts of all the women around him, has loads of potential, it could have been a riot. So:

Mel Gibson (Conspiracy Theory) is an actor of grace, charm and self-deprecating humor and dispite the limitations of the script and direction his performance as the telepathic Nick Marshall is pretty good.

Helen Hunt's (As Good As It Gets) Darcy Maguire might have been a potent combination of intelligence, drive and hidden vulnerability. Imagine her playing Darcy with James L. Brooks directing. Even here she's an actor worth watching.

Marisa Tomei, (My Cousin Vinny) minute for minute, almost steals the movie as a coffee shop countergirl. Why doesn't she get more and better parts?

Ashley Johnson does a nice job as Nick's daughter. Unfortunately the humor and poignancy of a fully realized father-daughter relationship never reaches it's full potential.

Cinematography is by Dean Cundey (Romancing the Stone), there is a nice shot of Gibson and Hunt kissing as two black profiles. Music is by Alan Silvestri (Soapdish, Father of the Bride), with great old retro tunes sung by Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Lou Rawls, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and The Temtations.

Fun and funny
The basic premise for this movie - a man that gains the power to read women's minds - is such an obvious plotline that I can't believe there aren't a dozen movies out there like it. Mel Gibson's character is the "lucky" recipient of this power. At first he can't deal with it, but soon learns (after a chat with Bette Midler as a psychiatrist in a juicy cameo) he can use the power to become great in bed, patch things up with his daughter, and undercut his new boss (who "stole" his promotion), played by Helen Hunt.

It's true that the characters are a little thin and two-dimensional, but who cares? You don't watch a movie like this for deep meaning, who watch because it's fun, energetic, and funny, much like the old Cary Grant comedies.

Overall the performances in this film are excellent. Mel has a lot of fun with the role, that of a misogynist ad executive that eventually learns to become a new age sensitive guy. Hunt is good as well, starting off as a foil who eventually falls in love with him; their romantic chemistry is very good. Marissa Tomei's aspiring actress who is seduced by Gibson is the worst of the two-dimensional characters (not her fault, she does her best with the material), while the best supporting character is the suicidal clerk played by Judy Greer. The interaction between Gibson's executive and the clerk is the turning point in the exec's transformation between jerk and good guy.

There are a few extras on the DVD. There are two "making of" featurettes, one of which is in the irritating "extended trailer" style that I hate, but the other is interesting, if short, and includes some interview clips with the actors talking about working with the other members of the cast and crew. The commentary by director Meyers (along with the production designer, but he doesn't say much) is interesting as it ranges over a wide variety of topics, including the actors, the sets, and technical details like audio dubbing.

All in all, it's a fun movie for an evening where you just want to sit back and be entertained.

Watch It With Your Wife
This isn't Mad Max nor Lethal Weapon nor even Conspiracy Theory. What it IS however, is a fine movie to spend an evening with your wife, perhaps a bag of microwave popcorn and a couple of iced soft drinks.

Don't expect the kind of "in your face" action that might normally expect from Mel Gibson. Do expect an endearing Helen Hunt. Together, their on-screen personas mix well for an enjoyable couple of hours of laughter. The sad part of this movie for us guys is... we really can't deny that Mel is acting just the way we too often are! Sorry about that, ladies...

Mel Gibson begins the movie as the stereotypical "guy" - not sensitive and with only "one" thing in mind. Not a good father. Been a bad husband. All his relationships are pretty one-sided. Enter electricity and a bit of movie magic. The balance of the movie shows what a bit of sensitivity can do for those prickly interpersonal relationships. There's a message here somewhere... Mel Gibson does a good job with comedy during his actions flicks; he does a fine job carrying that same sense of humor into a love story. And if you've never seen him do a bit of soft-shoe and dance with a hat tree...

Steven Reis

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