What Women Want

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movie/0,6115,92567~1~~,00.html

Rating: Good

Distributor: Paramount Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours, 5 minutes
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: December 15th, 2000 (wide)
Director: Nancy Meyers
Cast: Mel Gibson, Helent Hunt, Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda, Mark Feuerstein, Lauren Holly, Bette Midler, Ashley Johnson, Judy Greer, Delta Burke, and Valerie Perrine.

Plot: Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) is a pompous, arrogant male who through a freak accident can hear women's thoughts. He at first uses it to take thoughts from his female boss Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt) who was tapped as creative manager from his boss (Alan Alda) even though Marshall assumed he had the job. Soon, however the gift gives him a new found respect for women. It allows him to connect with his daughter, and eventually fall in love with Darcy. When he realizes it might be too late to do good, as he might have gotten Darcy fired, he is forced to take risks that he normally would never do.

           Critique: What Women Want is a jazzy, spunky film, that boasts big stars and a terrific premise. It's an adorable fantasy film, with very smooth and well paced direction by Nancy Meyers. What makes the film better than your average romance is that it is original. It's always a lot of fun, and Mel Gibson gives quite a performance. The supporting cast is also very good, with Hunt and Alda giving loose and believable performances. Of course, Hunt has had better performances in her career, as has Gibson. Still, besides Gibson the roles are far from demanding and everyone does more than enough. Gibson takes some delicious risks, and is quick to flash his great big smile. It's one of those movies where everyone is having a real good time, and so by osmosis we do too.
           The film is technically polished all the way, even if the script had rough edges. Some of the dialogue should have been more intelligent, and it even could have been a bit more ambitious. Still the writers really knew what they wanted to do, and were trying to make a good movie, not formula. I think the film's only big flaw is the ending. Some of the conclusions worked, but the resolution with Gibson and Hunt is flat and shortened. (Spoilers) When Gibson's powers are taken away what is special about the film is gone, and what is left is something undeniably generic.(Spoilers gone.)
          Still, you'd be crazy not to have a real good time, with this charming, if silly film. It never tries to act like something it isn't, and the direction is sure footed all the way. I recommend this warmly crafted, light hearted romp.

                                    review by supernothingman