Instead of profound, we get cute. Which was actually a good way for director Nancy Meyers to go.
What Women Want (2000)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:117
Fresh:61
Rotten:56
Average Rating:5.6/10
Consensus: Even though Gibson is a good sport in his role, What Women Want is a rather conventional, fluffy comedy-romance that doesn't make good use of its premise.
Theatrical Release:Dec 15, 2000 Wide
Box Office: $181,483,882
Synopsis: Director, writer, and producer Nancy Meyers's (THE PARENT TRAP) sophomore directorial effort is a lively screwball fantasy featuring Mel Gibson in his first romantic comedy. Gibson plays Nick... Director, writer, and producer Nancy Meyers's (THE PARENT TRAP) sophomore directorial effort is a lively screwball fantasy featuring Mel Gibson in his first romantic comedy. Gibson plays Nick Marshall, a high-flying chauvinistic Chicago advertising executive who, like his musical idol, Frank Sinatra, calls women "baby" and believes he has the world on a string. Nick experiences a rude awakening when the creative director position he coveted goes to Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt), a savvy outsider--and a woman--who intends to aggressively pursue the lucrative women's market. While trying to brainstorm ideas for "feminine" products, Nick experiences a freak accident that gives him the ability to hear women's thoughts. Determined to win back his stolen job, Nick uses his terrifying yet useful new talent to scrutinize Darcy and finds his smart, beautiful rival may not be the "bitch on wheels" he imagined. Meanwhile, he also must maneuver carefully within complex relationships with his estranged teenage daughter, Alex (Ashley Johnson), and a pretty coffee shop waitress, Lola (Marisa Tomei). Once Nick begins to listen to the new voices he hears, his previous worldview is challenged, and he finds that he finally might understand what women want. [More]
Starring: Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda
Starring: Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda, Ashley Johnson, Mark Feuerstein, Lauren Holly, Delta Burke, Valerie Perrine, Judy Greer, Sarah Paulson, Ana Gasteyer, Lisa Edelstein, Loretta Devine, Diana-Maria Riva, Eric Balfour, Andrea Taylor
Director: Nancy Meyers
Director: Nancy Meyers
Screenwriter: Josh Goldsmith, Cathy Yuspa
Producer: Nancy Meyers, Bruce Davey, Matt Williams, Susan Cartsonis, Gina Matthews
Composer: Alan Silvestri
Studio: Paramount Pictures
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Reviews for What Women Want
The film has its flaws, but darned if you don't like [Gibson] and it anyway.
Fans of bubbly romances can consider this a thumbs up. I call it a clenched-teeth concession at best.
For the majority of the film, Gibson acts as if he's having the time of his (onscreen) life. His enthusiasm is contagious.
If the movie had the courage to show that women are complex people, it would be a much more inspired picture.
The fact that normally competent women need [Gibson's] advice is as condescending as the revelation that what is on their minds is really no different from what was on the mind of his former playboy self.
It says a lot about this film that the most moving moment it provides is a Nike commercial for female runners created by the real-life Weiden-Kennedy Agency.
Worth seeing just for Gibson's commanding comic performance, which, in its authority and willingness to try anything, recalls the best of Cary Grant's work.
Has some honest laughs, a few touching moments, and a welcome balance between the girls and the boys.
Despite the best efforts of both actors, the attraction between Gibson and Hunt doesn't flare into light.
Liberates [Gibson] from the confines of an action hero, and he takes full flight.
Delivers on the promise of its playful premise, thanks to some sly gender role reversals and Gibson's willingness to play along.
There is a manic energy that almost literally electrifies every scene [Gibson's] in.
A wonderfully sweet comedy which I would definitely pay to see again.
Latest News for What Women Want
October 20, 2009:
Selena Gomez Knows What Boys Want ![]()
In an odd and potentially rather disturbing twist on the Mel Gibson/Helen Hunt hit "What Women Want," New Line has signed Selena Gomez to star in "What Boys Want," a comedy... More...
June 15, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
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December 07, 2006:
Box Office Guru Preview: Mel, Cameron, & Leo Battle For #1 Spot
A wave of new releases hits the multilplexes on Friday as the North American box office looks to bounce back after a slugglish weekend and get the final month of the year... More...
December 13, 2005:
Jude to Take an All-Star "Holiday"
Variety brings word that Jude Law will co-star opposite Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black in the suddenly-cool-sounding "Holiday," which will be directed by... More...
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