Comedy has always been a fun genre, especially when it comes to absurdist stories. These stories can explore ‘What If’ concepts better than anything else, giving you a mirror into what would happen if things were out of the ordinary. For example, we have films such as Fifty First Dates or Palm Springs, where you’re shown characters in extraordinary situations. What Women Want is just like that, although the concept is too mighty for the film itself to handle.
How to Download What Women Want
What Women Want was released on December 15, 2000. You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice.
The Movie Review
What Women Want revolves around Nick Marshall, an arrogant and chauvinistic advertising executive who, after an accident, gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts. Initially seeing this as a curse, Nick eventually discovers that it might be his key to success in understanding women and improving his relationships. Along the way, he meets Darcy McGuire, a smart and independent woman who challenges his perspective on love and life.
The film’s premise offers an interesting twist on the rom-com formula, injecting a bit of fantasy into the mix. However, the screenplay fails to fully capitalize on this potential. While the concept is amusing at first, the execution becomes repetitive and predictable. The dialogue, though occasionally funny, doesn’t consistently hit the mark and often relies on tired gender stereotypes for humor. The writing lacks depth and fails to explore the characters’ emotions beyond surface-level clichés.
Nancy Meyers, the rom-com queen, calls the shots as the director of this flick. Gotta admit, she brings her signature breezy and visually appealing style to the table. But hey, let’s keep it real here—sometimes the pacing drags, especially in the middle. And don’t get me started on the comedic timing—it’s all over the place.
Some scenes could’ve used some serious trimming to keep things snappy. It feels like Meyers played it safe, playing by the rom-com rulebook instead of taking some risks to make the story pop. Such a shame, because there was potential for a more engaging narrative if she had just pushed the boundaries a bit.
Acting
Mel Gibson (check him out also in Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, or Braveheart), in his prime, delivers a charismatic performance as Nick Marshall. He captures the character’s initial arrogance and later vulnerability, allowing for some genuine moments of growth.
Helen Hunt (check her out in Cast Away) brings her usual charm and provides a solid counterpart to Gibson’s character, but the chemistry between the two leads doesn’t always sizzle. The supporting cast, including Marisa Tomei and Alan Alda, adds some much-needed color to the film, but their characters are underdeveloped and underutilized.
The Visuals
What Women Want showcases decent production values, with stylish sets and costumes that capture the glamorous world of advertising. The cinematography is competent, but it lacks any standout moments or a distinct visual style. The film predominantly relies on conventional shot choices, missing an opportunity to visually enhance the story or highlight the comedic elements further. The overall aesthetic feels safe and unadventurous, much like the film’s narrative.
Music
The soundtrack of What Women Want brings back all those late ’90s and early 2000s hits, giving you a dose of nostalgia. But here’s the thing—it’s a bit too on the nose. The music choices are as predictable as a rom-com plot twist, just reinforcing the obvious emotional moments. Sure, if you’re a die-hard fan of that era, you might enjoy it, but in the grand scheme of things, the soundtrack doesn’t add much to the cinematic experience. It’s like a background hum that fades into the foreground without making a lasting impression.
Verdict
It’s one of those easy-breezy rom-coms that’s mildly entertaining, but it could’ve been so much more. The whole idea of Mel Gibson being able to hear women’s thoughts is hilarious, and he does bring some charm to the table. But the writing is meh, the plot is as predictable as it is cliché, and they totally miss the chance to dive deeper into the juicy stuff. Nancy Meyers directs it all competently, but it’s stuck in the same old rom-com formula.
So, if you’re up for a mindless flick with a sprinkle of fantasy, it might scratch that itch. Just don’t expect it to give you anything more than a temporary escape from reality.
