What Women Want Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
He has the power to hear everything women are thinking. Finally... a man is listening.
Nick, a somewhat chauvanistic advertising exec hot shot, has his life turned haywire when a fluke accident enables him to hear what women think. At first all he wants to do is rid himself of this curse, until a wacky psycologist (played to perfection by Bette Midler) shows him that this could be used to his advantage! His first target is Darcy McGuire, the very woman that got the promotion he wanted. But just as his plan is beginning to work, love gets in the way...
| Mel Gibson | Nick Marshall |
| Helen Hunt | Darcy McGuire |
| Marisa Tomei | Lola |
| Alan Alda | Dan Wanamaker |
| Ashley Johnson | Alexandra 'Alex' Marshall |
| Mark Feuerstein | Morgan Farwell |
| Lauren Holly | Gigi |
| Delta Burke | Eve |
| Valerie Perrine | Margo |
| Judy Greer | Erin |
| Sarah Paulson | Annie |
| Ana Gasteyer | Sue Cranston |
| Lisa Edelstein | Dina |
| Loretta Devine | Flo the Doorwoman |
| Diana-Maria Riva | Stella |
| Nancy Meyers |
6.30 out of 10 (30234 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Loses steam towards the end, but ultimately worthwhile.
posted on 29 Aug 2009I popped in the DVD expecting a die-hard chick flick. I was pleasantly surprised.Mel Gibson plays a hilarious jerk. He is so selfish, egotistical and male chauvinistic that you can't help but laugh. He carries the movie from beginning to end, and does so with complete success.Gibson plays a marketing executive who is passed up for an expected promotion because he needs to learn to market to the female demographic.
While brainstorming an assignment related to this deficiency, he is
electrocuted and blah blah you know the rest. What struck me about this movie was how realistic his personal transition was as a result of his newfound "skill". he didn't turn into a completely sympathetic mushmouth right away because that is not the sort of person he was.The supporting cast, especially Alan Alda and Mark Feuerstein are all pretty good. Helen Hunt is adequate, but not completely believable as the tough savvy executive who takes Gibson's expected promotion right out from under him. She just does not come across as a particularly strong character.The movie does dissolve into a cliched romantic comedy towards the end, but the journey up to that point makes it worthwhile. 7/10
They want Mel!
posted on 29 Aug 2009Mel Gibson's a pretty good-looking guy. I feel secure enough in my maleness to say that. In fact, I can say it with pride. He's one DAMN fine man! Woooooo hooooooo!
Oops, got carried away there. But it just goes to show you that even we devoutly heterosexual guys realize he's kinda hot. And that's important for this film to work. Mel plays Nick, an incredibly sexist, egotistical, arrogant, womanizing ad-agency executive. He's the kind of guy who guys want to be and who women want to have. This might explain his popularity a little.
Nick's all set to get the big promotion he feels he deserves - to Creative Director of his ad agency. His boss and mentor Dan (Alan Alda) calls him into his office for a talk. Nick's all ready for the big news. Can't wait for the corner office on the 44th floor. And then Dan drops the bombshell on poor Nick. Not only isn't he getting the promotion, Dan's hired someone else to take the job! And not only that, it's a woman!
So now our poor spoiled boy - who has seen women as either sex objects or hired help, and sometimes both - has to report directly to a woman. Oh, poor, poor Nick. Yes, I can practically hear you ladies out there, just oozing with empathy for this lost soul. A fine comeuppance, you're thinking. He's getting what he deserves, you think.
His new boss, Darcy (Helen Hunt), in her first staff meeting, hands out kits to each of the ad people that contain "feminine" products (such as lipstick, padded bras, eyeliner, stockings, and, of course, wax). She wants the company to start paying more attention to the female consumer, noting that billions of dollars were spent by females the previous year, and none of that cash went to their company.
So Nick takes the stuff home and, drunk on wine, tries it all on. Has to keep his job, you know. And minutes later, a freak electrical accident involving a bathtub and a hair dryer leaves Nick with the most dubious of gifts: the ability to read the minds of women.
Hmm. I don't know about my fellow males, but I'm not sure I want to read the minds of women. As if reading their minds would help me understand anything! But poor, poor Nick. He hears EVERYTHING women (even a female poodle) are thinking, with the predicted madcap hilarity. But it's spooky for our favorite chauvinist. What's he to do? Well, he IS a chauvinist. So he uses his newfound ability to steal Darcy's ideas and present them as his own! What a guy!
The movie wouldn't be all that wondeful with only one plot going on around Nick, so we get the added pleasure of him having to "watch" his 15-year-old daughter while his ex-wife is on her honeymoon, of him dealing with a semisweet, semipsychotic coffeehouse babe, of him dealing with a mousy coworker/underling. It's all presented to make Nick's life look chaotic, although there are few people who wouldn't trade places with him in general (except for that mind-reading thing). I mean, let's face it. He's attractive to women, has money, and... well, what else is there, really?
So how does this comedy of telepathy end? It's not unpredictable. Knowing that Nick is stealing Darcy's ideas, how do you think he'd resolve his situation? And knowing the peripheral plots, how do you think he'll tie them all together?
Because of Gibson's seemingly endless charm (like Cary Grant, he can simply grin sheepishly and win hearts), this movie stays afloat. He has a capable, if not distinguishable, supporting cast. Oh, and check out the six-pack old Mel's sporting. That's what the good life can get you: a personal trainer and a lifetime supply of Tae-Bo tapes.
Utopia...
posted on 13 Aug 2009Every once and a while there comes a movie of which you really regret the fact that it's premise is just fiction… Life would so much easier if this was true. Dig this: Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) gets electrocuted by a hairdryer and when he comes to his senses again, he can actually READ women's minds!! What a treat that must be! Last time I suffered slight
electrocution I was shivering for 3 days and Gibson gets to understand women???
Anyway…about the film. It all may look fresh and light-headed but in fact it's pretty routine and annoyingly superficial! We learn that the stuff women think about is actually ordinary and rather obvious (they don't want to get hurt emotionally, they want to prove that there's more to them than just a pretty face etc etc…) The screenplay contains a few major clichés, like tremendous emotional speeches and Gibson who automatically gets mistaken for a gay man. Or that dreadful moral about waiting for your `first time' till you're ready for it yourself?? Yuck! As far as I'm concerned, they could have done much better things with this basic idea. There are a few positive aspects to discover as well, of course. The acting for example. Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt are a terrific on-screen couple and I really wish they had been given a better script to work with. Some good acting by familiar faces in smaller roles as well, such as Alan Alda, Lauren Holly, Marisa Tomei and even Bette Midler. `What Women Want' has got a high level of feel-good moments and feminisation message, but it's overall pretty neutral. Good, smooth soundtrack though…Lot's of Frank Sinatra oldies!I tend to know what women want as well…: this kind of cinema. Watch it with your wife/girlfriend/mistress and you'll definitely get lucky tonight ;)
Quite a good movie.
posted on 07 Aug 2009I have heard people saying this movie was boring and not very funny so when i sat down to see it, i didn't have high expectations. I do like Mel Gibson as an actor and i thought he was very funny as the advertisement agent who has trouble relating to women to other things and sex objects. My favorite part of the movie is when he is trying out the ladies products and hop around a little trying to get into the pantyhose. Although this is a by the book type of film. Something happens to a guy, he gets a new ability and finally learns something from the experience and thus becomes a better man. All in all this is a funny and sweet movie. So bring a date, get the popcorn and have a great time. I rate this movie 7
A comic formula to Disclosure, and as good as it comes.
posted on 05 Aug 2009Mel Gibson works in advertising, his first challenge we see is to face a new female arrival at work (Helen Hunt), which he assume he would be give the employment role. His second and maybe the worse challenge is his new assignment, to think like a women, in order to promote a product for women. Devorced, and now a playboy, he fines it hard to start with, but accident gives him the ability to hear what women thinks. He first finds it difficult to cope, after a visit to a shrink, female obviously, makes him realise that this is a special gift and should be grateful. It's perfect, and he decides to use this hocus-pocus formula for his new assignment, and maybe gets the job he wants. In the middle of all this is the coffee shop chic, played by Marisa Tomei, who end up having great fun in the bedroom, but he ends up dumping her, in an understanding way. The other person is his teenage daughter from his previous marriage, and his role as a father seems vague at first, but ends up a super-dad, rescuing her from a common teenage crisis.But the only thing hits me is his employment status, as it is so similar to Disclosure, and that dialogue, ‘as good as it comes', sound like another Helen Hunt movie.Watching Mel showing his feminine side is perhaps the big comic prize in the movie, but too much of it was reveal in the trailers. Senior audiences would appreciate his dance sequence with the Frank Sinatra song, yet I find it amusing. Helen Hunt look great until the restaurant scene where she kisses Mel, she looks dreadful and old. Some other Hollywood chic should have played the coffee shop chic than award winner, Marisa Tomei.
What every guy wishes they could do
posted on 28 Jul 2009This movie illustrates what every guy on the planet (or me at least) would love to be able to do, hear what women are thinking!What Women Want stars Mel Gibson as a chauvanistic advertising executive. Helen Hunt plays the woman who is hired to take the job he feels he deserves. Gibson one night quite literally gets the shock of his life and thereafter finds he can hear women's thoughts. At first he is mortified, then uses it to his advantage, then comes to a realization about life which changes his outlook. This was somewhat predictable, but it is well executed nevertheless.I don't think I've ever seen Gibson as a full on comic actor before. This film prooves the range of his acting ability. Very enjoyable, a great date flick. I give it an 8.
We still don't know what women want
posted on 28 Jul 2009I feel very bad now, because I had to drag my boyfriend into going to this movie with me, and now I feel as if I owe him a movie pass to something more entertaining. I'm sorely disappointed in this film. The previews made it seem (why am I surprised by this?) interesting and fun (guess what? It wasn't!). It started off okay and I even laughed a couple of times, but I was annoyed pretty much the rest of the time.I feel as if someone came along and said: Look, I've got this script for a great premise. The money man said: Oh, okay... let's look at it. He reads a few pages & says: Well... it's already a screaming chick flick, but let's make sure we get Mel Gibson just to make sure it's a big enough draw. So after all the discussions are made, they set to filming this thing, and they go a little overboard with some scenes, and add some other unnecessary scenes in for good measure to feel as if they are really contributing something to the film industry. In doing so they lose the whole intended message of the movie by making women seem more like a pack of silly overworried fussbuckets, or completely without brains at all. It ends with no resolutions except touching on some issues very lightly, with no answer to the title question, and a stupid side plot about a suicidal girl that could have well been a guy and had no significance to Mel's ability to read womens' minds except coincidence that she happened to be female. This movie does not speak for me, as a woman who wants things.My boyfriend said that it was as if they filled a hat with women's ideas of what they wanted, and then turned them into snippets of dialogue and voila, you've almost got a whole movie. I'm afraid I have to agree with him. Too long. Too trite. Too bad. What do women want? A better movie.
Mel Gibson
posted on 28 Jul 2009What man doesn't want the power to read the thoughts of women? Its probably right up their with the power to fly and make money. But that power doesn't want me to shave my legs and wear pantyhose.In any case, Mel Gibson puts up a good performance. No longer "Riggs" from the all-too-famous "Lethal Weapon" series, Mel wants instead works in a firm that sells women's products. Through some accident (see: "Spider-Man") he has gained a power. Its too bad he loses it.Of all the women, Mel goes for Helen Hunt. While she isn't the best fish in the sea, she fits the role well. And despite finding out, after Mel loses his powers, that he 'stole' her ideas, she still wants him. A fairytale romance, but not always based in reality.But it is a enjoyable film. Very much recommended. "B+"
Groundhog Day II
posted on 10 Jul 2009I have a theory that the writers of „What Women Want` were fans of the brilliant Harold Ramis film „Groundhog Day`. Concerning their base ideas, these films have more in common than it seems. Supernatural things happen to both characters, Phil Connors and Nick Marshall, things that are actually never explained. First, they see their fate as a punishment, later they learn how to take advantage of it. In the end, the magic's over and they both got a woman. In one point, the similarity is most striking. They both have a peculiarity no other movie has: During watching, you're getting so terribly jealous of the main character that it's hard to get through the rest of the movie.I don't have to say that „Groundhog Day` was there first, that its dialogues are brilliant and that the cynical tone of Bill Murray makes the movie enjoyable in every, really every single minute. „What Women Want` is hilarious at the beginning but towards the end, it develops a sentimentality that is really displaced. I asked myself why they did that. It was not necessary; there would have been a number of possibilities to end the movie differently, without hurting the American happy-end tendency. And with the tone, also the sharpness of the jokes sinks and they become predictable.For Mel Gibson, of course, this movie is an absolute success. He was never so good, actually. And Helen Hunt is a jewel, no surprise. One thing disappointed me: If you consider that the director is a woman, you may rightly hope that, by watching her film, you finally find out what women want. I still don't know.
What Women Want is Mel Gibson tending to their every need...
posted on 02 Jul 2009Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) is a gay (as in "happy") divorcee having a wonderful time seducing women and creating very successful T&A themed advertising campaigns. Nick is not an evil man, just your typical selfish bore with drop-dead good looks. Though never overtly stated, Nick sees woman as a means of entertainment, like a TV or a video game. He does not really care what they want nor what they think, as long as he gets what he wants from them: sexual fullfillment. But life in the 21st century demands that one finally realize that women are much more than just playthings, and any advertising agency that does not understand how to market to women is going to find itself a third-rate institution. So Nick's boss (Alan Alda) decides it's time to hire a female creative director to help land some of those lucrative ad campaigns for women's products. Nick thought the position was all but his, so he's just a bit upset at that a strong, high-self esteem, alpha-female by the name of Darcy McGuire (Helen Hunt) is brought in to help them find out what women really want. Nick quickly decides he will do what he can to make himself look good at Darcy's expense.But an interesting thing happens while Nick spends an evening trying to understand why women wax their legs: he gets electrocuted by his blow dryer, and the resulting damage leaves him with the ability to read a woman's mind as if she's actually talking to him. At first he thinks he's going insane, but soon comes to the realization, with the help of his former marriage counselor (Bette Midler), the that he's been granted a very special gift.Nick is a guy who's been around woman his entire life, but has never really cared to understand them. As long as he gets what he wants, why should he even care? But now, thanks to his special "gift," Nick gets to "listen" to what women really like and dislike, even if they refuse to admit it to anyone else, let alone themselves! As you can imagine, with a setup like this there has to be some laughs, and "What Women Want" delivers them by the bucketful. Director Nancy Meyers pays great homage to those great old goofy comedies of the late 30's through early 60's that showcased clever dialogue and outrageous predicaments. A knowledgeable student of cinema can see that Meyers has grabbed some of her inspiration from "Bringing Up Baby" (1938) all the way to the original "Parent Trap" (1961), as well as many other fine films from that period. Yet the greatest gift Meyers gives us in the casting of Helen Hunt as creative director who torments, then enthralls Mel Gibson. As far as I'm concerned, anytime Helen Hunt is in a film, they should just take the Oscar for best performance, pack in a box and send it to her. I remember with great fondness and surprise when I saw her on the big screen in the 1996 film "Twister." For a goofy special effects extravaganza, Helen Hunt, playing the role of a meteorologist/storm chaser, gives a powerful and serious performance that even upstaged the tornadoes. In "What Woman Want," Helen again demonstrates why she is the most talented actress to ever come out of Hollywood. That's quite a statement to make, but I can't think of any American actress who is even close to her equal, with the exception of Meryl Steep. No, that wasn't Helen I saw on the screen, it really was a woman creative director newly hired at one of Chicago's high-powered advertising agencies. She just looked like Helen...As for Mel's performance, he pretty much gets to play himself! That's not a bad thing, and it's about time we see Mr. Gibson take part in a pure comedy.
He over does it a bit, (as he usually does) but has enough charm and warmth that we can almost excuse the over-acting. (Where's Cary Grant when you need him?) Not surprisingly, his best scenes were with Helen Hunt. There was enough chemistry between the two of them to keep DuPont in business for the next several years.The idea of a man being "forced" to listen to the needs and problems that women face (whether he wants to or not!) is an extremely clever comedic device, but also showcases a simple problem with people in general, both men and women: the inability to listen. The art of listening, not just to what someone is saying, but WHY they are saying it, has been all but lost on a great many of us. It's a rather simple skill that if it were to be seriously sought out, would bring joy and satisfaction to a great many very sad and miserable souls. "What Women Want" shows how the very simple act of "listening" can be a surprisingly transforming experience. You don't have to be a mind reader, if someone knows you are truly listening to them, they'll speak their mind very clearly.My rating: 7/10
Marisa Tomei
posted on 30 Jun 2009This film is all about Mel G, but those who truly shine in it are the actresses. Helen Hunt, it goes without saying, is undoubtedly great. And Marisa Tomei, with the wide range of emotions, amazes me with her beauty and acting. And of course, the Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, the main reason why I went to see the film, is charming as she always is.
Predictable but completely enjoyable.
posted on 20 Jun 2009*Spoilers*Two years before that tragic accident called Signs, Mel Gibson played Nick, a womanizing advertiser, who is bitter that Helen Hunt got his job in advertising just because she's a woman, and well, he's not.Ironically, Nick gets the ability to hear what women think (after being electrocuted by a hairdryer, no less) but that magic of being able to do so turns out to be more responsibility than he can handle, and crazy events (such as Marisa Tomei believing him to be gay) ensue.This is probably one of the most predictable films I've ever seen. Most romantic comedies are. That said, it's also a funny, interesting and sometimes cute romantic comedy with Mel Gibson Marisa Tomei giving good, comedic performances. Worth checking out.My rating: 7.75/10
after watching the funny advertisement i thought that i was going 2 be in for a real laugh... I was wrong
posted on 29 May 2009after watching the funny advertisment i thought that i was going 2 be in for a real laugh... I was wrong. All the funny parts had been shown in the ads, so i was just sitting there thinking 'and now he is going to wax his legs... hahaha' I was disappointed to find this was just your average and easily predictable and overly hyped comedy. If you have not seen it yet... spend your money elsewhere... you can see the ad for free.
Flawed but enjoyable in the long run.
posted on 19 May 2009"What Women Want" tells of a cocky male chauvinist pig advertising creative type who experiences an electric shock which gives him the power to know what women are thinking. Um, yeah, right. Well, that's the premise of this so-so typical Hollyweird love-story of sorts with Gibson playing the love interest opposite Hunt. The film takes a full hour for the setup making it a slow starter. And, the Gibson character is too likeable in the beginning...do we really need to see him dance solo ala Gene Kelly? Nah, I don't think so. The climax works but the denouement is awash in Kodak moments. The film does push the right buttons, however, which makes its poor craftsmanship easy to overlook. An enjoyable watch but best saved for broadcast unless you're gaga for Hunt or Gibson.
An incredible drama/comedy that will appeal to everyone
posted on 19 May 2009"What Women Want" was very impressive film which starred two of the best stars in Hollywood; Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. Gibson and Hunt have great comedic appeal. There are few comedies this year that come close to the caliber of this film. Without a doubt "What Women Want" is the best comedy of 2000."What Women Want" contains original and funny jokes that made me laugh and continued throughout the movie. This film works on many levels as well because Gibson's character, Nick Marshall has to mend a relationship with his daughter. I don't think there is another actor who could have pulled off a genuinely convincing performance and make it work at the same time.In fact, the underlying storyline with Nick's daughter made "What Women Want" much more appealing to me than the comedic aspect. If it were just a straight forward comedy because it would not be as unique. The relationship sub-plot made it much more interesting for me because it made it unique because it is not often you see a comedy with other sub-plots going on.Each scene was carefully orchestrated and well-crafted. I was very impressed at how original the comedy was because it is not often that you find good quality comedy that has not been before. Gibson and Hunt sparkle as each bring their own style of humor to "What Women Want." I can not think of another comedic film that all the pieces so original came together and worked. It is a well done work of art to see this film.Helen Hunt has successfully made the transition from television actress to film star with movies like "Pay It Forward" and "Cast Away." Hunt is an absolutely exquisite actress and should be highly commended for her role as the new creative director. The chemistry she has with Nick is incredible and undeniable. Hunt is a fresh sight in Hollywood and I hope she stays for a very long time."What Women Want" is a very funny movie and it will allow each viewer to sit back and relax. As I stated earlier, "What Women Want" is a stylish, well done, well-crafted work of art and MUST BE SEEN by everyone.
Unbelievable product placement...oh and there is a terrible movie as well
posted on 15 May 2009Cheesey, predictable, etc as per other reviews but the worst aspect of the film has to the blatant product placement.Like the Fedex movie (Castaway) the plot actually hinges on the product placement. That I can live with, but then there is a 45 second piece in the back end of the film where a whole ad (with voiceover) is shown...Come on Hollywood the ads are before the film...
... a swift kick up the b***???
posted on 09 May 2009Yes... it's a fun movie. Yes... it has a few laughs but GROAN!!!!!! I didn't really enjoy it all that much. It just goes on and on and on and erg, you get the point. Out of everything that happened in the movie there was only one part where I was completely overjoyed with the performance, and that was when Bette Midler made her appearance. Now THAT is comedy!I would have gnawed my legs off if I had paid to go and watch this one at the cinema. Wait for it to come onto BBC, unless you have cable, as it's being played to death there.The music is good though, so that does save it a little. 6 flaps out of 10.
clichéd American comedy
posted on 27 Apr 2009Probably American humour does not cross the Atlantic well, but this followed the depressing trend of exploiting American men making fools of themselves for laughs. I suppose its kind of chic and a counterbalance to 50s themes of women being dumb dolls who basically need big strong men to look after them. But it palls very fast unless you like humiliation as a gag. In some sense it is a comment on the dismal relations between men and women in East coast America. The women are painted, self-centred, ambitious and ultimately as useless as Gibson's main character.Interestingly the film starts off by presenting Gibson's character as a 'man's man' (quote). In the short scenes that follow the 'man's man' is portrayed as a total jerk. The implication is that what men value in men and admire is crass and useless too. The alternative models of manhood (and there have been very many great men) are reduced to this shallow portrayal. In that sense the film is an accurate portrayal of a society that has lost touch with male values. But that is a comment on the film rather than the message.The rest of the film follows a predictable course of Gibson's redemption to a sanitised version of the modern male. If you can stay up to watch it.
i thought it was a very good movie!
posted on 11 Apr 2009Well i know everyone has a different look on the movie!! But i thought the movie was GREAT!! i give it a 10 out of 10!! I think Helen Hunt and Mel Gibson were awesome in this movie!! I think there parts were very belivable!!! Helen Hunt is one of my favorites! The way she carries her self in every film she makes is just wonderful!! And if she was a bad actress there wouldnt be a demand for her!! She can play any kind of role!! She is just awesome!! and Mel Gibson also did an outstanding job!! ya i know it not something he would normal do!but he was still great and he showed people he can also play all kinds of roles! I think they really pick a good group of people for this movie! everyone did such a great job!! well i have no complaints about this movie!! it is a 10!!!!!!!!
A CHARMER
posted on 29 Aug 2009WHAT WOMEN WANT is the new Mel Gibson film and after last summer's lackluster THE PATRIOT, he desperately needed a winner and this is it. WHAT WOMEN WANT is the smartest, most delightful romantic comedy to come out since last year's NOTTING HILL. Gibson is brilliant. He is more than capable of playing light and frothy. In the tradition of a Cary Grant, I think Gibson will be able to play romantic leads long after his action hero days are over.This film has a smart, tight screenplay with wonderfully drawn believable characters. The stellar supporting cast including Helen Hunt, who seems to be everywhere this year, is well worth the ticket price.If you see one film this holiday season, see this one.