What Men Want (2019)

[baumer]

Yep

[filmlover]

An enjoyable enough reworking of What Women Want, even if it isn't nearly as successful at exploring gender dynamics as that film and the romance here is meh at best. It very much retains the pleasant tone of Nancy Meyers' movie despite the R rating (that could've easily been PG-13 if they had taken out the multiple "fucks"), with plenty of laugh out loud moments along the way (Erykah Badu in particular is a riot as the psychic). But the real reason to see this is the lovely Taraji P. Henson: she's such a natural fit for comedy that it's surprising she doesn't make more. She's such a likable presence that we're happy to go along with all of the predictable plot beats. B-

[baumer]

One of the stupidest and dumbest films I've seen in quite some time.  Tracey Morgan just doesn't belong in film.

 

3/10

[LonePirate]

While the film is funny and entertaining enough, there is too much going on story wise without enough time spent in the major plot points. Heck, even the central premise of hearing men’s thoughts is largely abandoned about half way into the movie apart from when a joke is needed. 

 

That being said, Henson is great in the role of Ali. She really needs a better scripted comedy. The unexpected appearances of Erykah Badu (she was awesome), Richard Roundtree (!!!) and Brian Bosworth (where has he been hiding?) were pleasant surprises. Seeing Kellan Lutz in leather gear strapped to a sling was also nice. Still, Ali teaming up with Kevin was a bit weird after she called his video racist even though he later applauded her work. Tracy Morgan was indeed horrible in a poorly written and completely unnecessary role. I wish all of his screen time had been devoted to Ali and her friends as there was a ton of untapped potential with them. 

 

If you see this film on Netflix or cable and you need some mindless laughs, check it out. Just keep your expectations low.

 

Grade: C

[dxmatrixdt]

The movie does its research, the rage quit comedy portion is a heavy drag, and some parts are difficult to watch like i'm pinned with the sketch comedy.  Comedy is my hardest genre so it gets a B for effort and re-watchability, but 8.5>.  84/100