Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson) is trying to reach for what she feels she deserves in the cutthroat world of being a sports agent. For Ali, she’s got an additional hurdle to deal with. The fact that she’s a woman forces her to work twice as hard to seemingly get half of what she deserves. The agency that she represents isn’t very forward thinking in their ways when it comes to gender and Ali is reaching her breaking point. With a patronizing boss (Brian Bosworth) and other male obstacles around the office, Ali constantly finds herself fighting for respect and to get what she’s been denied.
Everything changes after a wild night out with friends when Ali is given an unexpected gift…or possibly a curse, depending on how you look at it. Suddenly Ali’s able to hear the inner thoughts of any man. At this point the fun really begins as she uses her newfound ability to get the inside track on everything she’s ever wanted. Now with a new romantic interest and budding possibilities at work, life has really taken a turn for the better. The problem is that the she goes the further down Ali could drop. This isn’t really a story about What Men Want, but rather the exploration of finding out what Ali wants to make her life complete.
The comedy stars Taraji P. Henson, Josh Brener, Aldis Hodge, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Tamala Jones, Phoebe Robinson, Richard Roundtree, Brian Bosworth, Max Greenfield and Tracy Morgan. That’s only some of the names and faces that you will see. Since What Men Want is set against a sports backdrop, there are also a bevy of sports cameos to be enjoyed. All of the performances may not be best but, with all of the variety that audiences get to experience, there’s bound be a little something for just about anyone.
At the end of the day, Paramount Pictures will most likely discover that their latest attempt at a breakout comedy that deals with serious issues which faces society today ISN’T what audiences want, let alone What Men Want. Taraji P. Henson hasn’t been able to muster up strong followings as the sole lead. Her network television show, Empire has performed really well, but aside from the ensemble Oscar-nominated hit, Hidden Figures (2016), Henson has not exactly ruled the box office. Both, Acrimony (2018) and Proud Mary (2018), were labeled as disappointments with the financial hauls backing this up. Henson could really use a hit right now to help her marketability.
What Men Want won’t be the vehicle to propel her career back into the theatrical spotlight. While there are some laughs, good times and worthwhile messages relayed, the overall feel is that of an underwhelming attempt at comedy. As a reboot of the Mel Gibson/Helen Hunt movie, What Women Want (2000), director Adam Shankman misses his intended target in this rated R gender-swapped version. Taraji P. Henson’s Ali character is un-salvageable. Indifference trumps entertainment which becomes the kiss of death here. There’s no real emotional attachment and it feels as though this feature just goes through the motions. Shankman seems to provide better stories when he avoids an abundance of raunchiness.
There are not a lot of strong new choices to see in the theater if you’re seeking something other than a family movie. So, What Men Want may have a fighting chance this weekend to recoup some of its investment. With this not really being a “date movie”, Valentine’s Day will probably only give this a minor boost. Still though, this is somewhat entertaining as look as you’re not looking for side-splitting fun. You can check out Taraji P. Henson and friends in theaters now.
