ViewGuide

Created Mar 11, 2008 12:23AM PST • Edited Mar 11, 2008 12:23AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   “What Women Want” gives the audience the romance they want, but this reviewer would’ve appreciated more laughs in the comedy department. Mel Gibson stars as Nick Marshall, a chauvinistic advertising executive who gains a unique characteristic after a freak accident.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Mel Gibson’s first foray into the romantic comedy genre. Gibson’s feature scene, where he performs to music from the “Chairman of the Board”, showcases the high level of talent and charisma he brings to the screen. Helen Hunt pairs up well with Gibson as his competing co-worker, Darcy Maguire. Lauren Holly (Dragon, Dumb & Dumber, Any Given Sunday) has a small role as Marshall’s wife, Gigi and Ashley Johnson (Nine Months, Anywhere But Here) plays his fifteen-year-old daughter, Alex. The plot’s main focus stays on Gibson, but it would’ve been nice to see some stronger supporting roles.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

   Marisa Tomei’s character, Lola, has an awkward introduction, unfortunately compounded with awkward dialogue in a role that only exists to mirror Nick’s former desires for women. Bette Midler has one memorable scene with Nick in her office, but then disappears from the plot.

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    The film’s director, Nancy Meyers (Private Benjamin, Baby Boom) shows a nice flare for character placement and lighting. The cinematographer should be commended for some great visual moments including an interior dinner scene. Meyers tries to stress the change in Nick’s life by showing similar shots of him walking through the office before and after his life-changing incident. This well intended feature doesn’t have a great impact, but it’s nice to see a director put some visual impact into the plot.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.4

    A largely tame bed scene between Tomei and Gibson. Plenty of sex talk and dirty little thoughts exposed.

17. Sex Titillating 2.4

18. Violence Fierce 2.4

19. Rudeness Salty 2.4

21. Reality

    Surreal 2.5

    Marshall’s emotions travel full circle as he questions his special gift, then abuses it, and finally sees how it changes his life.

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.4

23. Biological Supernatural 3.1

24. Physical Supernatural 3.1