WHAT MEN WANT (2019)

Directed By: Adam Shankman 
Written By: Tina Gordon, Peter Huyck & Alex Gregory 
Based on the screenplay “What Women Want” By: Josh Goldsmith & Cathy Yuspa 
Story By: Jas Waters & Tina Gordon 
Based On The Story “What Women Want” By: Diane Drake, Josh Goldsmith & Cathy Yuspa Cinematography By: Jim Denault 
Editor: Emma E. Hickcox 


Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Josh Brener, Aldis Hodge, Erykah Badu, Tracy Morgan, Jason Jones, Max Greenfield, Richard Roundtree, Kellan Lutz, Pheobe Robinson, Tamala Jones, Brian Bosworth, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Pete Davidson 


A woman is boxed out by the male sports agents in her profession, but gains an unexpected edge over them when she develops the ability to hear men's thoughts.

This movie is a sort of continuation, sequel, reboot or just a general gender switch from the hit Mel Gibson Starring film WHAT WOMEN WANT. --The film is an ok comedy but it feels like it falls short in many ways. As when it seems to be hitting it’s stride it chooses to hold back for whatever reason. Be it for tone or to keep it more focused and less all over the place.

For instance there is a scene where Tarjai P. Henson breaks into an all male poker game and while the set up is there and quite a few jokes. The scene which has the potential to be bigger and have a greater highlight. Kind of fizzles. As it has a bunch of sports celebrity cameos. Yet they feel there more for show then actual being used for material or to the best of their abilities.

The same ends up happening at a wedding sequence where it could have been a no holds barred scene of truths being told and outrageous reactions. It ends way too soon. As something happened the scene that seems an excuse to transition and movie the plot forward which could have been still done while still letting the scene get bigger. As it definitely would have been a marker or highlight. Just as the film comes spinning back down to the final act.

This happens once again when during the end credits we see the other bachlorette party ladies results form their tarot card readings. Which work as a final laugh and reveals something about o e of the characters. But could ah e been just as funny had it been left in and just played naturally during the actual film.

Even Tracy Morgan seems to be a bit easier and slower the. He usually is in films. Even though it seems half the time he is making. Up how own lines rather then going by the script.

One was hoping for stronger stand alone comedic moments where the comedy and circumstances just keep getting more intense and bigger. Here it seems to be going faster then decides to stay in it’s lane and follow the speed limit.

The film has a string supporting cast. Each gets their time to shine. They breather life Into material that easily could have been basic and not too noteworthy. The two main scene stealers here are Taraji P Henson who we all know mostly as a dramatic actress and a few times she has dipped into comedic roles but in this role she seems more comfortable and natural then any comedic performance she has given before as she goes all In here and even when outrageous feels believable. Even when some lines feel stale like when they spell out the movies plot a scene that is in the trailer and is here in it’s entirety.

Erykah Badu also steals the show in the smaller supporting role of the psychic where she uses what is know. About her public personality and dials it up to make a troublesome psychic. Who is in way over her head but Is constantly hilarious.

The film is surprisingly dirty not raunchy but does have a lot of risqué language and sexual scenes and jokes. Yet no nudity. Plus the sex is more played for laughs rather then lingering to show skin or be more erotic.

I do wish there were more scenes between her and her friends. As even though she can’t read their minds it would be an interesting contrast and serve a bit more of her character.

The film is pretty straight forward and plays it’s story and with the conventions. While at the end still Managing to deliver it’s message. Even if a times the characters come off as stereotypical or just there for some laughs. At least the film feels somewhat earnest in it's Actions

Grade: C