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WHAT WOMEN WANT Send This Review to a Friend
Mel Gibson displays his considerable comic skills, a side not generally thought of in connection with his screen charisma, in "What Women Want," and actress Helen Hunt is just the right co-star to maximize this effort at contemporary screwball comedy reminiscent of the 1930s genre. If only the filmmakers had left it at that, but they partially undercut the fun by trying to get oh-so serious.
The comedy aspect is fun indeed. Gibson plays Nick Marshall, a hot shot ad executive who is also a hot shot with the ladies, and totally insensitive to their needs. Into his cozy world breezes Hunt as Darcy Maguire, hired by his boss (Alan Alda) to take the higher job Nick thought was going to be his. Then comes the film's gimmick: Nick is accidentally electrocuted. Most people would die, but in the fanciful scheme of this movie romp, he suddenly finds that he hears what women are thinking. This not only allows him to become sensitive with women but to read Darcy's ideas and change her attitude toward him as one with whom she can really cooperate because their minds are on the same track. No surprise, they also fall in love.
The plot situation in the screenplay by Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa provides opportunity for plenty of comical situations, including seeing Gibson in pantyhose, and the stars make the most of it, as does director Nancy Meyers. The film fits easily into concepts relating to more respect for women. But eventually, with the special mental gift finally disappearing, Nick has to be proven a better father to his teenage daughter, has to save and enhance the life of a woman employee he has ignored and must learn to be a better human being all around. The film gets too serious for its own good. There is the requisite anger on the part of Darcy when she finds out what has happened, and as such plots go, we know there'll be the requisite making up. Supporting performers include Marisa Tomei, Ashley Johnson, Lauren Holly, Valerie Perrine and Judy Greer.
If you can overlook the heavier moments, you'll find much to enjoy in this otherwise smart little comedy. A Paramount Pictures release.
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