Can a gender-swapped remake of a classic comedy capture the same magic?
In short: In 2019, director Adam Shankman reimagined the 2000 hit What Women Want by flipping the script. Starring Taraji P. Henson as a sports agent who gains the ability to hear men's thoughts after drinking a mystical tea, the film explores workplace dynamics and the pursuit of professional success in a man's world.
The film follows Ali Davis, a high-powered sports agent in Atlanta who feels consistently sidelined by her male peers. After being passed over for a promotion, she becomes determined to sign a top basketball prospect. A pivotal encounter with a psychic leads her to consume a potent concoction, granting her the supernatural ability to hear the inner thoughts of the men around her. This newfound power becomes a double-edged sword, helping her navigate professional negotiations while complicating her personal relationships.
Critically, the film received mixed reviews. While many praised Taraji P. Henson’s performance, critics like Owen Gleiberman noted that the premise—which relies on the idea that men are as flawed as stereotypes suggest—lacked the sharp, surprising humor found in the original film. Despite these critiques, the movie resonated with audiences, earning an A- grade from CinemaScore and grossing over $72 million worldwide against a $20 million production budget.
The production process was relatively swift, with principal photography taking place in Atlanta between March and June 2018. The film’s soundtrack leans heavily into nostalgia, featuring a collection of 1990s hip-hop and R&B hits from artists like Destiny's Child and Salt-N-Pepa. Ultimately, the story concludes with Ali finding her own path, choosing to leave her firm to start an independent agency, suggesting that her greatest strength was not the ability to read minds, but the decision to follow her own professional instincts.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Men Want
- Also: Wikidata — What Men Want · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — What Men Want · CC0
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