What Women Want (2001, DVD)

What Women Want is a romantic comedy that even men will enjoy. In fact, we rented this movie after my brother-in-law recommended it to my husband. At the movie s end, as is our habit, we rated this movie: I gave it an A-, my husband gave it a B-. We both enjoyed it; only I enjoyed it a little bit more. I want to note right here that if the movie had not ended the way it did (I found it anti-climatic) I would have given this movie 5-stars and a solid A.

Right off the back the casting of Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt should tip you off that the acting in this movie is enjoyable. I wasn t sure if there would be chemistry between these two famous actors, but I was pleasantly surprised. Except for the very end, they seemed comfortable, attracted, and realistic together. Mel really did a great job portraying Nick Marshall, an arrogant playboy bachelor and deadbeat dad who comes to understand and CARE about women Helen Hunt s character, Darcie Mcguire, is less developed in this film; a flaw in my opinion. When you first meet Darcy she is a great example of a strong, confident, professional woman. With in a few scenes you no longer see that woman as she falls hopelessly in-love with Nick. Her character is still enjoyable to watch, but it would have been more interesting to see more examples of her hard shell at work.

These two accomplished actors would have been able to carry this movie on their own, but you will be treated by the acting of Alan Alda (the company CEO), Marisa Tomei (an actress want-to-be, coffee waitress, potential love interest for Nick until he meets Darcie), and Bette Middler (who does a FANTASTIC job as Nick s therapist). I wish they had given Bette a bigger part; her acting here is really comical.

I don t want to ruin this movie for you, but DO recommend you rent this video-DVD. You won t be disappointed. This movie does have a few sex-scenes (one involving Nick s 15-year-old daughter), but no nudity. I believe the PG-13 rating is appropriate, so please do give the adult-nature of this film some thought. It might lead to constructive conversations with your teenager but then again, you might enjoy this film more just with your significant other or a bunch of your girlfriends. It s a fun movie!