Directed by Adam Shankman and with the brilliant Taraji P. Henson (Empire) in the leading role, What Men Want looked set to be a success upon its announcement.
A modern-day twist on the 2000 flick, What Women Want, the movie follows sports agent Ali Davis (Henson), who suddenly finds herself able to hear what men are thinking. After being passed up for a promotion she more than deserves, she uses her new ability to turn the tables on her misogynistic male counterparts, who are able to get ahead simply because of what's hanging between their legs.
Of course, no movie is that straight-forward, and predictable challenges lay around each corner. As friendships are tested, and a new love interest is put on the line, audiences join Ali on a road she and they will certainly never forget.
This isn't just a journey about Ali getting one over on men, either. Instead, she learns what makes them tick and makes positive moves with her newfound intelligence. Getting inside their heads, she becomes more understanding of the men in her life; but that can be both a blessing and a curse.
Without a doubt a stronger movie than the Mel Gibson-fronted original, Henson is the perfect figure to embody the spirit and tenacity of a working woman in the modern world. At times, the script she's given to work with doesn't allow her to go for the smart laughs, instead forcing her to attack viewers head-on with a gag.
Still, the writing is slick enough at other times to ensure that everybody involved is given a chance to shine. Co-stars include Kellan Lutz, Jason Jones, Tracy Morgan, Paul Brian Johnson and others, and each ensure that whenever they're a part of a scene, they make their presence felt.
What Men Want is available to download and keep now, as well as on DVD.