WHAT WOMEN WANT
Released: December 15, 2000
Despite being way too long for an ending we undoutedly know once we learn of the two lead stars names, this was actually a fun ride. Not entirely a chick flick, this was entertaining for guys as well. It has a few choice scenes but with the two hour and fifteen minute running time we're bound to have a few dumb scenes too. Mel Gibson stars with Helen Hunt in what is being billed his first ever romantic comedy. Yet I seem to remember a few of his flicks like "Conspiracy Theory", "Bird On A Wire" and even aspects to the "Lethal Weapon" series that could be called romantic and comedy. So yes, Mel shines as the advertising writer who suddenly becomes able to hear women's thoughts. First scared of it, he then uses it for his own gain. Helen Hunt waited a few years before returning to movies after her Oscar win in 1998 and bang, we have "Pay It Forward", "Dr. T And The Women", "Cast Away" and this one - all at once. Of the bundle of her new movies, this one ranks as her best. Sure, there are needless scenes, like any scene with the geek girl employee at his ad agency or the sleepy subplot involving his daughter but otherwise it was OK, if somewhat commercially condescending to its audience. They could have easily trimmed this down to 100 minutes and had a better movie but hey, that's why they paid director Nancy Meyers the big bucks and not me. A pile of cameos and good support roles too - from Lauren Holly, Bette Midler, Valerie Perrine, Alan Alda and Marisa Tomei - who easily should have been given Hunt's role for the simple facts she's 1) got amazing chemistry with Mel and 2) she's vastly under used in Hollywood.
136 Minutes
Paramount