Product: What Women Want [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Adorable movie with a classic flair
This is a charming movie with a great soundtrack and superb acting by Mel Gibson and Marisa Tomei. Gibson reaches a peak of comedic genius in the movie, playing funny and compassionate moments with equal skill. Although the movie's premise is rather absurd--a man who can hear women's thoughts after accidentally electrocuting himself in the bathroom--the viewer suspends disbelief and is drawn into the plot. Marisa Tomei is hilarious as the ditzy coffee shop girl. Delta Burke and Valerie Perrine, as well as Bette Midler, all have minor roles and are great in them. Mark Feuerstein as Gibson's buddy is also excellent. Some of the funny lines get a laugh from me every single time I watch (e.g., "The poodle give you that one?"). I loved the music, which included songs by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Cole Porter, and more. This is a romantic comedy, and although I find it hard to see Helen Hunt as a vulnerable, romantic leading lady--I think of her more as the sardonic character in "Mad About You"--I thought she acted well in the movie and even worked in some "cupcake"-type moves. This is a DVD whose extra features are worth watching, particularly director Nancy Meyers' comments on how the movie was made. This movie is a keeper that marries the modern dilemmas of romance with the feel of romantic comedies from the 40s and 50s. Mel Gibson's dance scene and the scene where he waxes his leg are outstanding, and he is entirely believable as the chauvinistic playboy who is shocked at what women think. If you want to have fun watching a movie, this is the one for you.