Product: What Women Want [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Fun and funny
The basic premise for this movie - a man that gains the power to read women's minds - is such an obvious plotline that I can't believe there aren't a dozen movies out there like it. Mel Gibson's character is the "lucky" recipient of this power. At first he can't deal with it, but soon learns (after a chat with Bette Midler as a psychiatrist in a juicy cameo) he can use the power to become great in bed, patch things up with his daughter, and undercut his new boss (who "stole" his promotion), played by Helen Hunt.It's true that the characters are a little thin and two-dimensional, but who cares? You don't watch a movie like this for deep meaning, who watch because it's fun, energetic, and funny, much like the old Cary Grant comedies.Overall the performances in this film are excellent. Mel has a lot of fun with the role, that of a misogynist ad executive that eventually learns to become a new age sensitive guy. Hunt is good as well, starting off as a foil who eventually falls in love with him; their romantic chemistry is very good. Marissa Tomei's aspiring actress who is seduced by Gibson is the worst of the two-dimensional characters (not her fault, she does her best with the material), while the best supporting character is the suicidal clerk played by Judy Greer. The interaction between Gibson's executive and the clerk is the turning point in the exec's transformation between jerk and good guy.There are a few extras on the DVD. There are two "making of" featurettes, one of which is in the irritating "extended trailer" style that I hate, but the other is interesting, if short, and includes some interview clips with the actors talking about working with the other members of the cast and crew. The commentary by director Meyers (along with the production designer, but he doesn't say much) is interesting as it ranges over a wide variety of topics, including the actors, the sets, and technical details like audio dubbing.All in all, it's a fun movie for an evening where you just want to sit back and be entertained.