What Men Want Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

After drinking some bad tea, a woman hears what men are *really* thinking and weaponizes it to become a better sports agent, ultimately realizing that genuine human connection is better than mind-reading for career and love…until the sequel where she accidentally drinks more tea.

🍿 What Men Want: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and Ali’s Frustration

Ali Davis is a successful sports agent constantly fighting for recognition in a male-dominated industry. Despite her hard work and dedication, she’s passed over for a promotion, leading to intense frustration. Determined to prove her worth, Ali sets her sights on signing the next big basketball star, Jamal Barry.

The Bachelorette Party and the Mysterious Tea

Seeking solace and advice, Ali attends her friend’s bachelorette party. A psychic, Sister, offers her a strange tea, promising insight into men. The night takes a turn when Ali hits her head, leading to an unexpected awakening with a bizarre new ability.

Gaining the Power to Read Men’s Minds

Ali discovers she can hear men’s thoughts. Initially overwhelmed, she soon realizes the potential this power holds. She begins using this advantage in her professional life, gaining insight into negotiations and strategies that were previously hidden. However, she also learns harsh truths about the men around her, complicating her relationships.

Professional and Personal Chaos

Ali’s newfound power leads to both professional success and personal turmoil. She jeopardizes her relationships with her friends and potential love interest, Will, by revealing secrets and acting impulsively. Her behavior escalates, causing significant damage to her personal life and career prospects.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson): A competitive sports agent who gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts, changing her professional and personal life.
• Will (Aldis Hodge): A widowed father who becomes Ali’s love interest, offering her a chance at a genuine connection.
• Brandon Wallace (Josh Brener): Ali’s loyal assistant who supports her career and eventually finds his own path.
• Joe Dolla (Tracy Morgan): The demanding father of a rising basketball star, whose trust Ali seeks to gain.
• Kevin Myrtle (Max Greenfield): Ali’s coworker who ultimately becomes her business partner, recognizing her talent.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sister: “The only voices I heard were Joan Rivers and Tupac. And they did not get along.” – Sister explains what she heard after Ali asks to get more tea to regain her gift.
• Ali: “If I was a man, they would say I’m driven, but everyone just says I’m a dick.” – Ali says this during an argument with Kevin after blasting his idea.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $54,611,903
• Worldwide Gross: $72,216,294

💥 What Men Want Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a lighthearted comedy, and it definitely delivered on that front. Taraji P. Henson is hilarious, and I loved her energy. The scenes where she’s trying to navigate the male-dominated world of sports management with her newfound ability are pure gold. I especially liked the poker night scene; it was so over-the-top. While it’s not high art, it’s a fun watch if you’re looking to switch off your brain and have a few laughs. I would totally watch it again with my friends.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Taraji P. Henson”
  • “Viewers who enjoy gender-swapped comedies”
  • “Those interested in movies about female empowerment in the workplace”
  • “Fans of romantic comedies with a comedic edge”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content and innuendo”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “”What Men Want” attempts to be a timely gender-swapped remake, but ultimately falls flat due to predictable plot points and reliance on crude humor, although Taraji P. Henson delivers a committed performance.
• Common Sense Media: “The movie offers some laughs, but the reliance on stereotypes and constant profanity undercuts its potential. Henson is charismatic, but the script doesn’t always serve her well. Some mature subject matter and language.
• IMDB: “Ultimately, “What Men Want” is a funny movie with a great cast that doesn’t let you down. Taraji is a wonderful actress who always delivers, but it won’t be nominated for an Oscar. If you want an enjoyable comedy with plenty of refreshing moments, give it a try.

Audience Reactions

Taraji P. Henson’s performance is the highlight, she absolutely carries the movie.: Most viewers agree that Taraji P. Henson’s comedic timing and charisma make the film enjoyable, even when the plot is predictable.

Erykah Badu steals every scene she’s in as the eccentric psychic.: The supporting cast, especially Erykah Badu, adds a lot of humor and quirky charm to the film, even in their limited screen time.

Overall Consensus: “What Men Want” is a passable comedy, primarily buoyed by Taraji P. Henson’s energetic performance, but it suffers from reliance on crude humor and a predictable storyline.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The office lobby/staircase scenes were shot at The Porsche Experience building in Atlanta.”
• “The movie is a gender-swapped remake of the 2000 film “What Women Want” starring Mel Gibson.”
• “Several real-life sports figures, including Lisa Leslie, Mark Cuban, Grant Hill, Shaquille O’Neal, Karl-Anthony Towns, John Collins, and Devonta Freeman, make cameo appearances.”

🖥️ How to Watch What Men Want?

Currently, “What Men Want” is available to rent or purchase on various platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed What Men Want, you might like these similar films:

• What Women Want (2000): This is the original film with the gender roles reversed.
• Little (2019): Another body-swap comedy featuring Regina Hall and Issa Rae, exploring similar themes of ambition and personal growth with a comedic twist.

🛒 What Men Want Related Products

• What Women Want (Original Movie): Watch the original gender-swapped movie starring Mel Gibson to compare and contrast with “What Men Want”. See where the story began and enjoy a different take on the same concept.
• Funko Pop! Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon (Empire): While not directly “What Men Want” related, a Funko Pop of Taraji P. Henson’s iconic character Cookie Lyon from ‘Empire’ captures her powerful presence and style.
• NBA 2K24: Experience the world of professional basketball. Create your own player, manage a team, and compete against others online in this immersive sports simulation.
• Motivation: Achieving Success: The Power of Thoughts by Taraji P. Henson: The audiobook emphasizes that the most potent force in a person’s life is the power of his or her own thoughts. It is a wonderful source for inspiration and motivation to reach one’s objectives

🎧 Soundtrack

What Men Want features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of…)” – performed by Lou Bega
• “Hypnotize” – performed by The Notorious B.I.G.

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What Men Want (2019) – Cheating Husbands Scene (9/10) | Movieclips

OMG, this scene from ‘What Men Want’ is pure chaos! Taraji P. Henson spills all the secrets at a wedding, and it’s absolutely hilarious. You HAVE to see the reactions!

What Men Want (2019) – Kiss My Black Ass! Scene (10/10) | Movieclips

This is THE moment! Ali stands up for herself and totally owns it. You’ll be cheering her on, trust me! It’s so empowering to watch!

✨ Rate