What Women Want Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chauvinistic ad exec gets zapped and suddenly knows all the women’s secrets, which he uses for corporate espionage and then somehow falls in love… with consequences?

🍿 What Women Want: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Nick Marshall

Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) is a successful, chauvinistic advertising executive in Chicago, known for his womanizing ways and outdated views on women. He expects a promotion to creative director, believing he’s at the top of his game. His world revolves around stereotypical ‘masculine’ pursuits and casual relationships, showing little understanding or respect for the women in his life.

The New Boss: Darcy Maguire

Nick is shocked when his boss, Dan Wanamaker, hires Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt) as the new creative director, a move aimed at capturing the female consumer market. Darcy assigns the male staff to develop advertising campaigns for traditionally feminine products, challenging Nick to step outside his comfort zone and understand the female perspective.

The Electrocution and Newfound Ability

While attempting to understand these products, Nick clumsily uses them himself, resulting in an accidental electrocution. He falls into a bathtub with a hairdryer and wakes up with the bizarre ability to hear women’s thoughts. Initially overwhelmed and confused, he soon realizes the potential of his newfound power.

Exploitation and Transformation

Nick initially uses his ability to steal Darcy’s ideas and advance his career, becoming a ‘woman whisperer’ at the office. However, as he listens to women’s thoughts, including those of his daughter and female colleagues, he starts to develop empathy and a genuine understanding of their perspectives, leading to a personal transformation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson): A chauvinistic advertising executive who gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts after an accident.
• Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt): The ambitious new boss at the advertising agency who challenges Nick and becomes his love interest.
• Alex Marshall (Ashley Johnson): Nick’s teenage daughter with whom he struggles to connect until he gains his newfound ability.
• Lola (Marisa Tomei): A coffee shop worker and one of Nick’s conquests, who later experiences Nick’s newfound understanding of women.
• Dan Wanamaker (Alan Alda): The head of the advertising agency who hires Darcy, shaking up Nick’s career trajectory.
• Erin the File Girl (Judy Greer): A lonely and underappreciated secretary who Nick helps after learning about her struggles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nick: “I’m gonna be the one who knows what they want, and why they do those kooky things they do.” – Nick declares his intention to understand women after gaining his ability.
• Dr. Perkins: “If men are from Mars, and women are from Venus, and you can speak Venutian, the world can be yours.” – The therapist explains the potential benefits of Nick’s newfound power.
• Nick: “So, this is what women want. To be heard.” – Nick realizes a fundamental truth about women and their desires.
• Darcy: “What kind of knight in shining armor would I be if the man I love needs rescuing and I just let him walk out my door?” – Darcy shows her care and willingness to stand by Nick.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $70,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $182,811,707
• Worldwide Gross: $374,111,707

💥 What Women Want Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a teenager and being completely captivated. I was really struck by Mel Gibson’s acting in the scenes where he starts to understand the women around him. It made me laugh, but it also made me think about how differently men and women often see the world. The scene where he’s trying out all the women’s products? Hysterical. Ultimately it’s feel-good movie that, for me, has stood the test of time.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies.”
  • “Those interested in stories about personal transformation.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy films exploring gender dynamics.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive content and sexual innuendo.”
  • “Mild language.”
  • “Themes of sexism and gender stereotypes (used for critique within the narrative).”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Gibson and Hunt have a great rapport, and the film is surprisingly insightful about gender dynamics. While some of the humor feels dated, the core message about understanding and empathy remains relevant.
• Variety: “What Women Want is a slick and entertaining romantic comedy, elevated by the performances of Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. It offers a humorous take on gender stereotypes, though it occasionally relies on predictable tropes.
• Los Angeles Times: “The film shines when exploring the changing dynamics between men and women in the workplace. Gibson delivers a charming performance.

Audience Reactions

Mel Gibson’s comedic timing and charm are exceptional.: Viewers loved the humor, especially Gibson’s portrayal of a man struggling to understand women.

Helen Hunt delivers a strong performance as a confident and intelligent woman.: The chemistry between Gibson and Hunt made the movie highly enjoyable.

Overall Consensus: A generally well-received romantic comedy, praised for its humor and the chemistry between its leads, though some find the gender dynamics a bit simplistic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Reportedly, Julia Roberts was originally considered for the role of Darcy Maguire.”
• “During filming, Mel Gibson actually waxed his own legs for the scene where Nick Marshall experiments with feminine products.”
• “The Nike representatives in the film were real Nike ad representatives, not actresses, adding authenticity to those scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch What Women Want?

What Women Want is readily available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or buy the movie. Check your local listings for TV airings, or look for DVD and Blu-ray copies at major retailers. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check your preferred platform for current options.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• As Good as It Gets (1997): Features a similar dynamic between a flawed male character and a strong-willed woman, with both learning to understand each other better.
• Liar Liar (1997): Another high-concept comedy where a character gains an unusual ability (inability to lie) that forces them to confront their flaws.
• 13 Going on 30 (2004): A light-hearted, feel-good movie that explores similar themes of self-discovery and the challenges of understanding the opposite sex.
• Knocked Up (2007): Explores male-female relationships with humor and heart, focusing on communication and understanding.

🛒 What Women Want Related Products

• What Women Want (DVD): Own the movie on DVD and relive the laughs anytime. A classic romantic comedy for your collection.
• The Helen Hunt Collection (DVD): Explore the acclaimed performances of Helen Hunt with this special collection. Enjoy her talent in other successful movies.
• Frank Sinatra: The Voice: The Very Best of Frank Sinatra: Enjoy the classic sounds of Frank Sinatra featured in the film’s memorable scenes. Perfect for setting a sophisticated mood.
• Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex: This book dives deep into communication and relationship dynamics between men and women. Insights into the mind’s of each sex.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “I Won’t Dance” – performed by Frank Sinatra
• “Something’s Gotta Give” – performed by Sammy Davis Jr.
• “Bitch” – performed by Meredith Brooks

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What Women Want: The Movie That Tried To Warn You

Curious about the movie ‘What Women Want’? This short video gives you a quick rundown of the plot and themes, so you can decide if it’s worth checking out. I found it really helpful in understanding the movie’s main message.

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If you’re in the mood for a laugh, check out this hilarious short clip from ‘What Women Want’. It’s a quick and easy way to get a taste of the movie’s humor.

WWW: What women wants

Ever wondered what it would be like to know what women are thinking? This short clip from ‘What Women Want’ explores that very idea, giving you a sneak peek into the movie’s intriguing premise.

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