You probably remember Mel Gibson’s horribly-dated film “What Women Want.” The film followed a male chauvinist ad executive who somehow, through a bit of hijinks, gains the ability to read women’s minds. Obviously, almost 20 years later, the film is a bit problematic, not just for the content but also because of what would happen in Gibson’s personal life in the ensuing years.
Well, since that film was a pretty big success, Hollywood has been aching to make the obvious, “What Men Want.” You see, what do you do for a sequel/remake? Clearly, you just gender-swap all the roles and have an out-of-touch female executive take some drugs, get bonked on the head, and develop the telepathic ability to read men’s minds. And as you might imagine, obviously all men think about sex, farts, and…toast?
The first trailer for “What Men Want” isn’t going to surprise you. You can probably not even watch the trailer and know exactly what’s shown in the footage. However, you have to hand it to director Adam Shankman, who is best known for “Hairspray” and the horrible “Rock of Ages.” He was able to land Taraji P. Henson for the lead role, and we’re down to watch just about anything with her leading the way.
Joining Henson in the cast are Tracy Morgan, Josh Brener, Tamala Jones, Phoebe Robinson, Max Greenfield, Jason Jones, Brian Bosworth, Chris Witaske, and Erykah Badu.
“What Men Want” hits theaters on January 11, 2019.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson) is a successful sports agent who’s constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When Ali is passed up for a well-deserved promotion, she questions what else she needs to do to succeed in a man’s world… until she gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts! With her newfound power, Ali looks to outsmart her colleagues as she races to sign the next basketball superstar, but the lengths she has to go to will put her relationship with her best friends and a potential new love interest (Aldis Hodge) to the test. WHAT MEN WANT is the latest comedy from director Adam Shankman (HAIRSPRAY) and producers Will Packer and James Lopez (GIRLS TRIP), co-starring Tracy Morgan, Richard Roundtree, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Josh Brener, Tamala Jones, Phoebe Robinson, Max Greenfield, Jason Jones, Brian Bosworth, Chris Witaske and Erykah Badu.