What Women Want

2000 Comedy

A man finds himself getting an unexpected crash course in the psychology of contemporary women in this romantic comedy. Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) is a successful advertising executive living in Chicago who has long fancied himself a ladies' man, though he has precious little understanding of women beyond figuring out how to seduce them. One day, Nick receives a substantial electric shock in an accident in his bathroom; while he's not seriously injured, when he comes to, he discovers something remarkable has happened -- he can suddenly hear what women are thinking. At first, Nick finds himself learning all sorts of things he didn't want to know, but he also realizes how this can be used to his advantage -- especially after his old boss, Dan Wanamaker (Alan Alda) is replaced by a woman, Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt). But Nick begins to feel differently about his unusual gift when he discovers Darcy is infatuated with him, and he finds himself falling for her. What Women Want also features Bette Midler as Nick's analyst, Delta Burke and Valerie Perrine as two of his co-workers, and Marisa Tomei as one of Nick's significant others. more..

Director: Nancy Meyers

Starring: Mel Gibson,Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei,Alan Alda, Ashley Johnson

Reviews

  • If the movie is imperfect, it's not boring and is often very funny, as in a solo dance that Nick does in his apartment, to Frank Sinatra singing "I Won't Dance."

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    11 May 2013

  • Gibson, in a disarmingly nimble, fast break performance, makes Nick's new hyperempathy look like the essence of virile panache.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    11 May 2013

  • Yummy yet empty.

    Susan Wloszczyna - USA Today

    11 May 2013

  • Delivers on the promise of its playful premise, thanks to some sly gender role reversals and Gibson's willingness to play along.

    - The Chicago Tribune

    11 May 2013

  • A wobbly fantasy that relies on the actor's mischievous energy and rakish charisma for its laughs.

    Rene Rodriguez - Miami Herald

    11 May 2013

Awards

  • Top Box Office Films

    ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2001)

  • Best Fantasy Film

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2001)

     
  • Favorite Actress - Comedy/Romance

    Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (2001)

  • Bogey Awards, Germany (2001)

  • Best Casting for Feature Film, Comedy

    Casting Society of America (2001)