By Stanley D. Miller III

From Amanda Bynes’ teen flick “What a Girl Wants” to Mel Gibson’s “What Women Want” to Will Packer’s “Think Like a Man” it seems Hollywood is relentless to explore the psyche of each gender as it relates to romantic relationships. Unfortunately, they often do so through stereotypical roles and content. The forgettable “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson is no different. I am sorry to kill any expectations, but the film did not bring anything new or groundbreaking.  The director, Adam Shankman describes the flick as a “re-imagining” of the box office smash “What Women Want.”

Henson plays Ali Davis, an Atlanta sports agent who is undermined by her male co-workers. After visiting a psychic, she gained abilities to read the minds of men which she uses to navigate her work-life. With this newfound ability, she seeks to outsmart her colleagues to sign the number one basketball recruit Jamal Barry. The lengths she goes to do so jeopardizes her romantic and friend relationships. The film also stars Josh Brener as Brandon, her stereotypical flamboyant gay assistant who helps to organize her chaotic life. In the film, he is secretly admired by Danny (Pete Davidson) which gives light to the “down-low” stereotype regarding gay/bi-sexual men in Atlanta.

Despite the stereotypes, the film captured my interest through its comedic nature but also by uncovering the obstacles women and people of color face in the workplace. In the film, Henson was reminded by her boss to “stay in her lane” when she inquired why she was not promoted to a partner at the firm. He noted that she did not win enough votes to do so because of her inability to relate to men. Scenes as such tackle corporate America’s “old white boys’ club” culture. Being “boxed in” is a common obstacle people of color and women face in the workplace. Therefore, I appreciate how this film adds to such an important discussion and overall sparks political discourse.

Moviegoers will enjoy seeing Hanson bring her “romantic-comedic side” but perhaps will not be surprised by any resolution in the film. The plot is extremely predictable. It is another film based on a driven woman in an urbanized city whose life is centered on “career.” Therefore, she has a chaotic and unstable love-life. This story has been told numerous times. Therefore, do not expect to gasp due to any twists and turns in the plot. It is a typical romantic-comedy film with forgettable acting performances. Has Hollywood perhaps ever thought that maybe in the “real-world” their stereotypes and predictable content is not relatable to what viewers actually “want?”