What Men Want (2019)

What Men Want is the kind of high-concept rom-com that lives or dies on its star, and Taraji P. Henson doesn’t just carry it—she turns it into a full-speed, big-hearted joyride. The movie’s magic gimmick becomes a clever excuse for rapid-fire laughs and a surprisingly pointed look at workplace swagger and double standards, all while keeping the vibe light, glossy, and crowd-pleasing. Adam Shankman keeps the pace snappy, the supporting cast game, and the comedy unapologetically grown-up, with an R-rated frankness about sex and bad behavior that’s more candid than cozy. If you’re in the mood for a sincere romance wrapped in loud, messy, sometimes raunchy fun—and you don’t mind a few familiar beats—this one’s an easy watch that earns its charm.

What Men Want is clearly aiming for a slick, raunchy, wish-fulfillment rom-com about a woman finally getting leverage in a boys’ club, and Taraji P. Henson brings enough charm and energy to make you want it to work. The problem is the movie leans hard on a fun premise and then does surprisingly little with it, settling for predictable beats, uneven pacing, and jokes that too often feel like they’re arriving out of obligation rather than inspiration. If you’re hoping for sharp satire, clever mind-reading comedy, or a genuinely fresh twist on workplace sexism, this may feel noisy but thin. If you just want an R-rated, breezy, slightly messy comedy with a likable lead and a few sweet moments, it’s serviceable—just don’t expect it to be as funny or as smart as the setup promises.