Mel Gibson shares the screen with Helen Hunt when they meet in the advertising agency competing for the boss' admiration. Mel's corporate executive was played by Alan Alda who hires Darcy Mcguire, played by Helen Hunt, to fill a position that Mel has been targeting for some time, making her his superior. Mel as Nick Marshall, who is a man's man, dysfunctional father, and divorced has a major advantage in the competition at the office and in the bedroom after Nick suffers an electrical shock when he drops into a tub with a hair dryer. He develops the ability to read what any female is thinking. At first he has a major problem coping with his new found curse until he seeks help and directs his ability to research exactly what women want. The curse becomes a gift that he uses to control the direction of his career. During the competition for the boss' favor Nick and Darcy become involved in an interoffice romance. Nick develops a conscience with his attitude regarding women and his guilt feelings carry into the office where he tries to make amends with Darcy. After discovering a conscience he takes necessary measures for altering his dysfunctional relationship with his fifteen year old daughter that is dealing with the major life decisions that teens are confronted by, shopping, peers, prom, boyfriend, sex.

The movie is a chick flick that will amuse if not entertain the male viewers. This film is a light comedy and romance mix that may even pack a message, but I doubt the average male will benefit from it.

While this is not Mel Gibson at his best, it does show his ability to assume a diversity in roles. Helen Hunt and Alan Alda were at their usual level of perfection, however this movie did not have the depth to permit any of the actors/actresses to display their abilities to their fullest. I have seen better acting from these artist in "As Good As It Gets", "Same Time Next Year", and "The Patriot". This is a good movie to see on a night when nothing better is on, but I really wouldn't want to save it in DVD form. Also seen in cameos in this film were Delta Burke and Bette Midler. I have the deepest respect and admiration for the work that Bette has done in her career, but there is only so much one can say about a cameo appearance.




Recommended:
No

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older