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What Men Want

Name: What Men Want
Director: Adam Shankman
Released: 2019
Duration: 117 min

Representation Score

8.2/10

Excellent

2019

Director

Adam Shankman

Runtime

117 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

What Men Want functions as a critique of gendered power dynamics within a corporate setting. By using a magical realism framework, the film allows its protagonist to dismantle the 'old boys' club' mentality and navigate systemic barriers. The film excels in gender and racial representation, centering a Black woman in a position of professional authority and influence. This approach actively challenges traditional Hollywood clichés regarding socioeconomic status and leadership. However, the film remains limited in its scope regarding LGBTQ+ and disability representation. The narrative stays tethered to traditional relationship structures and relies on a supernatural cliché rather than authentic depictions of neurodivergence.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Men Want have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on heterosexual and cisgender romantic and professional dynamics. It lacks significant presence or central narratives involving LGBTQ+ identities.

How does What Men Want portray gender?

Excellent

The film challenges traditional gender roles by positioning the female protagonist as the strategic driver of the plot. It successfully passes the Bechdel test through substantive dialogue about career obstacles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Men Want?

Good

Centering Taraji P. Henson in a high-powered professional role challenges stereotypes that sideline women of color. Her expertise drives the narrative rather than her race.

How does What Men Want represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques Western corporate institutions and the exclusionary 'old boys' club.' It emphasizes the deconstruction of meritocracy within capitalist frameworks.

Does What Men Want include disability representation?

Fair

The film lacks meaningful depictions of neurodivergence or physical disability. The protagonist's supernatural ability to hear thoughts serves as a fantasy conceit rather than a disability representation.

Present on Screen

The film centers a Black female protagonist in a high-powered, high-socioeconomic professional role.
It effectively challenges traditional gender hierarchies by portraying women's ability to drive the story and professional competence.
The narrative successfully passes the Bechdel test with substantive dialogue regarding systemic career obstacles.

Limited or Absent

The story lacks significant representation or central narratives involving LGBTQ+ identities.
There is no meaningful depiction of physical disability or neurodivergence beyond the central fantasy conceit.
The narrative scope remains largely focused on heterosexual and cisgender romantic and professional dynamics.

Official Synopsis

Magically able to hear what men are thinking, a sports agent uses her newfound ability to turn the tables on her overbearing male colleagues.

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