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A romantic comedy film from 2000 starring Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is climbing the Netflix UK charts.
The movie, What Women Want, features an unusual concept for a romcom, as protagonist Nick Marshall (Gibson) accidentally gains the ability to read women’s minds.
The synopsis for the film on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) gets a whole new outlook on life when a fluke accident gives him the ability to read women’s minds.
“At first, this ‘gift’ provides Nick with way too much information, but he begins to realize that he can use it to good effect, especially when it comes to outwitting his new boss, Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt).”
What Women Want is directed by romantic comedy legend Nancy Meyers and also stars Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda and Ashley Johnson.
Despite the film’s mixed reception, it has clearly become a favourite among romcom fans, with some admitting they like to repeat-watch it at Christmas time.
One fan wrote on IMDb: “This film – about a man suddenly endowed with hearing women’s thoughts – is a favourite rerun at Christmas, and I still watch it (ok not in full, I have a life too) instead of changing channels because it’s still funny.
“Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt are really good there, they just coined it and you wish there were more unpretentious (but with a tiny bit of depth and message) comedies like this around.”
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, another fan also admitted the film was a favourite to watch at Christmas, writing: “Not a Christmas movie but one I like to watch at Christmas time because I first saw it in the theater Christmas 2000. Stars Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt who have great chemistry together.”
Meanwhile, other fans commended the film for its peculiar premise, with one writing: “A VERY clever take on the romance we express versus what we truly feel on the inside.”
“Enjoyed it, love the moral on viewing things from other people’s perspectives and being mindful of others,” another agreed, with one more reflecting: “It’s an underrated film that people must watch a second time to realize it’s funny, clever, and interesting.”
A fourth person concurred: “A great concept, handled in a light and funny way. Gibson is great as an assholish but lovable man’s man who slowly but predictably learns to respect women. His acting really carries the whole thing, but the sappy storyline and overall positive vibes make this a comedy worth watching.”
Other fans had nothing but praise for the movie, with one commenting: “This is, without a doubt, one of the best romantic comedies I’ve ever seen! Full of memorable scenes, it truly lives in my heart.”
Another person added: “I absolutely love this entire movie! My favourite part will forever be the montage of Alex (Ashley Johnson) trying on prom dresses to What a Girl Wants by Christina Aguilera.”
However, as its 53% Rotten Tomatoes score would suggest, not everyone loved this movie, with one person complaining: “It’s nothing much, other than being stupid.”
“Bah! it’s funny in places but otherwise dire brought to the boil!” another person exclaimed, as one more simply put: “Silly – a waste of Gibson’s talent.”
What Women Want is available to watch now on Netflix.
