Movie Review: Think Like a Man
Who actually takes relationship books seriously? Based on the book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey, the new film Think Like a Man delivers advice to women who want to understand how men think when it comes to relationships, intimacy, and love. It introduces concepts such as the ninety-day rule; and the five questions women should ask a potential partner. It’s the men versus the women as they strategically try to outplay and outwit each other in this romantic comedy.
Each character is characterized by a chapter in the book. The Player, Zeke (Romany Malco), only wants sex with the once promiscuous Mya (Meagan Good) but has to get past her 90-day rule. Single Mom, Candace (Regina Hall) tries to cut the umbilical cord between the Mama’s Boy, Michael (Terrence Jenkins) and his mom, Loretta (Jenifer Lewis). The Dreamer, Dominic (Michael Ealy), battles to win over the Woman Who Is Her Own Man, Lauren (Taraji Henson). And of course there is Kristen (Gabrielle Union), the Woman Who Wants the Ring from her Non-Committer boyfriend, Jeremy (Jerry Ferrara). Each man has no clue what is lacking in their relationships and are blindsided when one of their own, Steve Harvey, reveals their secrets in his book. In order to beat the women, the men obtain this self help book and use it as a playbook against the women. Expectations are high with the women as they plot, plan, and scheme against the men to get what they want. As for the men, they resort to lying to psych out the women, which doesn’t end in their favor.
The only one who is happy that he’s no longer in a relationship is the Happily Divorced Guy, Cedric (Kevin Hart). He delivers countless laughs and hilarious stories of his ex wife as he steals many a scene in the film. However, it seems at times that Hart’s comedic relief and the attractiveness of the cast distracts the viewers from the flaws in the movie such as the fact that women are taking this book seriously and altering their ways of thinking to keep a man and the stereotypical roles that women and men play in relationships.
Nevertheless, Think Like a Man is a fun flick for a group of friends or couples to see, discuss and laugh about later. The movie, let alone the book, should not be taken seriously for anyone seeking relationship advice. There is plenty of talent, eye candy, and laughs to make this a surprisingly entertaining film for both sexes.
