Based on the bestselling advice book by comic Steve Harvey, Think like a Man takes a funny look at modern male/female romantic relationships. Although at times it seems more like an infomercial for the book than a stand on its own story, Think like a Man is entertaining and features a talented ensemble cast. It doesn't break any new ground but offers two hours of easily accessible movie fun.
The story centers on a group of guy friends that hang out and play basketball together (see photo). They talk constantly about their personal lives and foibles with their female companions. Of the group one is happily married, one is getting divorced, one is in a long-term relationship and the other three are single. The story shifts back and forth in perspective between the guys and their girls.
The women all read Harvey's book (he appears as himself hawking it on television) and they each take a page from it in devising a game plan to catch and/or keep their man. The guys all fit into generic categories described and labeled by Harvey. There is the player, the dreamer, the mama's boy etc. The gist of Steve's old-fashioned advice to women is best summed up as, “Your cookie is where your power comes from so keep it to yourself as long as possible.” And, "Have standards." Not exactly profound ideas but they are at least practical.
Like virtually all romantic comedies there are no real surprises here, just typical male/female movie types interacting in cliched setups. The joy comes from the dialogue and the acting talents of the cast. Kevin Hart easily steals every scene he's in with his loud-mouthed wisecracks. Of the women Taraji P. Henson gives the best performance as the successful alpha woman. Also worth mentioning is relative newcomer Terrence Jenkins of BET's 106 & Park. He does a fine job as the quintessential mama's boy.
The movie is overflowing with famous cameos. Wendy Williams, Sherri Shepherd, Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown and Morris Chestnut all pop up in bit parts. Chris Brown won't enhance his image any with his caricature of a selfish male that sneaks out on his one night stand while she takes a shower.
Like the book that inspired it this battle of the sexes rom/com is aimed squarely at the females in the audience, although it spends more time on the men than your average chick flick. The resolution to each of the couple's lives is never really in doubt, it's all about the journey there that counts. Director Tim Story (Barbershop, Fantastic Four) knows how to tell one, he moves things along and keeps the touch light. Think like a Man is an amusing, multi-storied look at modern love with an enthusiastic cast.
