Men are from Mars and women are from Venus. So, what if you could speak Venusian? Finally, man might understand the female of the species. What Women Want explores the male/female relationship from Nick Marshall's (Gibson) point of view. Nick is a man's man. In fact, Nick is the quintessential man's man. Good looking, blue eyes, rich, worldly and from a very unique, ego-enhancing background. Darcy McGuire (Hunt) is a bitch on wheels, or at least that's the reputation she brings with her when hired for the art director's position at the advertising agency where Nick works, a position Nick fully expected to get. It seems the agency needs a woman's touch to tap into a $40-billion-a-year women's advertising market. In a drunken attempt to discover what women want from an add campaign, Nick suddenly and accidentally discovers everything women want. Suddenly he can read their minds -- literally.

At first, this disgusting intrusion into his head nearly drives him insane. But after a quick visit to a (female) shrink he realises that he has a very powerful tool at his control. A tool he can use to devastating effect to undermine his new (female) boss.

What Women Want is funny in the extreme. Even before Nick acquires his magical power, he is immediately likable as a man's man. At least to me, being a mere male. But once the mind reading begins, the flow of the movie is almost matched by the flow of tears brought on by uncontrollable laughter.

What Women Want was made by a woman, so it is an examination of the male/female communication barrier from that side of the fence. So, all you men will love it for the brilliant comic performance of Mel Gibson and the copious eye candy that flavours his world. All you women out there will love it for the "Yeah, that's what we want" analysis and of course for Mel's drop-dead-gorgeous looks (not that I would know what drop-dead-gorgeous in a man is).

Just two things that tarnished the brilliance of it all, for me. One girl Nick chases for months reveals, through her thoughts, that she fears being hurt. But, despite his new magic and deep understanding of women, he never calls her again after bedding her.

The other thing is the subtle transformation of the movie from rip-roaring comedy enjoyed by all to a regular (if enjoyable) chick flick as soon as Nick loses his magical powers.