Unlike most romantic comedies, Think Like a Man has many laughs to be had beyond what was shown in the trailers. It’s no doubt one of the best romantic comedies in recent cinematic memory, mainly because it is truly a romantic comedy, and not a dramedy (dramatic comedy) like most movies try to be. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which really helps the movie feel realistic and relatively light while still managing to make you sniffle, laugh out loud and just plain feel connected with the characters.
The plot is pretty involved, but can be summed up as follows: A group of four guys are enjoying their carefree relationship lives, while the four women who are in romantic ties with them discover Steve Harvey’s book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment, which inspires them to improve their relationships. The book ultimately changes the men’s mindsets on how they should treat their special ladies, but only after a hilarious two-hour mashup of ensuing escapades. The guys are divided into a few personalities, which range from Dominic (Michael Ealy) as an aspiring chef chasing an independent and financially successful woman named Lauren (Taraji P. Henson), to Cedric (Kevin Hart) who is going through a divorce and provides the “I don’t need a woman to be happy” comic relief character. The movie is paced fantastically between all of the different relationships and scenarios, never sticking to one long enough to become stale, but never short enough to leave you feeling cheated. The real key to what makes the different scenes so enjoyable, though, is the acting and writing.
The story is clever on its own, but it becomes exponentially better when coupled with the fantastic acting and comical dialogue that are scattered throughout the majority of the film. I couldn’t help but snicker or laugh out loud at least every five minutes or so. Even better, the humor isn’t aimed directly at women. There are a lot of male-oriented jokes that are sure to keep everyone who watches this film entertained. And although the romantic/dramatic parts are short lived, they still carry enough weight to make them feel important and moving.
This is made possible by great actors and actresses that keep the film feeling fresh and fluid, something I can’t say a lot of romantic comedies have done lately.
Overall, Think Like a Man is a modern and enjoyable movie sure to please everyone. It’s got enough humor to put a smile on anyone’s face and enough romance to make it qualify as being one of the best romantic comedies currently in theaters.
