Think Like a Man

Think Like a Man (Rated PG-13)

Starring Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Gabrielle Union, Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall

Directed by Tim Story

Plot: When their women start using Steve Harvey’s book as a romance guide, they try to use it against them.

“Think Like a Man” has its flaws.  At a little over two hours, the movie is too long for a rom-com.  The story is fairly uninspired and entirely predictable.  The actors range from decent to over-the-top.  There is also little-to-no character development.  Yet, despite these flaws, the movie ultimately works and is a decent night out at the movies.

Four friends in various stages of relationships find the women they are dating are using a book by Steve Harvey to manipulate them into becoming the men they want them to be.  At first they are outraged and set out to use the book to manipulate them back.  Seems like a good idea right?  Only until the whole thing blows up in their faces, and they have to decide if it’s time to change their ways for real.

As I stated above the acting is hit or miss.  Kevin Hart plays Kevin Hart.  He’s a great stand-up comedian, but he tends to play the same type of character no matter what role he’s playing.  Gabrielle Union is very good here, just as she was earlier this year in “Good Deeds.”  In spite of some uneven performances, the actors all have decent enough chemistry, it works.

The story could have used some work.  There is nothing original here, and let’s face it, at 122 minutes, there should have been time for some character development instead of sticking us with about every male and female cliché the writers could imagine.

While it’s a decent enough movie, I’d probably recommend waiting until it comes out on DVD to watch it.

The film is rated PG-13 for brief drug use, some (mild) crude humor, and sexual content.  Since most of this film is about the guys getting laid, that should be expected.