Review: Think Like A Man

In 2009, the poplar book He’s Just Not That Into You made the transition from Barnes and Nobles to the big screen. Breaking away from the usual rom-com archetype, the film showcased an ensemble cast, interconnected stories, and confessional style interviews from everyday people. Although many dismiss this film, it was successful at storytelling.
Think Like A Man replicates the success of He’s Just Not That Into You with a similar formula – the  ensemble cast (Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Megan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P Henson, Romany Malco, and Gabrielle Union), celebrity cameos (La La Anthony, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Kelly Roland, Sherri Shepherd), and inserted commentary from the author himself,  Steve Harvey.

The film follows four women who find answers to their male problems in Steve Harvey’s bestselling book Act Like a Lady Think Like a Man. Harvey’s book gives women insight into how men think in hopes of giving them ammunition to win the war with men. There are creative suggestions such as, the ninety-day rule and five questions a woman should ask a potential mate. When the women begin to put the book to use, it starts an all out battle of the sexes, challenging both the men and women in their relationships.
Although the film is set up as a romantic comedy, Think Like A Man is surprisingly funny. Yes there are lines that will make you cringe and tons of unrealistic plot set ups that are meant to push the movie along – but that’s Rom-Com 101. What drives the film is comedian Kevin Hart who plays Cedric, the film’s narrator and  a man going through a divorce who’s not optimistic about his friend’s relationships. Hart’s hilarious antics helped insure the film’s romantic drama did not outweigh the comedy. Fans of the book and moviegoers will appreciate his performance.
I’ll be the first to admit the film has two relationships too many, but Romany Malco (The 40 Year Old Virgin) and Megan Good steal the show as the film’s most believable couple. Zeke, the smooth talking player, runs into Mya, the girl who just implemented her ninety-day rule. Their relationship is funny, caring, and most of all interesting.  Watching the two attempting to date with separate agendas is some of the film’s best dramatic and comedic moments.
As much fun as the film is, it stammers at the beginning with the not so subtle insertion of the book along with interviews of Steve Harvey. It feels like those inserts should add value, but unfortunately it breaks up the pacing of the film.  Also, when you add Steve Harvey’s talks with Kevin Hart narrating, it’s one too many voices telling the story.
The film is also plagued with cookie cutter romantic comedy situations that pan out exactly how you expect. No surprise there, but I was hoping for a little more creativity in the 3^rd act.
What makes Think Like A Man enjoyable is it being comedy than romance, yet finding a healthy balance of the two when it’s necessary. No surprise, the film is at its best when Kevin Hart is onscreen, but the other cast members hold their own as well.