Think Like A Man, based on comedian Steve Harvey’s book Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man relationship guide for women, is out in theaters now, and doing surprisingly well, taking the number one spot at the box office for two weeks in a row (mind you, The Avengers will be sweeping everyone else aside with a superhero hand tomorrow, so Think Like A Man will topple from #1).
But why is it doing so well? Is it because it’s a movie both husband and wife can agree to see? Because it’s based on a popular, humorous self-help book? The popcorn? Michael Ealy?
Many self-help books have captured the public’s interest—there was The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider, an Old Skool advice book that said that in order to lock that thing up, you should pretty much be a lady and let the man be a man; that way he will chase the unobtainable you.
Then there was the bestseller He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo that was also made into a film starring Drew Barrymore and a cast of Hollywood thousands. Greg and Liz say that some women spend too much time deluding themselves and making excuses for men who, just plain and simple, were just NOT THAT INTO THEM and these women needed to wake up and smell the booty call. There are times you have to cut your losses and just move on (can’t say I disagree there).
The premise of this book—based on how the movie represents it, at least—seems to be a mashup of The Rules and He’s Just Not That Into You. Highlights from the book that were also featured in the movie include: Mama’s Boys, Men Respect Standards—Get Some, and The 90 Day Rule—Getting the Respect You Deserve. These headings were all from the book’s table of contents, and were used in a variety of ways in the film.
Yes, the movie was a total plug for the book, but it was great how the movie also made light of its source material, showing how the men in the movie felt betrayed by having this man give away their (not-so-secret) secrets. And sidebar: Big thumbs up from me for having an interracial cast with easygoing friendships that seemed totally real, funny, and true to life. I loved watching the guys hang out and think that it’s a huge part of the success of the movie.
Sure, this being a romantic comedy we kind of knew how it would all turn out, but this one was done in such a way that it worked for both men and women. While I got all gushy girly, my husband cracked up at the men’s well-written and natural dialogue.
It’s a good film, plain and simple, dispensing equally plain and simple advice. Not to mention—Michael Ealy. If he would just bring me popcorn while I watched…
Did you see it? Did you like it? Can you explain its success?
Kwana Jackson is a writer of women’s fiction, and her novel Through the Lens will be released from Crimson Romance later in 2012.
