Hey guys I hope all is well with you. It was requested that I write a review for the movie, “Think Like A Man” based off of Steve Harvey’s best seller, “Act like a lady, Think Like A Man.” First I have to say that I loved the movie and that I actually saw it twice. I rarely go to see a movie twice while it is in theatres. I read Steve Harvey’s Book years ago, so I had a little background before I even saw the movie. This movie interwines humor and real life issues that men and women go through in dating and relationships. I think that there is a wonderful balance of humor and plot. I love comedies so this movie did it for me. Kevin Hart who plays, “Cedric” is hilarious and will keep you laughing throughout the movie as he focuses on celebrating his “divorce”. In the beginning of the movie you are introduced to the cast who represents different types of daters/relationships. Here is a list of the characters, as well as the obstacles that they face.
Meagan Good (Mya-the 90 day rule) vs. Romany Malco (Zeke- the Player)
Jerry Ferrara (Jeremy, the non-committer) vs. Gabrielle Union (Kristen, the Ring girl)
Terrence Jenkins (Michael, The Momma’s Boy) vs. Regina Hall ( Candace, The Single Mother)
Michael Ealy (The Dreamer) vs. Taraji P. Henson (Lauren, The woman who is her own man)
Kevin Hart (Cedric, Happily Divorced Guy)
Gary Owen (Happily Married Guy)
I love these different scenarios because I feel that anyone can relate to at least one of these situations, or at least knows someone who has dealt with a similar situation. It is a clever battle of the sexes that shows how men and women really think. In the beginning the women flock to get Steve Harvey’s best seller and use it as a guide/way to manipulate their men into giving them what they want. It eventually backfires but teaches valuable relationship advice in the process. While I think that the book is helpful because it shows how men think and breaks it down, I also feel like most of what is in the book is common sense.
I actually felt that the acting in this movie was really good. I felt like I could identify with Meagan Good’s (Mya) character as well as Taraji’s (Lauren) character. Out of all of the scenarios represented my favorite on screen scenarios had to be, “The Dreamer” vs. “The woman who is her own man” and “The 90 day rule” vs. The player”. Many times when a woman is independent and so strong, she tries to play both roles (man and woman) and in the movie it shows exactly why this doesn’t work. It also shows that when a man has a very supportive woman who believes in his dreams by his side it will push him to realize his full potential. I felt that the difference in financial status was a great touch to this movie, because while I don’t think you should settle, I also think that some people are unrealistic. If a person you are dating is actually doing something to achieve their goals but not exactly where you are in life it doesn’t mean that they aren’t dating material. It is when a person is doing nothing to achieve what they want when you should reconsider.
I loved the scenario between Zeke and Mya because it represented knowing your worth and setting some standards. As Steve puts it “Men respect standards, get some.” This could not be more true. Someone can only treat you badly again and again if you allow them to. And if a guy doesn’t want to date you anymore or put in the time and effort to really getting to know your mind you can simply move on without feeling like you’ve lost a part of yourself. I think this is a very well organized movie that is not only relatable but ridiculousy funny. Kevin Hart is simply a clown and gives the movie just enough spice to keep you laughing till your belly hurts. I highly recommend this movie!!!
Hey girl!
My only critique of the movie is this “Steve puts it “Men respect standards, get some.”
That's BS and it's completely sexist, which is what turned me off in part to the movie. So women have to have standards to get a man, but there's no societal judgment towards a man that just sleeps around? He gets a complete pass for engaging in sexually promiscuous activity for YEARS cuz he found the right woman?
Yet if a woman is equally promiscuous in her own right, she doesn't deserve to have a man and she needs to have “standards” before a man will ALLOW her the opportunity to be considered.
It's crap. I'm sorry. Who do you think are the women who these players sleep with? Are we really to assume all those women are “whores”? Without self-respect or dignity? How dare we as a society even insult these nameless women when we can't even tell who the players ARE until they wrong us in some capacity? (when we don't know them prior to interaction).
I dont know. those are my thoughts. I love the blog as always, I think it's great and insightful and I do agree with Steve in some respects that women who want to get to know a guy than just physically should hold off on sex, or provide emotional support for people's dreams, even if they are male or financially not as well off are important lessons to have or consider.
but i don't agree that women should be tied down in shackles by standards defined by men while men get a pass for the exact same actions and continue to have the freedom to judge.
Hey Arcadia, first I want to say thanks again for reading my blog, I really appreciate it!! I want to say that I completely agree with you when it comes to this double standard in society. In regards to the line, “Men respect standards, get some”. I think that the same goes for women, but that is not depicted in society. I can honestly say the same goes for me. If I date a guy and he doesn't have standards it will completely turn me off and I will move on, because I think it is important to know your worth and what “you” want to tolerate etc. There is a saying that “men choose, women settle.” And unfortunately this is often the case because the media portrays this idea that women are the ones making the mistakes when a lot of times they are getting pulled in by boys who deceived them under false pretenses. This should not reflect on a person's character at all. There is that idea that if a woman sleeps around she is a “hoe” etc and if a guy does it, he's cool. But that idea doesn't bode well with me. If a guy is sleeping around and thinks a girl who is sleeping around is trashy, then he is just as trashy by his own standards, and well he can kick rocks. No double standards. So I think the reason I liked that quote was because we as women also have a choice we do not have to consider certain men either. I think once more women know their worth they will also have a say. In retrospect we say if a man can take us out on a date, when they can get the “cookie” and if he proposes we can decline. I respect standards too, so if a guy doesn't have any- he can keep it moving. I do not think a woman should be tied down to standards defined by men, I think she should have her own standards and then she can decide who is worthy enough to date her. We all have different standards and that's when compatibility comes into play. I think Steve was just trying to state that if a man doesn't respect you(and you have to demand it by showing what you will and will not deal with) he will not treat you like a lady. Thanks again for reading!!!