What Men Want

I'm so confused by the constant criticism of Czech cinema I hear around me that I've lost the ability to judge what is and isn't a good film. If I don't play the expert and judge purely on the basis of my feelings about the film, I'll come out saying that I was entertained, rolled my eyes a few times, had a few good laughs, and overall actually liked the film. On the other hand, I think it's a shame when someone has already sunk their teeth into the subject of women's status in society that they didn't go a little further and give it some other value. But I don't think the film had that ambition from the beginning. So we have to make do with a slightly spasmodic denouement and an ending that probably won't catch anyone unawares. Still, it’s a good flick, and Anička Polívková gave a very respectable performance. 3 stars. (06/10/2018)

I was surprised how entertaining the film was despite its clichéd premise. It managed to make me laugh quite a few times, which I’m not used to with Czech comedies. Sure, the humor wasn’t exactly sophisticated, but it worked well for me. Had it not been for a few awkward moments and a handbrake in the form of Talent Night (which took place during daytime), I would have enjoyed it even more. 4*- (06/03/2019)

Havlík and Třeštíková together wrote the Czech copy of What Women Want, in which Mel Gibson broke video store records 20 years ago. While his first two films were a surprise, here I am beginning to doubt Havlík's originality. What Men Want comes off as a pure genre film based on the transformation of Anna Polívková into Jiří Langmajer (and vice versa). But it doesn't offer much more than that. All the other characters and situations around Anna are flat, black and white, and uninteresting. Anna is able to handle the main role, her genes are great, even to Budil, but we really wish she had better material work with than all these Czech rom-coms. (01/10/2019)

I was a bit afraid of the idea behind this film. The thing that worried me the most was the fear of seeing the same old, overused story that would bring nothing new. However, the film got lucky in respect of its cast. Jiří Langmajer and Anna Polívková are simply fantastic. Anna’s facial expressions were perfect. Her transformation was incredible. Moreover, the script does not skimp on cool lines and everything is decently fast-paced. However, it remains a shallow Czech comedy co-produced by TV Prima. Anyhow, I must acknowledge that as far as commercial TV channels go, Prima is quite good in this type of movies. (02/10/2019)