Think Like a Man (2012) Movie Review: A Hilarious Ensemble Rom-Com That Hits the Mark
- Joao Nsita
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
Released in 2012, Think Like a Man is a rollicking romantic comedy that proves the power of a stellar cast and a clever premise. Directed by Tim Story and based on Steve Harvey’s bestselling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, this film brings together a who’s-who of Black Hollywood—Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Taraji P. Henson, and more—to weave a tapestry of love stories that are as funny as they are relatable. With its sharp humor and vibrant energy, Think Like a Man stands out as an ensemble triumph in the rom-com genre. Here’s why it’s a crowd-pleaser worth revisiting.
Plot and Performances: Love in Many Flavors
The film follows four interconnected couples, each navigating relationship woes with the help (or hindrance) of Harvey’s book. There’s “The Player” Dominic (Michael Ealy) and “The Independent Woman” Lauren (Taraji P. Henson), “The Mama’s Boy” Michael (Terrence J) and “The Single Mom” Candace (Regina Hall), “The Dreamer” Jeremy (Jerry Ferrara) and “The Woman Who Is Her Own Man” Kristen (Gabrielle Union), plus “The Non-Committer” Zeke (Romany Malco) and “The Girl Who Wants the Ring” Mya (Meagan Good). When the women start using Harvey’s advice to outsmart their men, the guys fight back, sparking a comedic battle of the sexes.
The ensemble is the film’s MVP. Kevin Hart steals scenes as Cedric, the soon-to-be-divorced wisecracker, delivering rapid-fire laughs that keep the energy high. Union and Henson bring sass and depth to their powerhouse roles, while Ealy and Malco ooze charm as reformed players. The chemistry among the cast feels effortless, making each storyline pop—whether it’s Kristen pushing Jeremy to grow up or Lauren challenging Dominic to match her ambition. Steve Harvey himself appears as a cheeky guide, tying the chaos together.
Strengths and Flaws: A Winning Mix with Minor Misses
Think Like a Man thrives on its variety. With multiple love stories, there’s something for everyone—career-driven romance, playful banter, or second-chance love. The humor lands consistently, from Hart’s over-the-top rants to the men’s bumbling attempts to outwit the book. At 2 hours and 2 minutes, it juggles its sprawling cast well, giving each couple a moment to shine. The glossy urban vibe and catchy soundtrack—think John Legend and Ne-Yo—add extra flair.
That said, the film isn’t perfect. The reliance on Harvey’s book can feel gimmicky, and some characters—like Jeremy and Kristen—get less depth than others. The resolution ties up too neatly, glossing over real conflicts for a feel-good finish. Still, these flaws don’t dim its infectious fun or charm.
Visuals and Direction: Slick and Stylish
Tim Story’s direction keeps the film sleek and lively, with a polished look that screams early-2010s cool—sharp suits, swanky bars, and LA skylines. The basketball scenes (a nod to the guys’ bonding) bring a playful edge, while the split-screen montages of the couples’ antics are a clever touch. It’s not groundbreaking cinema, but it’s executed with enough flair to match the cast’s star power.
Conclusion: A Rom-Com That Delivers
Think Like a Man is a testament to ensemble excellence—proof that a packed cast and a smart hook can elevate a rom-com to something special. With Kevin Hart’s hilarity, Gabrielle Union’s fire, and a slew of relatable love stories, it’s a film that entertains while mirroring real-life relationship quirks. It may lean on clichés and wrap up too tidily, but its heart and humor make it a winner. Perfect for a group watch or a solo laugh, Think Like a Man remains a vibrant, feel-good classic that showcases Black love in all its messy, joyful glory.
10 FAQs About Think Like a Man (2012)
What is Think Like a Man about?
It follows four couples whose relationships shift when the women use Steve Harvey’s book to gain the upper hand.
Who stars in Think Like a Man?
The cast includes Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Taraji P. Henson, Romany Malco, and more.
How is Steve Harvey involved?
The film is based on his book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, and he appears as himself.
What’s Kevin Hart’s role?
He plays Cedric, a hilarious, soon-to-be-divorced friend who offers comic relief.
Did Think Like a Man win any awards?
It didn’t win major awards but was a box-office hit, grossing over $96 million worldwide.
Who directed Think Like a Man?
Tim Story, known for Barbershop and Ride Along, directed the film.
How many love stories are in the movie?
Four main couples drive the plot, each with a distinct dynamic.
How long is Think Like a Man?
It runs for 2 hours and 2 minutes, balancing its ensemble cast effectively.
What’s a key theme in the film?
It explores gender roles and relationship strategies with a comedic twist.
Why is it considered a standout rom-com?
Its all-star cast, humor, and relatable stories make it a memorable ensemble hit.
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Explore These External Links FOR ANY FILMS INCLUDING ROM COMS!
🎥 Your Film Critic HubDive into the world of movie reviews and ratings! With its iconic Tomatometer, Rotten Tomatoes helps you quickly determine if a film is a "fresh" masterpiece or a "rotten" flop.
🎬 The Ultimate Entertainment DatabaseThe Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a treasure trove of information. Discover cast lists, trailers, trivia, and fan reviews for your favorite movies and TV shows.
⭐ Critic Scores at a GlanceMetacritic aggregates reviews from top publications to give you a clear, weighted score—helping you decide if a movie is worth your time.
📚 Social Networking for CinephilesLog the movies you watch, write reviews, and connect with fellow film enthusiasts. Letterboxd is the ultimate platform for movie buffs to share their passion.
🎯 Tailored Film RecommendationsCriticker uses a unique scoring system to suggest movies you'll love, based on your personal ratings and preferences.
🔍 The Review AggregatorExplore the web’s largest collection of movie reviews. Search for any title and access critiques from across the internet, all in one place.
🎥 The Legacy of a LegendCelebrate the legacy of Roger Ebert. Discover classic reviews, current film critiques, and thought-provoking articles about the deeper meanings of cinema.
🎞️ In-Depth Film AnalysisEnjoy thoughtful analysis and insightful features on the art and craft of filmmaking from one of the most respected film journals.
📰 Latest Film News & ReviewsStay updated with news, reviews, and opinion pieces. The Guardian’s film section offers trusted insights on movies from around the world.
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