Think Like a Man
Think Like a Man is a 2012 American romantic comedy film directed by Tim Story and written by Keith Merryman and David A. Newman, based on comedian Steve Harvey's 2009 self-help book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.[1][2] The film follows four interconnected couples navigating modern relationships, where the women apply advice from Harvey's book to gain the upper hand, prompting the men to discover the strategy and counter it with their own tactics.[1][3] Starring an ensemble cast including Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence J, Romany Malco, and Gabrielle Union, it explores themes of dating dynamics, gender roles, and personal growth through humor and heartfelt moments.[1][2] Produced by Will Packer under Rainforest Films and distributed by Screen Gems, the movie was released in the United States on April 20, 2012, with a runtime of 122 minutes.[1][2] Made on a budget of $12 million, it achieved significant commercial success, grossing $91.5 million in North America and $96 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of the year.[4][5] Critically, it received mixed reviews, earning a 55% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes for its entertaining ensemble and relatable premise, though some noted its formulaic plot, while audiences praised its humor and chemistry, reflected in an IMDb user rating of 6.5/10.[2][1] The film's popularity led to a sequel, Think Like a Man Too (2014).[1]Synopsis and cast
Plot
The film interweaves the romantic struggles of four couples, whose relationships are upended by the strategies outlined in Steve Harvey's book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, which the women use to gain the upper hand.[2] The narrative centers on the women—Lauren, Candace, Kristen, and Mya—who are close friends sharing advice from the book, and their male partners—Dominic, Michael, Jeremy, and Zeke—who form a tight-knit group that plays basketball together and confides in their divorced friend Cedric.[6] After the men discover the book and its influence on their partners' behaviors, they study it to reverse the dynamics, leading to comedic escalations, revelations, and eventual reconciliations.[7] Lauren, a driven financial executive, embodies the book's emphasis on partnering with ambitious, stable men. She connects with Dominic, a talented but unemployed chef aspiring to own a restaurant, during a lively group party hosted by their friends, where sparks fly over shared banter and a midnight kiss. However, upon discovering his unemployment, Lauren abruptly ends things, adhering strictly to the book's rule against dating underachievers. Months later, they cross paths again at the same social circle's events, and Lauren reluctantly gives Dominic another chance, enforcing the "90-day rule" by delaying physical intimacy until he proves his potential. Motivated to win her back, Dominic takes a temporary job as a waiter at her favorite upscale restaurant, using the opportunity to showcase his culinary skills and determination.[8] Candace, a pragmatic single mother and nurse raising her 10-year-old son Duke, approaches her budding relationship with Michael, a successful but immature investment banker who is a mama's boy still living under his domineering mother's roof (Jenifer Lewis), with calculated caution. Guided by the book's tactics, she initially conceals her motherhood to avoid scaring him off, enjoying dates without deeper emotional ties initially. Michael's world unravels when he unexpectedly meets Duke at a group brunch, prompting him to retreat in panic due to his mother's influence. In response, Michael adopts the book's principles himself—treating Candace with unexpected romance through flowers, dates, and reliability—gradually embracing a more mature role as he defies his mother and bonds with the boy.[9] Kristen, an assertive advertising executive, has long dominated her live-in relationship with Jeremy, a laid-back video game designer who has been unemployed and overly dependent, paying all bills and making every decision, which has left him passive. Drawing from the book's warnings against over-nurturing men, Kristen shifts tactics by withdrawing support and even faking a breakup during a heated argument to force Jeremy to fight for her and step up. Feeling the pressure, Jeremy channels the book's advice for women—becoming more independent and assertive—by job hunting, asserting boundaries, and planning a surprise anniversary gesture that reignites their spark.[7] Mya, a glamorous but guarded young woman, suspects insincere suitors and applies the "90-day rule" rigorously to Zeke, a charismatic but commitment-phobic player who boasts about his conquests. To gauge his sincerity beyond physical attraction, Mya maintains boundaries during their early dates, watching as Zeke persists but grows frustrated. After the men collectively pore over the book at their basketball hangouts, Zeke counters by showing genuine interest beyond seduction, planning thoughtful dates that expose his desire for more than casual encounters.[2] Tensions peak at a high-society gala and subsequent individual confrontations, where deceptions unravel: Michael learns the full extent of Candace's caution and her son, Jeremy uncovers Kristen's manipulation, Dominic reveals his undercover job stint, and Zeke calls out Mya's strict boundaries. The group's dynamics amplify the chaos, with Cedric's humorous insights and interventions highlighting the book's ironic role in both conflict and resolution. Ultimately, the couples achieve harmony as the men demonstrate personal growth—Dominic secures a chef position and commits to Lauren, Zeke commits to a serious relationship with Mya, Jeremy secures employment and marries Kristen, and Michael moves out, proposes to Candace, and blends into her family with Duke—proving that mutual understanding trumps strategic games.[8][6]Cast
Think Like a Man features an ensemble cast that brings to life characters modeled after the relationship dynamics and archetypes outlined in Steve Harvey's bestselling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. The principal performers portray interconnected friends navigating modern romance, with each role drawing from stereotypical male and female types in dating, including dreamers, players, career-driven independents, and single parents.[10][11] The main cast is as follows:| Actor | Character | Description/Archetype |
|---|---|---|
| Taraji P. Henson | Lauren | Ambitious executive and "the woman who is her own man," a strong-willed professional prioritizing career over romance.[11][10] |
| Michael Ealy | Dominic | Charming dreamer, an aspiring but currently unemployed chef seeking stability.[11][10] |
| Meagan Good | Mya | The "90-day rule girl," a cautious romantic enforcing boundaries in relationships.[10] |
| Romany Malco | Zeke | Smooth-talking player and commitment-phobe, a serial dater avoiding serious attachments.[12][11] |
| Regina Hall | Candace | Dedicated single mom balancing motherhood and personal aspirations.[10][11] |
| Jerry Ferrara | Jeremy | Affable non-committer, a laid-back gamer resistant to marriage in a long-term relationship.[10][11] |
| Gabrielle Union | Kristen | Assertive advertising executive in a long-term relationship, supporting her unemployed partner.[11] |
| Terrence Jenkins | Michael | Ambitious professional in a committed but tested partnership.[13] |
| Kevin Hart | Cedric | Comic relief as the "happier divorced guy," a wisecracking best friend offering humorous insights; this role served as a breakout for Hart, boosting his transition from stand-up to leading film comedian.[13][11][14] |
Production
Development
The film Think Like a Man originated as an adaptation of Steve Harvey's 2009 New York Times bestseller Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, a non-fiction self-help book offering relationship advice from a male perspective. Screen Gems, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures, acquired the film rights and placed the project into development in 2009, aiming to transform the book's insights into a feature-length romantic comedy.[15][16][17] The screenplay was penned by Keith Merryman and David A. Newman, who reimagined the book's direct advice columns—such as the "90-day rule" for evaluating romantic partners—into interconnected fictional storylines featuring an ensemble of four couples navigating modern dating dynamics through humor and conflict.[1][18] Their approach involved weaving verbatim quotes and core concepts from Harvey's text into the narrative to preserve its empowering tone while creating comedic, character-driven scenarios.[19] In April 2011, director Tim Story was attached to helm the project, attracted by its blend of relatable humor and cultural resonance with African American audiences, whom the book had particularly influenced through Harvey's radio and television presence.[20][21] Pre-production progressed swiftly thereafter, with the script finalized by mid-2011 and a modest budget of $12 million established to support the ensemble format and Atlanta-based shoot.[5][15] Key challenges included converting the book's straightforward, non-narrative advice into engaging fiction without diluting its authenticity; as Harvey noted, the primary concern was avoiding any mockery of the source material's intent to empower women in relationships.[22][23]Casting
The casting for Think Like a Man was led by casting director Kimberly Hardin, with a strong emphasis on achieving natural chemistry among the romantic couples.[13] Kevin Hart was cast as Cedric, capitalizing on his rising comedy profile from the 2011 stand-up film Laugh at My Pain, which marked his first major studio romantic comedy role. Taraji P. Henson was selected for Lauren due to her dramatic range showcased in Hustle & Flow (2005), while Michael Ealy was chosen for Dominic following chemistry reads with potential co-stars.[24] The ensemble was assembled through open calls to ensure diversity, with Romany Malco cast as Zeke for his comedic vibe from The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) and Meagan Good as Mya for her experience in romantic comedies. Steve Harvey made a cameo appearance as himself, tying into the film's basis in his book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, while minor roles were filled by Gary Owen and Sherri Shepherd to provide comic support.[13]Filming
Principal photography for Think Like a Man began on July 14, 2011, in Los Angeles, California.[25] The production benefited from California's state film tax credit as well as local incentives offered by Culver City, where much of the filming took place.[26] Key locations included Akasha Restaurant at 9543 Culver Boulevard in Culver City for intimate date scenes, Rush Street bar in downtown Culver City for group party sequences, and Culver City High School gymnasium for basketball-related moments.[27] Additional shooting occurred at Barnes & Noble on West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles and various apartments and outdoor areas in the region to capture the film's urban romantic comedy vibe.[27] Some second-unit work was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia.[28] Directed by Tim Story, the shoot wrapped principal photography in August 2011.[29] Post-production followed, with editing handled by Peter S. Elliot, completing in time for the film's April 2012 release.[7] Visual effects were minimal, emphasizing practical setups for the ensemble-driven comedy. The production's $12 million budget primarily supported the cast and location shoots in the Los Angeles area.[5]Release
Marketing and premiere
Screen Gems handled the marketing for Think Like a Man, focusing on its adaptation of Steve Harvey's bestselling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man and the ensemble cast's comedic dynamics to appeal to urban audiences. The official trailer, released in December 2011, highlighted the film's humorous take on relationship advice from the book, featuring clips of the cast navigating romantic mishaps and garnering millions of views online.[30] Promotional tie-ins included a special movie tie-in edition of Harvey's book, released to coincide with the film's rollout, and partnerships leveraging Harvey's platform as a radio host, where he discussed the project on The Steve Harvey Morning Show to build buzz among listeners.[31][32] Social media efforts targeted couples and young adults with relationship-themed content, encouraging shares of humorous scenarios inspired by the film's premise. Additionally, Kevin Hart's over-the-top comedic scenes from promotional clips, such as his character's exaggerated reactions to dating dilemmas, went viral pre-release, amplifying online engagement. The film had its world premiere at the Pan African Film Festival on February 10, 2012. The Atlanta premiere took place at Atlantic Station on April 4, 2012, drawing a star-studded red carpet event with the full cast—including Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, and others—alongside Steve Harvey, and attracting hundreds of fans and media. The event emphasized the film's Georgia filming locations and served as a key promotional stop in the lead-up to the wide release.[33][34]Theatrical distribution
Think Like a Man had its wide theatrical release in the United States on April 20, 2012, distributed by Screen Gems, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, across 2,015 screens.[4] The film received a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America for sexual content, some crude humor, and brief drug use.[5] The international rollout began with a limited release in Canada on the same date as the U.S. premiere.[35] Subsequent limited releases followed in South Africa on May 4, 2012, and in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2012.[4] Sony Pictures handled distribution globally, with versions dubbed or subtitled in various languages to accommodate local markets; the film encountered no major controversies or censorship issues during its international expansion.[36] Home media distribution commenced with the DVD and Blu-ray release on August 28, 2012, by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, featuring extras such as deleted scenes, a gag reel, and featurettes on the film's themes.[5] For streaming, the film was available on Netflix from 2013 to 2015 and, as of 2025, can be found on platforms including Peacock.[37][38]Reception
Critical response
The romantic comedy Think Like a Man received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its humor and ensemble chemistry while critiquing its reliance on formulaic tropes and dated gender dynamics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 55% approval rating based on 99 reviews, with the consensus noting that "an otherwise standard rom-com is partially elevated by a committed—and attractive—cast, resulting in a funny take on modern romance."[2] Similarly, Metacritic assigns it a score of 51 out of 100, based on 30 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reception.[39] Positive responses highlighted the film's energetic performances and relatable insights into relationships. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times awarded it 2 out of 4 stars, appreciating moments of fun driven by Kevin Hart's comedic energy, though he found the overall premise lacking depth.[40] The Hollywood Reporter lauded the ensemble's likable chemistry and the movie's astute handling of contemporary dating battles, crediting the cast—including Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy, and Regina Hall—for injecting vitality into the interwoven stories.[41] Critics also noted its cultural resonance for Black audiences, portraying multifaceted relationships within a predominantly African American ensemble that deviated from typical Hollywood stereotypes, as discussed in The Guardian's analysis of its rom-com dynamics.[42] On the negative side, reviewers faulted the film for feeling derivative of ensemble rom-coms like He's Just Not That Into You, with overlapping plots that prioritized book promotion over originality.[43] The Chicago Tribune criticized its reductive generalizations about gender roles and racial behaviors, arguing that it peddled universal "facts" about men and women in a way that reinforced outdated stereotypes rather than challenging them.[44] HuffPost went further, calling the adaptation blatantly sexist and homophobic, with pervasive tropes that undermined both genders by emphasizing manipulation over genuine empowerment in dating advice drawn from Steve Harvey's book.[45] Discussions often centered on the tension between empowerment and manipulation in romantic strategies, as the women's use of the book to "think like men" sparked a retaliatory game that highlighted contrived conflicts over authentic emotional growth. Reviewers praised the ensemble balance, where no single arc dominated, allowing the group's dynamics to drive the humor, though individual character development was seen as secondary to the collective rom-com formula. Despite the middling critical response, audiences embraced the film more warmly, awarding it an A CinemaScore, which contributed to its unexpected box office success.[46]Box office
Think Like a Man debuted at number one at the North American box office, earning $33.6 million during its opening weekend of April 20–22, 2012.[4] The film ultimately grossed $91.5 million domestically, benefiting from strong word-of-mouth particularly in urban markets and a boost during Mother's Day weekend.[4][47] Internationally, it collected $4.5 million, resulting in a worldwide total of $96 million against a production budget of $12 million.[4] This performance ranked it 34th among the highest-grossing domestic releases of 2012 and marked it as the highest-earning romantic comedy with an African American-led ensemble at the time of its release.[48][46] It has not returned to theaters as of 2025 and is available on streaming services such as Netflix in select regions.[3]Accolades
Think Like a Man received recognition primarily from awards celebrating Black cinema and ensemble comedies, though it earned no major Academy Award nominations. The film garnered several nominations at genre-specific ceremonies, highlighting the performances of its cast and creative team. At the 44th NAACP Image Awards in 2013, the film secured three nominations but no wins: Tim Story for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture, Keith Merryman and David A. Newman for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture, and Taraji P. Henson for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.[49][50] The BET Awards honored the cast and film across two years. In 2012, Kevin Hart won Best Actor for his role as Cedric, while Taraji P. Henson was nominated for Best Actress.[51][52] In 2013, Think Like a Man won Best Movie, with additional nominations for Best Actress (Taraji P. Henson) and the ensemble cast including Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Romany Malco, Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, and Taraji P. Henson.[53][54] The 2012 Teen Choice Awards featured five nominations for the film, emphasizing its romantic comedy elements: Kevin Hart for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy, Michael Ealy for Choice Movie Actor: Romance, Meagan Good for Choice Movie Actress: Comedy, and nods for Choice Movie Chemistry (Michael Ealy and Taraji P. Henson) and Choice Movie: Romance. None resulted in wins.[55][56]| Award Ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAACP Image Awards | 2013 | Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture | Tim Story | Nominated | (Note: Used for verification, but primary cite Deadline) |
| NAACP Image Awards | 2013 | Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture | Keith Merryman, David A. Newman | Nominated | [49] |
| NAACP Image Awards | 2013 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | Taraji P. Henson | Nominated | [57] |
| BET Awards | 2012 | Best Actor | Kevin Hart | Won | [52] |
| BET Awards | 2012 | Best Actress | Taraji P. Henson | Nominated | [51] |
| BET Awards | 2013 | Best Movie | Think Like a Man | Won | [54] |
| BET Awards | 2013 | Best Actress | Taraji P. Henson | Nominated | [58] |
| BET Awards | 2013 | Best Movie Ensemble | Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, et al. | Nominated | [58] |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2012 | Choice Movie Actor: Comedy | Kevin Hart | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2012 | Choice Movie Actor: Romance | Michael Ealy | Nominated | [56] |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2012 | Choice Movie Actress: Comedy | Meagan Good | Nominated | [58] |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2012 | Choice Movie: Romance | Think Like a Man | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2012 | Choice Movie Chemistry | Michael Ealy and Taraji P. Henson | Nominated |