‘Think Like a Man’ Lands on Top

24 Apr, 2012 By: Ashley Ratcliff

It’s a formula that seems to be working as of late. Take a bestselling book, and turn it into a movie.

Steve Harvey’s Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man self-help book is the backdrop for the romantic comedy Think Like a Man, starring a dynamic, predominantly African-American cast of Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Terrence J, Romany Malco, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Jerry Ferrara and last, but never least, comedian Kevin Hart. In the movie, women test tactics for successfully dating that are meant to shield against men’s wiles, creating a clever battle of the sexes.

The film came out No. 1 in the weekend’s box office, earning $33.6 million on opening day (April 20), which is quite a coup for what may be deemed an “urban” or “black” film. To date, its box office earnings total $36.3 million.

According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, the movie’s opening also was “better than nearly all comparable titles, including all Tyler Perry movies except Madea Goes to Jail.” Think Like a Man also bested 2009’s Obsessed ($28.6 million), starring singer Beyoncé and Idris Elba, to become Screen Gems’ highest opener ever targeting African-American audiences.

No doubt, Screen Gems and distributor Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have put some dollars into marketing the film (The movie posters are ubiquitous in my neighborhood in Long Beach, Calif., and I’ve seen the TV spots more times than I can count). Likewise, some of Think Like a Man’s success presumably can be attributed to social media, with stars such as Hart and Terrence J actively Facebooking and tweeting about the movie (which was trending on Twitter last weekend).

Also, some of the stars surprised fans on opening day by showing up to various theaters in Los Angeles, helping build the buzz.

What’s more, the subject matter of the movie has gotten people engaged in discussions about relationships and the many dating faux pas committed by the opposite sex.

Having watched Think Like a Man during a press screening last month, I can tell you that the themes and scenarios presented in the film are universal, appealing to everyone. Overall, it’s a hilarious, feel-good comedy definitely worth seeing with friends or significant others.

Hart tweeted this: “#ThinkLikeAMan is not a Black Movie it is a GOOD MOVIE.....Let's show Hollywood that we can make great movies.”