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A twist on 2000’s Mel Gibson-led “What Women Want,” the highly well received “What Men Want” film stars Taraji P. Henson as an ambitious sports agent who is suddenly plagued with the ability to hear mens’ thoughts.

What Men Want has grossed $54.6 million in the United States and Canada, and $16.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $71.2 million, against a production budget of $20 million. It did well and I was actually in the movie as well (a baby cameo extra role).

It was my pleasure recently to interview Tamala Jones, who plays friend to Taraji’s character (Ali) in the film Mari! Check out my personal interview below with Tamala as we talked about her role in the movie and more!

Q: Tell us about your character Mari. How do you related to her and how are you opposite of her?

TJ: I only related to Mari if I was still in my early to mid 20s. Mari was someone who was really successful but wanted to get married because her clock was ticking. I do not believe in that anymore. I believe in getting married only when its the right person. Only get married if your connection with that person will be solid. Mari’s character was disconnected with her fiance. 

In my opinion, getting married is not about age anymore, but about spiritual and emotional connection and Mari definitely overlooked that. 

Q: So the movie was filmed in Atlanta and based in Atlanta as well. I actually make a cameo in Mari’s epic wedding scene as one of her wedding guest. How did you like filming in Atlanta? 

TJ: I loved filming in Atlanta. It was my first time ever actually filming in Atlanta so it was really exciting! I did enjoy filming there but Atlanta gets really sticky and hot too! 

What I really love about Atlanta is it is so much too do and really enjoy the southern hospitality! The scene in Atlanta is so hip and trendy, and I really love the Buckhead area. One of my favorite places. I would love to come back to do more work here in the future! 

Q: I am sure you have so many awesome moments on sets and filming with everyone! What was one of you favorite moments or scenes while filming for What Men Want? 

TJ: I really enjoyed the scenes with Erykah Badu who played Sista. It was my first time meeting her and I was such a fan so it was a joy to work with her on set. She is extremely talented and beyond funny for her role as Sista the psychic. She had me cracking up all the time. We were all able to do a lot of improv during her scenes, so I enjoyed being able to flow off each other and it just all worked out. Those scenes and shooting it was some of my favorite moments on set!

Another scene I loved but wasnt featured in was the poker scene. I loved how Taraji’s character got down with all the men and she held her own as a woman! I loved hearing Tracy Morgan’s inner thoughts! It was Grant Hill’s movie debut so that was fun, and Shaq is always good to see and he was funny in this a well. The poker scene had a nice ensemble and it was one of my favorites to watch in the movie. 

Tamala Jones playing Nikki in her first breakout role in Booty Call (1997)

Q: You’ve played in so many classic African American rom-coms such as The Wood, Two Can Play That Game, 35 and Ticking and more. Which one was your favorite movie and character to play? Which character relates the most to your personality?

TJ: All of my character were pieces of me and stages of my life. One of my favorites will always be my role in Booty Call. Booty Call was my breakout role at age 21. I played Nikki and she will ways be one of my favorites because my character really advocating for safe sex. It was pivotal because Nikki stressed the importance of lamb skin over latex condoms. Lambskin doesnt protect you against STDs and HIV, so it was great to be funny but educational at the same time! 

TJ: Another one of my favorite characters would be Tanya from The Wood. Tanya was just a regular around the way girl, a tomgirl from high school who was cool with the fellas and still stay around the same neighborhood everyone grew up in. I related to her character because I keep it real just like her! 

Q: So of course I have to ask, since you filmed this movie What Do Men Want? What do you honestly think men want? 

TJ: Look men want a sandwich, a game on tv, quiet time and some loving. Simple. Shut up and here is some food! If there is more I want to know! Someone tell me if they want more than that! 

Q: What is next for you? Any upcoming projects you want to share?

TJ: Final episode of SEAL Team on CBS is coming up. Another tv show I will be working featuring Gabrielle Union coming up this May is LA Finest. 

Also I have a holiday movie coming up that will air this year called Christmas Holiday Rush! So be on the lookout for my work in those projects. 

 Ali Davis (Henson) is a successful sports agent who’s constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. After a wild night out with the girls, she mysteriously gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts. With her newfound power, Ali looks to outsmart her colleagues as she races to sign the next basketball superstar, but the lengths she has to go to will put her relationship with her best friends and new love interest to the test. The film also stars Aldis Hodge, Richard Roundtree, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Erykah Badu, Max Greenfield and Tracy Morgan.

The Digital* and Blu-ray Combo Pack releases deliver even more entertainment with over 60 minutes of laugh-out-loud bonus features, including a gag reel, deleted and extended scenes, a spoof infomercial featuring a hilarious Erykah Badu, interviews with the cast, and more.

The comedy What Men Want, starring Taraji P. Henson, will come out on digital April 23 and Blu-ray combo pack and DVD May 7. I am giving away a few copies of the DVD-Blu Ray combo pack. Enter below for a chance to win. Contest ends May 31st.

WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF WHAT MEN WANT! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COMMENT WHAT YOU THINK MEN WANT!