[a] The film focuses on the exploits of radio host and sex therapy expert Leon Phelps, a recurring character Meadows originally played on Saturday Night Live.

The sketch was that of a broadcast program in which Phelps, a young, suave black man, would give dubious romantic advice and lovemaking tips.

The critical consensus reads, "The Ladies Man joins the growing list of mediocre movies based on SNL skits.

"[5] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 22 out of 100, based on 23 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.

At feature length, Leon loses his optimistic charm and slogs through a lame-brained formula story that doesn't understand him.