1 Life is the moments that take your breath away
"You is a very fluid concept right now", states "Hitch", a dating consultant, who calls himself the "dating doctor". Will Smith plays the lead in a role designed for him. The premise is as follows; "Hitch" is a dating consultant whose business is helping men sweep women off their feet. He helps a variety of guys meet the love of their life by setting up circumstances to help get them noticed and on dates, and the rest is up to them. The results are often hilarious. One day "Hitch" meets a woman who sweeps him off his feet, and then his well designed strategies for others fail in some of the most memorable ways.
While the movie is funny, and Will Smith is his typical self, this one has some real relationship depth to it. The characters likable, and the courtships and dating are at times awkwardly realistic. I think every man who watches the movie can relate to many of the awkward moments and cringe and laugh along.
Of course the ending is a bit too easy, but still, it works. This movie is not a masterpiece by any means, but it is enjoyable from the opening credits to the end. In this day and age where most comedies have to resort to crass and offensive humor, this one is a gem. Enjoy.
2 Great romantic comedy marred by weak ending
Until the final ten minutes of HITCH, this was one of the best romantic comedies I had seen in a long time. The premise was fairly original, though in a way an inversion of the Cyrano de Bergerac theme. The difference here is that instead of an ugly man capable of great love who gives voice to a less deserving, but handsome surrogate, Will Smith's Hitch is a man who is afraid of love enabling somewhat unattractive men who are capable of a great love, an opportunity to express it. Hitch is a date doctor, someone who corrects the errors in a person's dating style that prevents his meeting the woman of his dreams. The film revolves around two poles: Hitch's efforts to help the hapless Albert--an overweight, clumsy accountant with bad taste and music and a hopeless dance style--woo the woman of his dreams, the socialite and heiress Allegra Cole on the one hand, and Hitch's own attempts to get to know (but not to love) Sara, a gossip columnist. I like the way the two story lines intersect and complicate one another, so that at the end of the film Hitch ends up with not one but two disasters to correct. Like in so many romantic comedies, the way to true happiness is paved with misunderstandings, and this is no exception. My only problem with the movie is the way Hitch takes care of his own problems at the end of the film. The person I saw this with hated the ending even more than I did, and she was quite upset that Sara had not taken what she considered to be the minimal steps that should have been expected for Hitch to be able to forgive her before trying to win her back. I didn't hate the ending as much as she did, but I do agree that the final ten minutes of the film are much, much weaker than the rest of it. On an intellectual level I understand why the decided to portray Hitch as temporarily bumbling and inarticulate, but I just couldn't buy the particular way that they pulled it off.
How nice to see Will Smith in a romantic role! And how refreshing to see Hollywood present an interracial relationship! Granted, Eva Mendes is a dark complexioned Hispanic of Cuban descent, but it is one of the very few times we've ever seen a romance between an African American and a person of European descent. Interracial relationships are common today, so it is nice to see Hollywood stop pretending that they don't occur. Smith has never been funnier than in this one, and the scene in which he suffers an allergic reaction to shellfish is about as funny as I have seen in a while (the make up is exceptional in that scene). Eva Mendes I had only scene previously in a film I absolutely detest, TRAINING DAY (as Denzel Washington's wife) and in the mess that was ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO. She is much better served in this film, and she acquits herself admirably. She has a feistiness and projects a confidence that I really like. Kevin James is a stitch as Albert, and reveals himself to be one of the more physically graceful large actors to appear in some time. Model Amber Valletta is fine as Allegra, the object of Albert's affections, but since she is quite attractive in an arm-trophy sort of way, she was perfect for the role. Special mention must be made of Jerry Donovan, who is excellent as the reptilian Vance, who wants to hire Hitch to help him "bang" a girl he had met (Sara's best friend) so that he could forget about her and move on.
I will confess that my own personal favorite type of film from the birth of the sound film to the present is the romantic comedy. I wish as much effort was expended in the making of romantic comedies as in the production of movies based on comic book heroes or remakes of classics or TV shows. That day may never come, but in the meantime I will be happy to see the occasional excellent representative of the genre such as HITCH.
3 saw it
i saw this movie before in theaters and it was very good. will smith was very hilarious in this movie and i hope he makes another one like this.
4 saw it
i saw this movie before in theaters and it was very good. will smith was very hilarious in this movie and i hope he makes another one like this.
5 saw it
i saw this movie before in theaters and it was very good. will smith was very hilarious in this movie and i hope he makes another one like this.
6 saw it
i saw this movie before in theaters and it was very good. will smith was very hilarious in this movie and i hope he makes another one like this.
7 saw it
i saw this movie before in theaters and it was very good. will smith was very hilarious in this movie and i hope he makes another one like this.
8 saw it
i saw this movie before in theaters and it was very good. will smith was very hilarious in this movie and i hope he makes another one like this.
9 It was okay
Hitch is a fairly good movie. I'm sure you all know the plot from other reviews, so I'll spare you.
This is one of those movies you go to when you're in the mood to see something "cute". A few scenes will have you giggling, and others will make you go "Awww". But nothing in this movie really stands out for me. I wouldn't buy it. Rent it instead.
10 SOOOOOO Much Fun!
Oh my goodness, this was a fun show! One of the most enjoyable, cleanest, good-humored comedies I have seen in a very long time. Will is a natural in the romantic comedy role, and I think we'll certainly be seeing him in more.
I would most certainly recommend being on a date when you watch this movie... spouse, girl friend, boy friend, best friend, it doesn't matter. It's just a fun, clean, pick-you-up and make you feel good kind of comedy. You'll laugh a ton and enjoy yourself immensely.
One of the things I appreciated the most about Hitch is that it is free of the overt sexual innuendos that are so common and accepted in most romantic comedies... it could almost be rated PG. It's just a show about a guy who helps guys get the girl of their dreams to fall in love.
A fantastic show all around Enjoy!
11 Not Will Smith
Hitch was a alright movie but it just wasn't Will Smith. He could of done better. I think he's really good on action/comedy movies.
12 A nice illusion
With no offence to any American, I must say this movie is very American. It is rooted in the Capitalistic-American culture, at least in my opinion.
You see, it seems to me that the basic consept of this film is that anyone, anyone, can get to the top. Even if you are a fat nerd, you can go for the hottest star in Hollywood, and you have the same chance as anybody to get her.
It reminds me of the Capitalistic idea that anyone can get to the top. Since I disagree with this ideal, I disagree with the basic principal of the movie.
You see, although you can find some poor people that have become reach, most of the poor stay poor. It's not their fault, there is a varaity of reasons. Just the same, most nerds don't get the cutest girl around, because that's the way the world works. Only if you are on the right side of life, you have the privilige to get to the top, or to get that girl, and to think that anyone can do it, because you did.
Not to mention the fact that there wasn't an avrage looking girl in the entire movie. Hollywood doesn't want you to desire the avrage. You'll go for the top, or for nothing. This I call the creation of a beuty ideal: causing both men and women to look for a certain beuty ideal, created by the media, and so, eventually, every person they choose to spend their lives with, would be a compromise.
And here is the double message of this movie: on the one hand it claims anyone can get any girl. On the other hand it serves that very ideal that prevents any guy to get any girl, and vice versa.
As a movie it was nice. It was funny and charming and exciting, although it could've been shorter, in my opinion. However, as the light turned on, the illusion faded to quickly, and that's the main problem of the film.
13 I'am a very first person to review of this DVD!!!
I don't belive this. This my first to review this now. This is great. I getting this DVD. His movie is fun and funny. One man who tried to date the woman. One man who help him. Will Smith dcan help. What kind job is this? A Date Doctor? That smart isn't You got to learn how to date women. Will can do everything went to date the women. You have to listen what he said from the begining of the movie. One guy wents to married the one women who is in charge. Get it or tried it by yourself.
14 Worth the Full Price of Admission
There's nothing that I like more in this world than to be wrong about movie that I believed to be bad before I go see it, and then be wrong..... Of course, the opposite is true if I believed the movie to be good, and it's not. This, by the way, happens far more often than the later.....
Sorry....... I have started to ramble on..... again.... Back to the review.
Before seeing this film, I had the preconceived notion of this being another Will Smith finds the girl, loses the girl, only to find the girl again at the end movie. In part, I was correct; with one small exception, Kevin James. He steals this film in every scene he's in.
Will Smith, Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens, plays straight-man to Kevin James' Albert, and the chemistry works.
Alex is the "Date Doctor". With his coaching he believes he can help any man land his perfect soul mate. Albert is a rotund accountant on a team of accountants for the millionaire heiress Allegra Cole, whom Albert is in love. With Alex's help Albert is able to get up the nerve to ask Allegra Cole out, and the rest is comical genius. The Will Smith - Kevin James dance instruction sequence alone is more than worth the price of admission.
http://farisreel.com
15 A Little Hitch In His Get Along
"Hitch" (Will Smith) is a professional date doctor. He helps men get through the nervousness they experience when they are pursuing the woman of their dreams. His latest client, Albert (Kevin James, TV's "The King of Queens"), a portly CPA, is smitten with Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), an heiress whose every romance is plastered across the tabloids. Hitch agrees to take Albert on as a client, because he likes the challenge. Also pursuing Allegra Cole is Sara (Eva Mendes), the star reporter for one of those tabloids. Hitch spots her in a crowded bar one night and strikes up a conversation. Hitch and Sara's dates are disasters, but they agree to keep trying. As Albert becomes closer to Allegra, Hitch is still trying to pursue Sara, as she tries to pursue the elusive Albert.
"Hitch", released rather fortuitously the Friday before Valentine's Day, broke a number of box office records it's opening weekend. This shouldn't be a surprise. Everything about the film is designed to make women go `aaaah, Will Smith is so cute.'
The film is a pleasant diversion, but it only works sporadically. The film is at it's best when the story centers on Albert, the Kevin James character. He has a couple of scenes of inspired comedy, which surely must have been adlibbed. One scene, in which he demonstrates to Hitch how he would dance is the funniest thing I have seen in some time. Another nice touch to Albert's character is that although he is portly, this isn't necessarily the cause of his nervousness. He's just nervous around women. It doesn't help that he is pursuing one of the most beautiful socialites in New York, but it's nice to see a big guy portrayed in a film that isn't a slob or completely useless.
Unfortunately, there is also the part of the film that concentrates on Hitch's relationship with Sara. I guess the filmmakers felt that they needed something a little more grounded to balance out the film. Smith and Mendes are certainly likable enough as actors, and their first date is slightly amusing. But this is the relationship in the film where nothing works. They get in fights, have miscommunication, have bad feelings, in others words, like a real life courtship. I'm sorry, but I don't want to see Will Smith, in a comedy, in a relationship attempting to be real life. It brings the entire film down. This story line might have been more successful but there is also a lack of chemistry between them. They don't kiss until the end, and by that point, we have sat through about 60 minutes of this. It's too little, too late.
The funniest bit with Smith is the very beginning of the film as we eavesdrop on him working with three clients. Its fun to watch how he helps them win the ladies of their dreams.
The technical aspect of the film is okay. The fairly straight forward approach works for the story. Everyone lives in a great apartment in New York City, enjoys going out all the time and are basically burning up the town. They must all make a lot of money. What "Hitch" does well is provide a very nice portrait of New York City. It looks like a fun place to live.
Too bad the film doesn't provide as much enjoyment as living in New York seems to for these characters.
16 smooth-talking cupid 'Hitch'
Will Smith is very enjoyable as the smooth talking dating coach in this light-hearted romantic comedy.
His overweight client the accountant Albert Brenneman (Kevin James from sitcom King Of Queens) is perfectly cast and highly entertaining.
If you're looking for some comedic romantic fluffy puffy movie you could do much worse than this movie.
Plot: well I imagine you've seen it splashed across the ads, but here's a refresher:
Will due to an early disappointment in love has become a smooth-talking cupid for those needing a "shoe in the door" of the dating game. He stars opposite Eva Mendes who plays a jaded reporter and the two meet and become infatuated with each other at the same time as Eva is chasing down Will's client Albert who is romancing (former top model) the heiress playing the poor little rich girl.
In fact this romance between Albert & his heiresss although far-fetched, is a great deal more tender and humorous than the budding relationship between Smith & Mendes.
There are some classic scenes and it is all amusing, although there is not a great deal of chemistry between Smith & Mendes, nothing like the sizzling air in How to Lose a guy in 10 days with Kate Hudson & Matthew McConnaghy.
If I could rate a little under 4 I would, but I can't, and it's better than 3, so girls, it's worth a look. Just don't ask your partner to sit through this one.
kotori ojadis@yahoo.com
17 KEVIN JAMES & WILL SMITH MAKE THE PERFECT ON SCREEN TEAM.
First off I have to admit that the big reason I went to see this film was because Of "KING OF QUEENS" Kevin James, but it also helped that the very talented Will Smith is in this to. Director Andy Tennant did an excellent job with this film. Various types of humor are incorperated into the film as well as the romantic factor for all you date movie people. This would best be described as a Comedy with romantic elements, not a romantic comedy.
We will start with the star Will Smith, I for one think it is great to see him in something else other then a big budget sci-fi flick again. And he did a excellent job in his first role in this type of film, his preformance is amazing. His charisma and screen precence make his character very belivable. Of course that changes after meeting his love, and he becomes a clumsy idiot, and he plays it greatly.
That brings some one that was miscast, EVA MENDAS. I like her, infact I love her but she just didn't work in this role. She gave what she could, but the preformance wasn't belivable. That's all I can say about that, nothing more nothing less.
Now comes the highlight of the film, the one and only KEVIN JAMES. What can one say about this brilliant preformance. Why dosn't this man make some more movies in his off time from his excellent show "KING OF QUEENS". Kevin's preformance is so good, so brilliant, so belivable it is nothing short of a classic preformance. His nice guy shy role fits him perfectlly, so much so that when he isn't on screen you are left waiting and wanting more of Mr James. Most of the films best moments happen because of him, the ending is a perfect example, or his early dance scene with Will.
Which brings me to the on screen chemestry of these two brilliant preformers. When both are on screen you will laugh with out a doubt. After the film is over you might be left wanting to see more of them together again on the big screen. The chemestry between the two is amazing, no team I can remember has done so well together since Samual & John on "PULP FICTION". I'am sure there have been other great teams like Farley & spade in "TOMMEY BOY", but none have done so in the recent onslaught of terrible movies to come out lately.
Thankfully this film is a gem in the film industry, and I can't wait to own it on dvd when it is released.
18 Must see
I did not want to see this movie initially because Will Smith's last few movies were huge disappointments in my opinion. However, a good friend recommended that I see it and I am glad that I followed her advice. It was hilarious! I think the entire cast did very well including Mendez. I can't wait to add it to my DVD collection. If you haven't seen it, you must see it!
19 Will Smith and Kevin James are hilarious...a good date movie
Will Smith (Bad Boys 1 and 2, Wild Wild West) stars as Kevin Hitchinson but call him Hitch and he is a date doctor who hooks up desperate men to the women they have feelings for. Kevin James (Tv's King Of Queens) plays Albert Brenneman, a buisnessman who works for the woman for who he loves and shes a big star and shes on the cover on gossip magazines. James goes to Smith for help and Smith takes him under his wing telling the ways he has to get her attention and James succeds as he starts to become her new "man". Smith on the otherside falls for reporter Eva Mendes (Stuck On You, Training Day), who is sorta miscast, and they soon hit if off going on dates. It's a good Romantic Comedy but I dont think Mendes is the right one for Smith. Kevin James is great and Smith redeems himself from the rubble that was I, Robot last year. Also starring Jeffrey Donovan (Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, Bait). Better then most of the crappy comedies out there.
20 Funny and fun
I wanted to watch something light and fun. I expected to like it, but I did not expect to laugh so hard. Will Smith is fantastic, but Kevin James (Albert) steals the show. Chick flick? Not so much. It appeals to both sexes. My brother and his guy friend loved it too. We all walked out laughing and doing the Qtip dance! I'm giving it five stars because it did the job of making me laugh, making my heart melt just a little bit, and all without being cheezy or corny.
21 Highly entertaining! A Will Smith movie I want to own!
Hitch is side-splitting comedy and surprisingly not completely devoid of useful relationship information! There are definitely some quotable quotes in this movie! Will Smith is charming as Alex Hitchens who helps relationship-challenged men find happiness by showing them what to do and what not to do to sweep women off their feet. He may be a candidate for weirdest last name on film, made to fit the movie but it doesn't matter and if you think having a name like Hitchens is weird, think about the girl named Cressida! The idea of Will Smith failing to impress a woman seemed almost alien, but Will made me a believer with his portrayal of young Hitch getting dumped on by his first love.
This movie makes you think the idea of a person like Hitch might be a good thing! He may be a little extreme sometimes, and maybe even irrelevant at other times, but men do need someone like him to help them, and though the movie did not acknowledge this directly, Hitch was helpful in the most important way and that was in inspiring men with the confidence they needed to go after the women they wanted! You will enjoy Hitch's charm as much as his crazy exploits in trying to capture a woman of his own. This film is original, and that alone recommends it, but if that's not enough, you have an entertaining storyline and stellar performances by the entire cast. It is pure entertainment at its best and relatively cleanest! I think there was 1 "green verb," which is why I say "relatively cleanest"!
I also enjoyed the music on this film, but I think it could have been made unforgettable with a special theme song. Titanic had Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On,' Pretty Woman had Roxette's 'Must Have Been Love' and also the Roy Orbison title song, Nottinghill had Al Green's 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart', Shrek had 'All Star,' The Sound of Music had the title song by Julie Andrews and Mary Poppins had Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! I could go on but you get the point, it just seemed like Hitch needed that one signature song to accentuate an important moment in the movement of the plot. I did enjoy the opening song and the other tracks however and the movie is fantastic so I will be ordering it on DVD.
22 cute and funny
This is one of the few movies I had to see in the theatre twice. I laughed at every joke and everything about this movie was real good.
23 Hitch - Keeps you laughing!
I really liked Hitch. It starts out a little slow, but then once the plot thickens, it gets really funny and stays that way till the end. I have seen it twice. When I left the first one, I said I wanted to see it again and that is unusual for me! I say "Go see it."
24 Couldn't resist
As much as I didn't want to like this film, I loved it.
Will Smith is Handsome, Gorgeous, and any other adjective you can come up with to describe fine!!! His acting was excellent and his costars were great. I can't wait for the DVD to come out, it's one I will buy for sure.
25 Enjoyable but...
Hitch is a funny movie but there was a lot to be desired in this romantic comedy staring Will Smith.
Kevin James and Will Smith seem to have good chemistry. James especially seemed to shine and I hope to see him in more movies. By the end of the story James and Smith's characters come off as extremely likable and sincere. On the other hand Eva Mendes's character was almost entirely unattractive and cruel; her acting was a bit stiff too; what Hitch found attractive about her wasn't clear unless it fell under the theory that behind every mean-hearted woman there is a sweet sensitive little girl.
There are some hilarious scenes not to be missed especially with Kevin James. That is this movies saving grace for me.
My main complaint about this movie and others like it is Hollywood making movies about self absorbed shallow people learning overly simple lessons like how to respect others. That subject could be left to the kindergarten teachers.
26 Predictable, but undeniably likeable...
Hitch, Alex Hitchins, is known as the "date doctor," a consultant that helps men create opportunities to captivate the women they fancy. He doesn't work with pigs or womanizers or downright scummy guys-just the all around nice, sincere ones. That's where Kevin James comes in. James' character, Albert Brennamin has a huge crush on one of his clients who just happens to be a movie star. With Hitch's help Albert's prospects begin to look up, and Hitch finds himself falling for a high-powered New York gossip columnist. This all boils down to one huge disaster stew and it's absolutely hilarious.
Will Smith is always a joy to watch, but it's really Kevin James that makes this movie. His schlub act is spot-on and highly endearing. The physical comedy in this film, from James and Smith, is another highlight. I found myself cackling uncontrollably, and I don't do that in public if I can help it.
Amidst all the good points, there was a downside. The plot was thinner than one-ply toilet paper at times. As per most "date" movies there's a formula:
1. Rocky relationship start
2. Growing attachment to said enemy
3. Romance develops
4. Huge, but not quite un-overcomeable, obstacle
5. Fight fight fight
6. Make up
Hitch is no different. You can see the twists comin' from a mile away, but it doesn't detract from the fun too much. I still cackled...all the way to the end. If you see this movie for no other reason, go just to see Kevin James dance. It was a sight I'm unlikely to forget.
27 FUN, FUN, FUN
I do not care what other reviewers said about this movie, but in my opnion Mr. Smith and James do a great job in entertaining us. Many times, with comedy movies all the funny parts are shown in the trailers and the movies are dull, but this one kept me and everyone else in the theater laughing. I highly recommend it. More........please?
Gerty Berghmans
The Netherlands
28 UNWATCHABLE!!!!!
I was dragged to see this be a friend. I could barley keep from walking out. WIll SMITH is the most annoying "blank" in hollywood (you fill in the blank). This was almost as bad as I Robot!
29 the truth gives hope to all the guys
This is the best romantic comady that i really enjoyed and i hope that girls from all ages learn to be open minded and give a chance for every cool guy that cant express himself infront girls - this film best part for me is when they say it loud and clear that men are not all the same and that men try their best to get the girl that they like and the girls should give 'em a chance and take their time to know the guy ..
30 Wonderful
This film is absoutly wonderful! HITCH is great becuase it is geniually funny. The cast is very entertaing and funny. HITCH succeds because of the chemistry bewteen the leads... whatever I don;t feel like writing so yea, this is a great movie so there!
31 The Role Smith Was Born To Play
I cannot believe that Will Smith had never done a romantic comedy before "Hitch". He has so much charisma that it would seem that he would have done about 10 of these type of movies by now. But as it turns out, his first one "Hitch" is not bad and Will gets a little help from his co-star Kevin James.
"Hitch" is a man named Alex Hitchins (Will Smith). He is a "date doctor," meaning he helps pathetic guys to get really hot chicks that they would normally would not be able to get. He has helped many men, and then comes Albert (Kevin James). Albert is basically the type of guy that spills everything, says the wrong thing every time or does not have the nerve to say anything at all. Albert wants to be able to get the movie star Allegra Coles. So Hitch helps him and along the way he meets Sara Meles (Eva Mendes). He falls for this girl and forgets everything that he teaches all of his clients by making a complete fool of himself. Obviously thats where the humor comes in and then the dramtic climax of whether Hitch gets the girl or not.
Will Smith does a great job as this character. As mentioned earlier, his on-screen charisma makes him the perfect choice for this character. The person that steals this movie from him is Kevin James. Being a big "King of Queens" fan, he is the reason that I saw this movie and he did not disappoint. Most of the movie's big laughs came from his antics. I didn't really like Eva Mende's character. She was too much of a pain in the neck (to put it nicely).
This movie would be definately worth the watch, especially if you have a significant other to view it with. It is funny and romantic, but I wouldn't say that its a chick flick. So there you go guys, this one is okay to watch.
32 A Movie Worthy of seeing
I really enjoyed this movie. Will Smith was great and there was plenty of laughter coming from the audience. I laughed throughout the entire movie. It's a must see movie for those who like comedies.
33 Hitch
The Greatest movie i ever Saw.its so funny .... that movie beat my other movie Harold and Kumar go to white Castle.......
these i like 1-5
1.Hitch
2.Harold and Kumar go to white castle
3.Spiderman 2
4.harry potter Year 3
5.Dodgeball
34 Fun, formulaic film
There are a couple reasons I took off one star here:
1. It is yet again another condemnation of women who are not absolutely drop dead gorgeous. It features plain, fat, average-looking guys ending up with absolutely gorgeous women. The double standard here is hard to miss, and disappointing. The only thing that makes it tolerable is that it is somewhat central to the storyline.
2. Once we get past the rather clever Cyrano De Bergerac and Pygmalion references, it goes into the realm of Prometheus in its creation of romantic relationships. One would think that up until that point, Hitch has never had a disappointed client, which implies that men will absolutely love their partner if they get the right coaching. None of these relationships will fall prey to what ended up happening to Hitch.
That's it. Those are the only things wrong with the movie. It is a fun romantic comedy which starts off very cleverly, and then devolves into a standard formula driven romantic comedy. I enjoyed it, but had problems with numbers 1 and 2 above.
35 Very Funny... better than expected
I went to see this with a friend of mine. When she first mentioned seeing this I tried to talk her into going to another movie because I had heard that the movie wasn't very good. Obviously we ended up going, only because there were no other movies out. I laughed through-out the movie so much that my stomach hurt. It has a great story line and many hilarious and unexpected scenes. The ending was perfect. I'm not one to see movies again, but I am planning on buying this and watching it at home. Great for all ages, and has little language. Definately worth seeing.
36 likable and good feeling film
I challenge anyone who sees this film not to feel better after seeing it. I don't understand why the critics panned it so hard. Will Smith was perfect and of course Kevin James. Also Eva Mendes, god that woman can work a skirt! Anyways this movie is great fun, go see it!!
37 Hitched to Mediocrity
"Hitch" isn't a movie that needs a lot of description if you've seen the trailer, but I'm going to describe it nonetheless.
Hitch is the man you call when you want a girl so badly, but are too nervous or whatever to go for it. He'll coach you, set up opportunity, and help you up to a point. After that, it's up to you.
Our movie centers on two major plotlines: Hitch setting up his newest and toughest client with Allegra Cole, a beautiful and wealthy celebrity who's just been divorced from her cheating Sweden-owning husband is one. The other is Hitch solving his own lovelife in the form of an elusive gossip columnist.
There isn't much to reveal; the movie is pretty by-the-numbers. That isn't to say the script is weak; there's a lot of choice dialogue (until Will Smith starts stammering late in the movie) and even a couple plays on typical serious plotlines in romantic comedies. The real problem isn't weakness in the movie; it's that it doesn't do anything special. It isn't terribly funny either; the jokes are good, but they're few and far between. I couldn't laugh at the food allergy segment for that matter. I've been through it and it isn't fun.
The movie tries to dance the line between chick flick and a guy's take on a chick flick. The former falls into the traps of a typical romantic comedy, while the latter can come off as obnoxious and sexist at times. The moral of the movie is not to use those terms, but while I wasn't offended, I'm sure there are some women who were.
Even the musical score couldn't do anything new; relying mainly on the random piano keys with a single violin note playing slowly behind it for most of the romantic scenes (though there is one good cue near the end used to comedic effect.)
To put it bluntly, "Hitch" is mainly mediocre and while not as forgetable as the likes of, say, "Along Came Polly", you aren't missing anything by skipping it.
38 Good date movie, funny and cute
Overall, a very good movie. Lots of laughs and well written. Ending seemed a little too "easy" though.
39 Great, funny movie for everybody
Hitch shows Will Smith at his best - funny, original and at times sophisticated. As Alex Hitchinson (short Hitch), he is the date doctor who shows poor souls how to impress women and treat them well.
While helping other men as a 'private consultant', Hitch has to take some of his own medicine when he finds Sara (Eva Mendes). The visually appealing couple hits it off after some smart but sincere moves on the part of Hitch.
Without wanting to spoil any of the essential parts of this movie, it's a hilarious flick for guys, girls, couples and just everybody interested in a quick LAUGH that lasts the whole two hours :))
The dance scene at the end is hilarious.
New York looks beautiful in many scenes.
40 A funny movie
A funny movie that is for both women and men. Will Smith and Kevin James who is one of my favorite comedians are great in this movie. Very funny and is a perfect date movie to take your girlfriend or wife which I did take my girlfriend, her cousin, and her cousins boyfriend to see. She liked it, I liked it, her cousin liked it, and her cousin's boyfriend liked it. I of course got to see it for free but I couldnt get her cousin and her boyfriend in for free cause its a weekend and I dont get to see movies for free on weekends. But I had my passes so it worked out well. Eva Mendes, Amber Valletta, and Julie Ann Emery are hot.
41 Not Will Smith's Best Performance
I thought it was going to be my favorite movie of the year. It was more Romantic then Comedy. All the funny parts that are on the trailers are the only funny parts.I recommends Shark Tale with the voice of Will Smith as will. I did not like it much.
42 An Okay Way to Spend Two Hours...James & Mendes Shine!
Will Smith will always be Will Smith in his movies. His personality is getting old to me, but thankfully Kevin James (the new John Candy) and Eva Mendes (she has the you can't take your eyes off her exotic look...smoking hot!) save this film. Most of the funny scenes are the ones you see in the previews and the funniest of them all is the second dance scene that happens right before the end credits. This is a great date film that most guys will enjoy too. A little happy-sappy in parts, but there is enough relationship humor to keep it interesting.
43 South African point of view
Hi, yes, this movie uses the typical 3 point holywood script, and is predictable. But it is very good entertainment.
The three lead actors do an incredible job of portraying in a comical way what most of us go through and would do to meet the person of our dreams to spend our life with.
44 Hitch was great!
It kept you laughing the WHOLE way through and when it was starting to get a little too romatic for the guys it threw in some humor. Best dating movie I've seen in a while. And guys will love it too.
45 Great stars, lousy script.
It isn't quite accurate to dismiss Andy Tennant's "Hitch" as just another silly romantic comedy. It is both less and more than that. The more I thought about the stupid, by-the-numbers script, the more I loathed it. But the extraordinary charm of the three lead actors make up for a great deal, if not for everything. Will Smith is the obvious reason why people are flocking to this film, and he's a better reason than usual for a movie like this. If there's ever been a black Cary Grant, then certainly it's Smith, with his smooth, airy yet masculine charm and seemingly effortless gift for comedy. He and his leading lady, Eva Mendes, have loads of sexy chemistry together, while as one of Smith's "Date Doctor" clients, Kevin James is the most lovable cinematic overweight slob since the late John Candy. (As a real-life overweight slob, I salute him.) But the script--OUCH! I cite only the most egregious example of its lameness and imbecility: toward the end of the movie, Mendes--jumping to conclusions on the flimsiest of evidence--takes actions that cause nearly irreparable harm not only to Smith, but also to James, whom she's never even met. Later on, she tells Smith, "I never meant to hurt you." Bullhockey! She obviously meant not only to hurt him, but to destroy both him and James utterly. Yet the mechanics of the script demand that we take her apology at face value and regard Smith as a big old meanie because he doesn't. In the absence of evidence that the scriptwriters actually thought Mendes' behavior was justifiable, I can only assume they wanted to create the obligatory complications toward Smith and Mendes getting together, and were either too lazy or too dumb to create good ones. So this movie gets three stars--one each for Smith, Mendes, and James--and absolutely none for the script.
46 Best comedy all year!
This was one of the best comedies that I have seen all year! Will Smith has some awesome acting, the supporting actors/actresses also kick butt. Great movie!
47 What a Great Romantic Film
If you happened to be a romantically challenged person like myself, Then "Hitch"sounds like the best movie worth seeing. There are some parts of the movie where I laughed and laughed some more This was a Brilliant film for Will Smith-who is known for bringing moviegoers out of the heat-and into the wll air-conditioned screens of indoor multi-plexes during the hot summer months. Kevin James was great in his big-screen debut, Look for him doing movies whenever His Show, "The King of Queens" goes off the air. Eva Mendez looks absolutely great She'll probably be THE sexiest woman... Alive! She is so HOT!!! One of the best parts of this film happens to be Will drop-kicked Eva into the harbor as they headed off to Ellis Island. This is indeed a good date film You won't be totally disapppointed!
48 Light Hearted Funny Movie That Pokes Fun at Dating
I must admit I was scared when the opening scene was a dialogue by Will Smith directly into the camera. I thought this was going to be another narrator movie and thoughts of regret started to pass through my mind. Luckily it didn't last but a few minutes.
The movie can be summed up as a movie about the not so perfect guy getting a shot at the unapproachable woman thanks to the help of professional dating consultant. (I see an opportunity for a new professional industry.) I found myself laughing outloud in the theater at several times and left the theater really happy and upbeat.
There are definitely some silly scenes, scenes that aren't realistic, and some scenes that are so true to life that it hits you square in the eyes. This is a story that is meant to be comical. Meant to be outrageous and meant to be a little bit of wishful thinking--wishing a society good truly be accepting, open, good-willed, and open to love.
While the ending is a little bit of an after school special (the message that 'Hitch' did nothing) it stays with the comedy and style of the movie without being corny.
One of the best movies I have scene since 50 First Dates.
49 Just a fun movie...worth your $9
I went to see this movie last Sunday, it was a dreary, nasty day outside and we decided to brave the elements and walk the 4 blocks to the theater. It was totally worth it. Will Smith is great, as is Kevin James and Eva Mendes. There were several other unknowns who did a great job. I love the "rich heiress who has a heart" - she was so not what you would expect from a Paris Hilton-type. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a light-hearted easy laugh. And yes...it is a good date movie!
50 Hitch
Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Smith) is the date doctor. Having problems getting the girl you want? Call Hitch. He will show you just what you need to do to win her over, and tell you what mistakes to avoid. He knows all this from observation. He has seen what works, and wants to share his knowledge. On the down side, his own love life is sorely lacking. Enter Sara, a gossip writer who catches Hitch's eye. They go on a series of disasterous dates in which Hitch can do nothing right, but somehow a connection is made. Of course, Sara is following a lead on the mythical date doctor, and you know that sooner or later, Hitch's secret will be revealed.
Will Smith does a good job in his first romantic comedy, showing the screen presence that movie-goers have come to expect. Kevin James steals almost every scene that he is in as the unlucky in love Albert. They are the reasons that this movie works, and is very funny at times. The story itself is predictable (as most romantic comedies are), but weaves a number of stories into an ending where everything comes together. "Hitch" is a good date movie, and a funnier than average film.
51 What Happened to Overzealous?
It's changed to overeager! Why do they do that?
Hitch is a date advisor who gets geeks hooked up with gorgeous girls who wouldn't look at them otherwise. They have to be rich geeks, though, otherwise, Hitch can't take them on, he doesn't do this for free.
This could have been a good movie, but it just wasn't. Don't waste your time or money.
52 Will Smith at his Best!
This is the Best Movie you will ever come across to spark the beginning Year of 2005. The movie has everything in it, comedy, romance, action(few), ect. I have nothing else to say about this movie but that it is the best dating movie ever! You should go watch it now! There's nothing better.
53 Charming film, often funny, silly ending
This is about as non-offensive a film as you're ever likely to see, and Will Smith has such a sweet face that you can't help but smile when he is on screen. I recall Laurence Olivier's quip about Peter O'Toole's first film: "Had he been any prettier, they would have had to call it 'Florence of Arabia.'"
Well, it's kinda the same, without the overriding historical and spiritual dimensions. A chick flick? Yeah, especially given the fact that the audience I saw it among were predominately 14 year old girls and women my Mom's age. That's OK. Me and the missus got a few laughs out of it. And New York is never that clean, so what was left after paying Smith certainly went into sprucing up Soho.
There are a number of moments when Smith addresses the condescending white attitudes, but they are handled with a beguiling charm and strength that lands somewhere between Cary Grant and Pierce Brosnan. However, it was especially good to see a film that doesn't pander to a rose coloured picture of how we would like to get along. Watching the film and the mix of ethnicities, I was sure it must have been a Canadian film or shot in Toronto. What might come off as contrived in the US audience, Canadians have long gotten past.
I'd recommend the film for a harmless night out. It was worth the ticket price.
54 Cute Date Movie.
When we discovered -Constantine- wasn't playing [a burned-put projector was blamed], m'hubby & i went to the next movie on, which turned out to be this likable if forgettable Will Smith vehicle.
It really does little besides fill 90+ minutes. Of course Will's an honorable 'date MD', who coaches shy guys on how to get their foot in the door, as it were. ŹEva Mendes is equally sweet as the gossip columnist who's swept off her feet by Hitch, then ditches him when [she thinks] she finds out he's advising slimeballs. [The 1 jerk implicated is man-handled by Smith for even *suggesting* he wants Hitch's expertise to get a girl into the sleazoid's bed].
& of course Love Trimphs Over All. Like i said: a movie to see w/your date, while you're getting to know each other. That's about it.
55 Chick Flick Math for Guys
Using this simple formula you can tell just how bad a "chick flick" will be. Add together the number of 1960's R&B tunes (double the points if tunes are used in a wacky lip-synch routine by one of the cast, or if cast members suddenly start serenading star with a 1960's song). Mulitply the number of songs by the number "gay comic relief" characters in the movie. The formula might look something like this: Otis Redding + Aretha Franklin + Marvin Gaye + Van Morrison x 3Gay Comic Relief = Get the Hell Out of the Theater NOW!! If you score above 10 points with this formuala.....leave the theater immediately, run home and pop in an emergency copy of "Die Hard" kept close at hand for just this situation. "Hitch" is 100% pure Chick-Flick, my bag of popcorn came with breasts!!! The movie is long, boring, full of every romantic movie cliche, I think this story was actually an old plot line from "The Love Boat"...in short...I had a great time watching "Die Hard" last night.
56 Moviemania
When I first saw the trailer for Hitch, I remember saying "this is going to be a corny movie". When I went to the movie theater there was no certainty in my mind which movie I'd choose to watch. I chose this movie because it was starring Will Smith. And I'm glad I did. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised in watching this movie. I liked Eva Mendes alot already. And this movie only made me like her that much more. They worked very well together (Will & Eve).
I don't like the term "romantic comedy", but that's exactly the category this movie falls under. It's a good movie overall that keeps you interested the whole way thru. I recommend it to all Will Smith fans. Eva Mendes was a pleasant surprise.
Watch & enjoy. 4 1/2 stars ****
57 90% of the funniest parts were given away by the previews
Hitch proves to be nothing more than you're typical "run-of-the-mill" romantic comedy that offers only a few laughs. The biggest downfall for me in Hitch was that most of the movie's funnier moments were completely squandered by the previews (which is nothing to new in movies these days). This includes the food allergy scene, the scene were Al and Hitch kiss, and the scene where Al shows off his less than decent hip-hop dance moves to Hitch. I'm pretty sure I would have found these parts a little more amusing if I hadn't seen them in the previews on television a hundred times. But then again, movie studios aren't too worried about giving away too much in a trailer, they just need to get you into the theater and that's all they are really worried about.
Also, it seemed to me in the last half hour or so, the film really lost where it was trying to go. There were a lot of other things going on plot-wise with a few different characters that made the film seem like it was trying to juggle too many things at once and having a hard time keeping pace with all of them.
Other than that, the movie was just okay. There were some other scenes that were worth a chuckle or two. Probably would make a good date movie for most couples. I know my girlfriend liked it.
58 Will Smith did it
This movie was unrealistic in some parts (who buys someone something as expensive as scuba gear on a first date or lets a person come to THEIR house after they have an allergy attack) but other than that, the movie was unstoppable. It was hilarious, it was a realistic view at the dating scene (minus the above antics), and Will Smith carried this movie all the way through. I enjoy any movie he's in, to be honest with you. But I don't think the movie would've been good without him.
59 a nice romantic movie.
Hitch(Will Smith) helps guys that have trouble with women, He helps them get their footing, and ask out the women by helping them do what they like. He also does this because he was rejected by a woman in college, and doesn't want to see that happen to them. He helps out a poor slob win over a rich heiress, and in the process, falls in love with a tabloid reporter. Then it all comes down on him, the tabolid reporter that he thought loved him sells him out and thinks that he is simply a "date hunter", that he hunts women for men to date.
Will Smith was good in this, He was right for the part, and He had the feel for the character. I liked the way Eva Medes took her character and interacted with Will Smith. Kevin James makes a impressive first outing with movies, he is the most funny in the movie, and actually takes the joke and makes it funnier than it is. somehow, I felt the script was weak, I felt that some moments were forced, and some of the Humor was so fast that you didn't have time to think about the joke. I also felt that Will Smith was a little too confident in his role, and that he felt that he WAS the character, when I think that he could've taken situations and used his humor to make it funnier.
The movie wasn't a masterpiece, I felt it was WAY better than some movies that have been released that call themselves "Romantic Comedies". I also felt that the Director was doing a good job but.... He could've gotten better performances by everybody. The writers needed to write something original, and instead of the cliches', they could've actually formed a decent romantic movie. I am not saying I didn't like it, I felt it was a very good movie but it has its flaws.
60 "Hitch" is amazingly funny!
"Hitch" is amazingly funny! Will Smith's first romantic comedy is excellent and his performance is excellent. Eva Mendes and Kevin James are excellent.
61 Even the actors can not save a weak script.....
Hitch is just another of these pictures that does not go anywhere and wastes what could have been a better written script. WiLL Smith acts like a horses's rear end. Kevin James is typecasted as a King of Queens guy, and Eve Mendes is clearly eye candy only.Hitch is regretfully just another movie where there is no one to care about. The jokes are not funny, and the script looks like it was written by five year olds. The same ones who must have written the scene where Smith and Mendes go on a date which ends in disaster. THERE are also a ton of sub-plots going on with the secondary charecters which work like mixing oil with water.
62 A Cut Above the Usual Tedium of Romantic Comedy
Anyone who knows anything about me understands that I am the last person on earth to volunteer my money for a film under the dreaded category of "romantic comedy." Just go see the maudlin, juvenile "Wedding Date" to see why. Admittedly, I am a bitter, misanthropic bookworm who spends more time alone than a mole in the ground. But that doesn't mean that I can't see where the good laughs are to be had, and "Hitch," judging from the previews, was certainly one of those places. Thankfully, the promise of the previews was fulfilled. It is only February, but "Hitch" will probably go down as one of 2005's guilty pleasures.
Like the recent summer flick "Harold and Kumar go to Whitecastle," this is one of those few gems capable of helping us take ourselves a little less seriously, laugh at how silly we are and lighten up about the big things: life, love, desire. As with most any comedy -- romantic or otherwise -- "Hitch" boats its share of condescendingly predictable twists and turns, and nearly derails toward the end in a desperate attempt at tying all loose knots with flowery ribbons. The final sequence in which Hitch (Will Smith) pulls out all the stops to land his heartthrob is just preposterous and almost as disastrous as the final, unendurably mawkish scenes of "The Terminal" last year.
But I think that a romantic comedy is the kind of movie you can decide to like or dislike before you ever set foot inside the theater. You have to be reasonable -- a romantic comedy is the last sort of movie you want to burden with ambitious expectations. But, even for a cynic like me who has a lot of trouble following that advice, I have to say that "Hitch" works surprisingly well, despite its typical flaws. Will Smith's alluring confidence is on display here, trading in the malodramatic and brooding pomposity of "I, Robot" for a far friendlier and memorable role as a "love Doctor" capable of turning any man's wildest dreams into reality.
When his services are demanded by Albert (Kevin James), a withdrawn, hopeless and overweight accountant, an unlikely magic ignites on screen between two phenomenally talented actors who both stumbled onto the right script. The scenes in which Hitch shows Albert the moves and the ropes are just hysterical, as when Albert shows off his geeky dance moves or fumbles through a phone call to Allegra Cole, his crush, eventually succumbing to his hilarious clumsiness with a crash. James is the big surprise of the film, but Smith carries himself just as well. His battle against a terrible food allergy is just hysterical, and his disastrous first date with Sara Melas (Eva Mendez) is very funny.
I was surprised at just how consistently entertaining this film was without giving in to the temptations that most films like this can't resist. For the first 80% of the film, we are not always told how to think about what we're seeing or how to feel about the characters and their decisions. Not all the work is done for us. We are allowed to laugh without being told why we're laughing, and that's an achievement most romantic comedies just can't claim. "Hitch" makes for a fantastic date movie and might even give some cynics like myself a glimpse of the bright side. I recommend it.
63 Torn asunder
Hitch' falls apart at the seams in tale that can't hold water
"Any man can sweep any woman off her feet." So says Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith), a date doctor who says he can make any man desirable.
Just think of Hitch as Cupid's little helper. When a man is too shy to approach the woman he loves from afar -- usually a woman who's out of his league -- Hitch supplies a plan of attack.
Whether his client needs a new after-shave, pickup strategies or kissing lessons, Hitch has the answers. He knows what women want, and he makes sure that his clients deliver.
The movie's lukewarm humor comes from the telling of two parallel tales. Hitch's new client is Albert Brennaman (Kevin James), a shy accountant who's secretly in love with a beautiful heiress, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta).
Hitch falls hard for Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), a gossip columnist for a New York Post-style newspaper. Sara thinks she's immune to romance and doesn't melt for Hitch's flirting. Hitch finds out that he's not the smoothest operator when his dates with Sara go awry.
James is funnier playing a character very close to his television role on "The King of Queens." Albert is a buffoon, and James obviously has fun showing us that side of his acting ability. The best bit in the movie is when Albert shows off his contorted dancing to a horrified Hitch.
A subplot involves a misogynist who, despite the fact that Hitch rejects him as a client, gets involved with Sara's best friend.
Michael Rapaport, recognizable from television's "Boston Public," plays Ben, Hitch's married best friend. Veteran stage, film and television actor Adam Arkin is Sara's demanding editor.
"Hitch" feels disjointed and choppy in the way that it jumps among storylines, even though the Hitch-Albert relationship probably would have been funnier.
The movie is talky: Hitch is always delivering cliche-filled speeches or having a purple-prose-filled dialogue with someone.
You used to be able to count on Smith for a good time at the movies. This is the guy who punched an alien and growled, "Welcome to Earth!" in "Independence Day" in 1996, and followed it with the fun thrill-ride "Men in Black."
Then came bloated special-effects extravaganzas like "Men in Black II" and "Wild Wild West." Smith was well-received in a few dramas, notably 2001's "Ali." In 2004, he returned to big-budget science fiction in "I, Robot," and lent his voice to the blockbuster animated movie "Shark Tale."
If "Hitch" was Smith's way of testing the romantic comedy waters, it's too bad that he climbed into this leaky boat.
64 "Hitch" is like most candy: good, but too sweet
While February is often not a great month for blockbusters, it is the season for the romantic comedy, what with Valentine's Day and all. And every once in a while, the ever elusive GOOD romantic comedy shows up, with the right level of sweetness, humor, and drama to make good movie entertainment. I am notorious for being hard on these sorts of films, but I do try to remain as objective as possible. Will Smith's latest comedy, "Hitch" comes pretty close to being an excellent picture, romantic or otherwise, but just misses the mark.
Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Smith) or, as he is colloquially known, the Date Doctor, is a professional love consultant, if there is such a thing. He teaches the Regular Joe how to be suave, cool, and get the attention of a desired female. His latest client, a klutzy accountant named Albert (Kevin James), has fallen head-over-heels for the beautiful celebrity Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). Personally, I would be wary of somebody with the same name as an allergy medication, but to each his own. In any case, Hitch coaches Albert on the ways of dating and making first impressions, and Albert and Allegra seem to really hit it off.
But Hitch has his own love problems. He's trying to catch the eye of a lovely (though highly cynical) gossip columnist named Sara (Eva Mendes), but through bad luck and some rather humorous accidents, he comes across as a total dipstick. Or at least he SHOULD, but Sara finds him endearing anyway.
Hitch also hands out some free advice, apparently to the viewing audience, such as "ninety percent of what you're saying isn't coming out of your mouth." Your actions and body language can say more about you than anything you can. So guys, take some notes at this one.
The thing I really appreciated about this movie was that even though he was basically setting up guys to score, Hitch had strong feelings about making good, solid relationships, rather than just one-night stands. It's a good moral standard that is severely lacking in America in general and the entertainment industry in particular. Hitch doesn't just teach guys how to impress the girls, he teaches them how to be nicer people in general.
Most comedies run at about an hour and a half, mainly because they run out of funny things to do after that. But "Hitch" works at two hours because its story is complex enough, and the characters are endearing enough, to last that long on screen without seeming like a drag.
The only real flaw I could see was that the movie was perhaps a bit too sweet. It's nice to see a so-called romantic comedy devoid of bathroom humor for once, but the whole warm-fuzzy thing got a little tiresome in places.
So, as a Valentine's Month (because that's really what February is) film, "Hitch" is all right. It's got some nice platitudes, and an overall sweet theme, but all that sugar might be a little unhealthy.
65 The Moose Hole - Goes Off Nearly Without a 'Hitch'
It appears as though you only need one surprise-hit film, one more notably found during a time period at the box office that has been particularly dead-silent for movie studios in years past, in order to make a name for yourself in Hollywood, or at least in the romance genre of the film industry. After bursting out of the gate big time in September 2002 with Sweet Home Alabama, the Reese Witherspoon romantic comedy which went on to gross close to one-hundred and thirty million dollars domestically, Andy Tennant, whose directorial credentials have been severely limited to a small number of lackluster features such as Ever After and Anna & the King, now helms marquee name Will Smith in a more ambitious, and therefore more highly-anticipated, film but the question still remains as to whether he truly has what it takes inside to deliver the hit film the studio needs whenever they demand it of him.
The story centers on the man who thought he knew everything there is to know about getting a man to sweep the love of his life off her feet and how it had it all wrong when a cynical woman walks into his life. Alex Hitchens, also known as Hitch, has been declared the date doctor amongst his clientele within New York City by helping the desperate men who contact him to land the love of their lives. His philosophy of relationships is actually quite simple - any man can sweep any woman off her feet; he just needs the right broom. His next client is a bank accountant named Albert, who is about as clumsy and downright pathetic as a person of his age can get but still maintains a quality that makes him admirable. While he helps Albert attempt to pull off what seems like the impossible, Alex falls head over heels for a beautiful woman named Sara, a gossip columnist with a cynical view on both men, which is that they are only out for the next woman to land in bed with, and life in general. Sadly, in spite of his extensive list of past cliental success thanks to his techniques, this time around he can not seem to get his practices right around her and yet she still remains attracted to him despite this. The story for Hitch follows in the hollow footsteps of every other romantic-comedy feature that has come before its time, adhering to the same basic blueprint storyline and committing the exact sins and vices as has been accustomed for audiences, boyfriends at least, but in turn does so with such convincing style and flare that it does not become a hindrance at all. Andy Tennant, the director who also helmed the Reese Witherspoon surprise-hit, Sweet Home Alabama, has clearly acquired a knack of sorts for this particular genre, or maybe it actually is more along the lines of hand-picking the right actors, or actresses, in the lead roles that allows these films to connect with audiences so readily. In any event, Hitch's meritable message that in spite of our best intentions there are no magic formulas, potions, or specific game plans to tie down the love of our lives, if we are even aware of it at the time we meet them, and we have only to be ourselves to find acceptance makes the whole two-hours effort worth the price of admission, especially on a Valentine's Day weekend.
Will Smith is positively charming, witty, and, must it be said, stylish in the role of Alex Hitchens, also known as the date doctor. The romantic-comedy genre, or comedies in general, is the precise arena in which Smith should use to his benefit his charming comedic stick as opposed to dramas of a semi-seriousness nature, I Robot being a prominent example, where it tends to throw off the flow of the storyline for its audience. Sure, there are some questions left unanswered as to how Hitch went from being a geeky lovelorn loser as he was back in college to the classy professional he is today, but its audience automatically accepts the notion that it just happened. It is after all a romantic comedy, is it not? Would you truly come to expect clear and precise logic or reason from this genre? On the other hand though, unlike films of this specific genre, there appears quite an equal balance in the amount of screen time, if not the quality of their particular scenes together or separate, between Will Smith's Alex Hitchens and Eva Mendes' Sara, of which she performs adequately well. There may be a time in the not too distant future that she could stray away from the usual eye-candy or limited comedic roles she has been reduced to over the last few years but as it works for her at the moment there are truly no complaints with her performance. As had been abundantly clear in the film's trailer leading up to its release, Kevin James, star of the CBS prime-time television series King of Queens, undoubtedly steals the spotlight, if only for a short period of time, from his fellow co-stars in Hitch, which for once is actually a fantastic quality to have seeing as how this is first major film role. Every single scene he makes an appearance in goes practically without a single misstep, or at least nothing that was noteworthy that is. Now if only lead roles, of which he will receive in the not too distant future, will be as easily accomplished as this.
Overall, Hitch more then states the obvious in its observations about relationships, which is bluntly that men are bumbling idiots when it comes to love and women are nearly as clueless as they are (though certainly less commonly or explicitly), which certainly not advance within the field of love if that is what you were hoping for. But, on the more optimistic side of things, this film does conveniently provide with an opportunity to take that special someone out to catch a charming, if not often clichˇ filled, romantic comedy. Here is yet another example of a high-profile feature in which a fair majority of the gags found within this two-hour film are visibly present, either entirely or partially, in its trailer. The surprising quality of Hitch, as opposed to so many other projects that have fallen flat on their face in part to this horrendous marketing move, is that when these elements are placed within the proper contexts of the script they become more humorous then they had been beforehand. This helps separate this picture from the rest of the drawn-out romantic comedy pack that has plagued movie theaters the past few years. A small problem the film tends to run into occasionally, only when either the direction or the script calls for it to be this way, is that the dialogue and the actions of the characters onscreen become overtly, border-line excruciatingly, clichˇd. But, when you think about seriously, is this not the curse of every romantic comedy churned out by Hollywood within the past decade, if not longer? Another fate of chick-flicks' past that this film has managed successfully to avoid is the bubble-gum pop laden soundtrack, which, though rarely addictive, happens to have worn out its inventiveness. Bottom-line, Hitch gets its point across though in the fact that through our lives we will have the fortunate opportunity to meet a wide-range of astonishing individuals who click instantly with us, many of whom we will be forced to lose at some point or another. But unless we are willing to take the risk involved and face rejection and heartache on occasion, we will never know for sure and that will be a fate worse then anything else life can throw at you. As the date-doctor himself so eloquently put it, any man can truly sweep any woman off her feet; he just needs the right broom to do it, which is whatever you want to make of it in your life.
66 My Man Hitch
This is such a great movie. The plot is about self-proclaimed date doctor played by Will Smith who helps men who have a hard time meeting women. He seems to have all the answers until fate would have it. He meets the women of his dreams played by Eva Mendes. But the date doctor can't seem to do anything right. That when the laughs begins. But the real star of this movie is Kevin James who's totally clueless yet funny at the same time trying to win his dream girl. This is flat-funny and a real treasure.
67 An almost perfect date movie
Will Smith stars as Hitch, a counselor for men who are having trouble making that first move toward a relationship. One of his main focuses during the movie is an accountant played by a thinner Kevin James (compared to the first couple of seasons in King of Queens). Kevin's character is attracted to a beautiful heiress played by Cameron Diaz-wannabe Amber Valetta.
Enter sub-plot #2: Eva Mendes portrays a gossip columnist headstrong in the belief that, sooner or later, every guy with lie to you, cheat on you, or both. Hitch tries to convince her otherwise while convincing himself that not all women are eventually evil either.
The movie's greatest feature is being able to show just about every aspect or viewpoint one would have about starting a relationship, from the lovesick to the downright sick of love individuals.
The writing and acting are very well done, mostly because they keep Amber's lines to a minimum.
The reason for my ALMOST perfect title to this is because, toward the end, the movie gets WAY too Hallmark card-ish. If you see the movie, you'll know where it starts. This plus the Ellis Island scene could have had some of the documentary part trimmed a bit.
I would highly recommend this movie for a date, especially a first date. I would not advise bringing the kids to this one due to all of the sexual innuendo.
Warnings: profanity, sexual innuendo, people doing the 'robot' dance, and pigheadedness from both sexes. Like I said, it's a great date movie. :)
Final note of the movie: if your movie is being sponsored by, let's say, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, it's probably not a good idea to represent them as a source for suicide inducing and heart failure.
