Refreshing and funny

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2005)

Here is a smart and funny comedy that is not based on stupid slapstick and horrible dialogue. I am very surprised that it has gotten such a low rating so far. Can anyone even tell apart a good film from a bad one? The story revolves around Alex Hitchens (Hitch) who is in the business of helping men to meet and date women of their desires. He doesn't advertise, he goes by the word of mouth. People don't know who he is, they only know of him as a "date doctor". Early in the film we meet several struggling men one of whom is Albert (Kevin James). I thought he did a good job. He is very shy and doesn't know how to approach Allegra Cole, his object of desire who happens to be his celebrity client. In the meantime, we meet Sarah, a gossip columnist whose life priority is her job. One day Hitch and Sarah meet in a bar. Very interesting dialogue in this bar makes Sarah think twice about Hitch. He has all the right moves and Sarah is intrigued. Soon enough they go out on a date which doesn't turn out exactly as Hitch planned. Later, purely by coincidence, Sarah finds out the true identity of Hitch and makes some hasty decisions. But can they make it work, will their love prevail? I really enjoyed watching this movie on the big screen and highly recommend everyone who likes romantic comedies to go see this film. If I did, however, have to change anything in this film, I would probably cast someone else for the role of Sarah... Eva Mendes just didn't do it for me. She didn't seem to have the chemistry going with Will Smith. I don't know if she is right for romantic lead roles. I am used to seeing her in action movies playing "tough, soldier like" roles.
For my final comment, truly refreshing comedy that deserves a much higher rating: 9 out of 10 for me.