Will Smith Gets Hitched.

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2015)

Hitch (2005): Dir: Andy Tennant / Cast: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valleta, Julie Ann Emery: Insightful romantic comedy about connection within relationships. Will Smith plays the date doctor who presents opportunities for males to move forward in a relationship with the ideal female. Along the way he falls for a gossip columnist who is unaware of his duties. Although formula and predictable the film is smart. Director Andy Tennant ranks this among his best films because he wisely dives into Hitch's less successful past where his confidence did not exist. He previously made Ever After: A Cinderella Story and Fools Rush In. His best asset in this film is in casting actors who embrace their roles and create characters as oppose to stereotypes. Will Smith brings charisma and charm as someone who knows the rules yet harbours past failures. Eva Mendes has a more straight forward role as the gossip columnist taking a chance on this relationship. Mendes counters formula by providing wit and intelligence when forcing Smith to face his own demons. Kevin James is hilarious as an executive seeking advice to win over fellow celebrity Amber Valleta who is attracted to those who take her seriously. Ideal themes regarding methods in pursuing relationships and how standoffish people can be. It is a superb date movie that should easily hitch viewers. Score: 8 ½ / 10