Three Charming Leads Make Hitch A Winner

Rating: Null/10 (4 May 2005)

Hitch is the perfect formulatic date movie that brings a charming cast and hilarious situations together into an enjoyable popcorn flick that will not disappoint.
Will Smith plays Alex "Hitch" Hitchins, a date doctor who helps out hopeless men get the women of their dreams. He sets up situations that get the woman to first notice his client, then consults them on three dates before sending them on their way to a blissful and happy life with the woman they love. His business is by reference only, which is why he is able to keep what he does a secret from the public. This being Smith's first outing in the romantic comedy genre, he handles it like it is the only genre he has ever done. Smith is wonderful since he is playing his charming self, only as a date doctor out to prove to the world that any man can sweep any woman off her feet.
His newest project is Albert, a seemingly hopeless case who is madly in love with Alegra Cole, lead owner of a prestigious company who doesn't even know he exists. Kevin James is suitable cast as Albert, playing the clumsy, asthmatic, all around good guy who only wants to love someone. He and Smith play off of each other with good comedic timing and a natural chemistry. The especially funny scenes come when Hitch is consulting Albert n how to act on his first date with Alegra, and hilarity ensues. It proves again the versatility of Smith, who before Hitch had primarily starred in action films.
Eva Mendes is perfectly cast as Sara, a gossip columnist who, for some reason, falls for Hitch's charms even after a botched first date. Hitch has an over all comedic tone, but that's not to say that there are a few sentimental parts that could have either been handled differently or left out, such as a scene between Sara and Hitch that takes place in her apartment. The scene was a little too sappy, and broke the rhythm that had been set. It felt very much out of place, but once the scene ends, Hitch picks up momentum and becomes a lot of fun again.
Take your date to this movie, and it is a guaranteed good time. Although Hitch is the formulatic boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl, with charming leads and a happy ending. There's no way you can go wrong! MJR