For a Rom-com this is good! Not too Chick Flick!

Rating: 6/10 (8 July 2005)

Another romantic comedy. Oh lordy! This is perhaps my least favourite genre with so many trite and formulaic films that all have the identical plot. While Hitch is no exception to the boy meets girl, gets girl, loses girl and regains girl, routine, it is fresh enough to be an entertaining and breezy enough way to pass some time. Also the fact it doesn't star either Sandra Bullock, J-Lo, Kate Hudson, Reece Witherspoon being chased by some middle/upper class white guy is good. It is also good that it doesn't disturbingly star the barely legal Lindsey Lohan, Olsen's, or the barely out of nappies Hilary Duff being chased by a guy clearly nearing his 30's. This star Will Smith, who falls for Eva Mendes and it is this combination that gives the film a refreshing energy. Also starring is the King of Queens himself Kevin James who adds good comedic support as the bumbling white guy to make Smith look even cooler.
The film follows all the usual romantic comedy formula but thankfully has enough chemistry and funny moments to keep it watchable and it doesn't seem made purely to market a record or give the women something to watch amongst all the guy action movies. Like for example One Fine Day which I found reasonably entertaining and with a certain charm (mainly because Michelle Pfeiffer is stunningly gorgeous), this works thanks to it's two leads and some engaging side characters. Being a big Willy film and having James in a supporting role it is also a little more comedic than usual. Certainly there are some funny moments.
Basically as a guys guy, these films often make me want to gag and I find myself itching to watch something else. Hitch works in the sense that it is enjoyable and likable. Another rom-com this year starring the future Mr Demi Moore, A Lot Like Love, is a film I know would get on my nerves. Overall though Hitch as a good way to pass a few hours. ***