An amiable if not believable romantic-comedy

Rating: 7/10 (17 June 2007)

This is a very good date movie, as it's engaging and fun to watch--and Will Smith did a nice job as a man whose job is helping nice but shy people meet and win the person of their dreams. I particularly liked the parts of the film that also include casting Kevin James ("King of Queens") as he provided excellent support to Smith in playing a dumpy but very likable guy who wants to win the hand of a media star. While this seems like a very tall order for Smith, their work together is cute and the romance between James and Amber Valletta is fun to watch unfold (though it is pretty tough to believe). There are also several other people along the way that romantic coach Smith also helps, but the vast majority of time in this film is devoted to James--as well as to a budding romance between Smith and Eva Mendes--both who are commitment phobic! Through a series of misunderstandings both relationships hit the skids. And since this IS a romantic-comedy, the viewer will no doubt know the outcome of both. I didn't mind this formulaic approach at all--as I like a good romance. However, there WAS a problem in how the Smith-Mendes relationship was played out, as at times Mendes seemed pretty unlikable and reacted in ways that seemed difficult to believe. Still, if you are looking for a nice date movie, this is it. Guys and ladies should both enjoy this slight but amiable film.