A very enjoyable rom-com with fun comedy performances

Rating: 7/10 (14 December 2013)

I've seen this film quite a few times, and really enjoy it. It's a gentle, fun, funny film, where you don't have to think too much, and you feel good watching it. Perfect for a quiet night in with a cup of tea or a glass of wine (or whatever your poison).
It's an ensemble cast film, although Will Smith (Hitch) is undoubtedly the star as he just always seems to carry himself that way. It's therefore a star-vehicle type film reminiscent of old films as there's nothing offensive, and it's light and fluffy - a real romantic comedy. And the comedy is real, and fairly original. The comedy timing between Smith and (Kevin) James has most of the best laughs, particularly where Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta) first comes to Albert Brenaman's Office door... the film, whilst a simple premise, is actually quite clever and an interesting look at dating psychology. A lot of the points made in it are true and it's nice to see a "chick flick" dating movie from the man's point of view for a change. Usually it is the girls getting together saying "why hasn't he called? doesn't he like me?" etc etc.
Eva Mendes plays the female lead, a hard-nosed gossip columnist who has lost faith in love, I guess. I like watching her in films, she's a good actress and of course is very lovely to look at. Her and Smith seem to have good chemistry, especially in the comic moments. I am glad that Jennifer Lopez didn't get the role of Sara Milas as I don't think it would have been as funny, and the chemistry wouldn't have been - perhaps - as entertaining. Valletta's character is fun and not at all stuffy despite who she is supposed to be (also, I just noticed an interesting point in the trivia section about her character name) and how rich etc.
There is a lot to laugh at in Hitch, and also admire. The look of the film is attractive, and a great advert for NYC, there's some great picturesque shots and the soundtrack - which is really good - adds to that. It's rather Hollywood in that sense, everything is bright and pretty and idealised, again like the old star vehicle romcom movies. Enjoyable, multi-watchable, laugh out loud funny and possibly educational if you pay attention. It looked like the actors had fun with the film, and that always adds to my enjoyment.