Ehhhhhhh . . . . Pretty Average Stuff.

Rating: 5/10 (24 February 2005)

I saw this movie because I promised a friend I would. It was exactly what I expected -- Hollywood is at it again!! Filling a void that doesn't exist, we are confronted with yet another 'romantic comedy.' The unique appeal I guess is supposed to be Will Smith's charisma, but is that really worth $9.50 (in Manhattan theaters)? I guess the answer is - it depends. There is no need to get too involved in the plot. It isn't novel, it isn't even a unique approach to an old idea. The perfect match-maker who is unable to relate to the person of their dreams has been done before(Emma). Is anyone actually naive enough to sit there for two hours biting their nails out of fear that Will Smith WON'T land the babe? Please.
Since the plot is entirely inconsequential, what we have is just a vehicle for Smith to exercise his on-screen charm. He is OK, I suppose, but it takes more than one solid performance to make a movie worth watching. I really don't understand American audiences. Alfie was 1000000 times more thought provoking and engaging than this light-weight fare, yet no one went to see it. Maybe people just don't want to be forced to think anymore at the movies?
Eva Mendes is nice to look at I suppose and can exhibit warmth that catches you off guard in a positive way. The fat guy from 'the king of queens' isn't bad, but he isn't great either.
In the end, if you like Smith and are able to sit back and zone out for a while, you will probably like this movie. If you are a serious fan of cinema, then this movie is like an average slice of pizza. It gets the job done, but you don't really give it too much consideration.
5/10