Hitch Review
by David N. Butterworth (dnb AT dca DOT net)February 28th, 2005
HITCH
A film review by David N. Butterworth
Copyright 2005 David N. Butterworth
**1/2 (out of ****)
Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith), a suave and sophisticated "couples consultant," has developed a bit of a reputation among the singles bar crowd as the Date Doctor. A self-proclaimed "cure for the common man," this smooth-talking
entrepreneur offers his services to shy and upwardly awkward males hoping to hook up with the woman of their dreams in "Hitch."
Hitch has all the answers, all the shtick, all the contacts. And he has all moves.
Except, of course, when it comes to reeling in his own pretty catch of the day, a sexy gossip columnist named Sara (Eva Mendes).
Director Andy Tennant is no stranger to the genre (with films like "Sweet Home Alabama," "Ever After," and "Fools Rush In" under his belt) and what's fun about his latest romantic comedy is watching Smith and Mendes play off one another with sophisticated wit and charm. It's a romantic comedy with romance *and* comedy!
Taking a break from such big budget action flicks as "I, Robot" and "Bad Boys II," the likeable former Fresh Prince turns in his first real romantic lead role, just in time for Valentine's Day, and he's more than up to the challenge.
Likewise Mendes, who starred opposite Denzel Washington in "Out of Time" and "Training Day," gives as good as she gets, proving she's as adept at comedy as she is drama. Sassy Sara can handle herself well in the face of a pathetic come-on but is intrigued by Hitch's slick patter and appealing smile.
But their first date--jet skiing on the Hudson--proves disastrous.
In addition to being laugh-out-loud funny, as Hitch puts his latest charge
through his pick-up paces (Kevin James plays a corporate schmuck who has the hots for the firm's well-to-do client, played by Amber Valletta), the film offers
us something a little bit surprising: excellent performances. That is to say Smith isn't just funny and Mendes isn't just sexy. In "Hitch," they prove they
can actually Act.
And if the better part of acting is re-acting then these charming professionals
turn in two of their best performances yet--the film overflows with a plethora of stunned, embarrassed, surprised, knowing, and humbled reaction shots.
Kevin Bisch's wise script delves into the male-female mystique with equal parts brains and good humor, addressing the oft-asked question of why a stunning
beauty is often seen with a less-than-attractive man at her side (and why the reverse is rarely true). James's Albert, a sweaty accountant, could certainly use a few extra hours on the treadmill yet Valletta's Allegra Cole looks like she might have sprung from the same womb as Cameron Diaz.
Albert & Allegra: a match made in heaven? Hitch has no trouble believing it. And so begins the painstaking process of landing that critical--yet extremely
difficult--"last first kiss."
Funny, fresh, and full of life, "Hitch" is not simply a cure for the common
man. It's a cure for the bad date movie blahs. Grab your honey, grab your money, and head out to get "Hitch"'ed. It's a love fest that'll leave you laughing
and loving... every minute of it.
--
David N. Butterworth
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Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
