2008 Woodie Awards
You may just get hitched on Hitch
MelissaPingeton
Issue date: 3/1/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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In the recently released film Hitch, Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, played by Will Smith, is the smooth-talking and suave "Date Doctor" of New York. Through word of mouth and a small fee, Hitch assists other men get the woman of their dreams and gain confidence-but if it's for the sex, forget about it-he simply helps the course of love run smoother.
The movie focuses on Hitch aiding nerdy accountant Albert (Kevin James of TV's "King of Queen") with getting the girl of his dreams: his famously rich and beautiful client Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). Through a series of laughable lessons from Hitch, Albert learns how to dance, be somewhat smooth, and maybe even get some attention from the girl.
While he can teach Albert how to be suave, Smith's character is less than stellar when it comes to his own pursuit of a potential relationship with Sara (Eva Mendes), a newspaper columnist who-surprise-is trying to discover the identity of the Date Doctor. No matter what Hitch does for Sara, their dates always go wrong. Between unwittingly unearthing Sara's family's skeletons to discovering severe allergies he never knew he had, it seems like the Date Doctor himself needs a dose of his own medicine.
Overall, the film is comical and maybe even educational for those in need of a good pickup line. As usual Smith is excellent in his leading role, his first in a romantic comedy. Mendes's performance might take her up a few notches up the Hollywood ladder (does anyone even remember her in "Training Day" other than for the fact she's running around naked?). James and Valletta add their own comical flair. James almost steals the show from Smith with his portrayal of nerdy Albert (I thought Albert was adorable). The only thing I disliked was the whole dance sequence at the end of the film: it's cheesy and the film doesn't need it.
Hitch is worth the price of one ticket, or better yet two-it's a perfect date movie. With the combination of romance and comedy, Hitch will grab you and you won't want to let go.
The movie focuses on Hitch aiding nerdy accountant Albert (Kevin James of TV's "King of Queen") with getting the girl of his dreams: his famously rich and beautiful client Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). Through a series of laughable lessons from Hitch, Albert learns how to dance, be somewhat smooth, and maybe even get some attention from the girl.
While he can teach Albert how to be suave, Smith's character is less than stellar when it comes to his own pursuit of a potential relationship with Sara (Eva Mendes), a newspaper columnist who-surprise-is trying to discover the identity of the Date Doctor. No matter what Hitch does for Sara, their dates always go wrong. Between unwittingly unearthing Sara's family's skeletons to discovering severe allergies he never knew he had, it seems like the Date Doctor himself needs a dose of his own medicine.
Overall, the film is comical and maybe even educational for those in need of a good pickup line. As usual Smith is excellent in his leading role, his first in a romantic comedy. Mendes's performance might take her up a few notches up the Hollywood ladder (does anyone even remember her in "Training Day" other than for the fact she's running around naked?). James and Valletta add their own comical flair. James almost steals the show from Smith with his portrayal of nerdy Albert (I thought Albert was adorable). The only thing I disliked was the whole dance sequence at the end of the film: it's cheesy and the film doesn't need it.
Hitch is worth the price of one ticket, or better yet two-it's a perfect date movie. With the combination of romance and comedy, Hitch will grab you and you won't want to let go.