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Hitch
Release Date: February 11,
2005
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Director: Andy Tennant
Screenwriter: Kevin Bisch
Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta,
Michael Rappaport, Adam Arkin, Julie Ann Emery, Robinne Lee, Jeffrey Donovan
Genre: Comedy, Romance
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for language and some strong sexual references)
Official Website:
SonyPictures.com
Plot Summary:
In the sophisticated romantic comedy, Will Smith
stars as Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, a true urban myth - a legendary New York City
"date doctor" who, for a fee has helped hundreds of men woo the women of their
dreams. The ultimate professional bachelor, Hitch discovers that all of his
tried and true tricks of the trade are no match for Sara (Eva Mendes), the one
woman he truly loves
Reviewed by Peter
Veugelaers © 2005
- Almost phony baloney
This romantic comedy is the antithesis of director Mike
Nichols’ 2004 relationship movie Closer, about frustrated attempts at
intimacy in the contemporary world. Nichols’s polished production reflected
something of the surface superficialities of the four main characters whereas
Hitch’s stylish production quality is a sign of Hollywood formula en masse.
Hitch is about a “consultant” who helps young men
fulfil their romantic destinies with young woman they are attracted to. Will
Smith plays the too good to be true Hitch the smooth as silk, confidently
assured love doctor. But when Hitch meets Sara (Eva Mendes, a far cry from her
2 Fast 2 Furious sex symbol appeal) the odd couple are grinded into
formulaic mechanisations. Sara is labelled by her employer early in the film as
an optimistic romantic while appearing jaded by the dating game, resulting in
cynicism towards men, but the outcome is predictable under debutant screenwriter
Kevin Bisch’s story which plays this romantic fantasy straight down the line.
Too bad the resulting clichés and hokum don’t make up for the listless chemistry
between Smith and Mendes.
But Hitch is not overcome by its banal script.
Smith, Mendes and Kevin James, an insufferable romantic in love desperately
using Hitch’s assistance, are respectively appealing and the film’s glossy style
helmed by director Andy Tennant (Anna and the King, Sweet Home Alabama)
is attractive with up market décor and cosmopolitan icons including an upbeat
contemporary soundtrack. The closest this gets to Closer is in one scene,
but whereas Closer explores relationships honestly Hitch
sanctimoniously judges its only real moment.
5 Second Review
Hitch is not
the best comedy ever, nor is it the best romance, it's not even the best Will
Smith movie. but it is very good for its purpose which is to be a great date
movie. People looking for a good Valentine's Day movie do not need to look any
farther than Hitch.
We would love to know what you think, sound off on the
movie message boards and let us know how you liked the movie!
Clip 1 - 'Sistine Chapel':
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Clip 2 - 'All the Right
Signals':
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Clip 3 - 'Perseverance':
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Clip 4 - 'Dance Lesson':
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Clip 5 - 'Food Allergies':
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